Inca Berry 'Colombia Select' (Physalis peruviana) 2L Pot

Inca Berry ‘Colombia Select’ is a selected seed line of Physalis peruviana originating from plants cultivated commercially for fruit in Colombia.

The plant develops soft, lightly hairy foliage and a branching, spreading habit. Its small yellow flowers have dark markings and are followed by papery lantern-shaped husks.

The husks contain rounded berries that ripen from green to golden orange. Fully ripe fruit has a sweet-sharp, aromatic flavour and can be eaten fresh or used in desserts, jams, preserves, sauces and baking.

The ‘Colombia Select’ name distinguishes this seed line from standard Inca Berry stock. As the plants are seed-grown, fruit size, sweetness and productivity will still vary naturally.

Plant Details

Botanical name: Physalis peruviana ‘Colombia Select’
Common names: Colombia Select Inca Berry, Cape Gooseberry, Goldenberry
Plant family: Solanaceae
Habit: Branching herbaceous perennial, commonly grown as an annual
Potential height: Approximately 1–1.5 metres under suitable conditions
Foliage: Soft, lightly hairy green leaves
Flowers: Yellow flowers with dark brown or purple markings
Fruit: Golden-orange berries enclosed within papery husks
Position: Full sun
Suitable for: Greenhouses, polytunnels, gardens, patios and containers
Hardiness: Tender and not reliably frost hardy

Growing Advice

Grow your ‘Colombia Select’ Inca Berry in fertile, well-draining compost in a sunny and sheltered position.

Move the plant into a larger container or plant it into the ground once the risk of frost has passed.

Keep the soil or compost evenly moist during active growth. Avoid repeated wilting while the plant is flowering or carrying fruit.

Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser during early growth. Change to a high-potassium tomato feed once flowers or young fruit appear.

The spreading branches may require support with canes or ties.

Plants can be grown outdoors during summer, although greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation will generally provide the longest and most reliable harvest.

Plants may sometimes be overwintered in a bright, frost-free position, but they are commonly treated as annuals in the UK.

Fruiting in the UK

‘Colombia Select’ can produce fruit successfully in the UK when provided with warmth and strong light.

The berries should be allowed to turn golden orange before harvesting. The surrounding husk will become pale and papery as the fruit matures.

The name identifies the source and selection of the seed line but does not guarantee a particular fruit size, sweetness or yield.

What You Will Receive

You will receive one Inca Berry ‘Colombia Select’ plant growing in a 2-litre pot. Plants are typically dispatched at approximately 20–30 cm tall.

Plants may be supplied before flowering or fruiting. Size, branching and development will vary naturally.

Important Information

Only fully ripe golden-orange berries should be eaten.

Do not eat green or unripe berries, leaves, stems, flowers or other plant material.

Keep unripe fruit and foliage away from children and pets.