Inca Berry (Physalis peruviana) 2L Pot
Physalis peruviana is a fruiting plant grown for its soft foliage and orange berries enclosed within papery husks.
Inca Berry develops a branching and slightly spreading habit with softly hairy green leaves. Small yellow flowers marked with dark centres are followed by lantern-shaped husks.
Inside each mature husk is a rounded orange berry with a sweet-sharp and aromatic flavour. The ripe fruit can be eaten fresh or used in desserts, jams, sauces, baking and preserves.
In the UK, Inca Berry can be grown in a greenhouse, polytunnel, sunny garden or large patio container.
Plant Details
Botanical name: Physalis peruviana
Common names: Inca Berry, Cape Gooseberry, Goldenberry, Peruvian Groundcherry
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: 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 Inca Berry in fertile, well-draining compost in a sunny and sheltered position.
The plant may remain in its 2-litre pot temporarily but should be moved into a larger container or planted into the ground after the risk of frost has passed.
Keep the soil or compost evenly moist during active growth, flowering and fruit development. Avoid waterlogging.
Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser during early growth. Change to a high-potassium tomato feed once flowers or young fruit begin to appear.
The spreading branches may require canes, supports or ties, particularly when carrying fruit.
Plants may be grown outdoors after the final frost. Greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation will generally produce an earlier and more reliable crop.
Inca Berry is normally grown as an annual in the UK. Plants can sometimes be overwintered in a bright, frost-free greenhouse or conservatory.
Fruiting in the UK
Inca Berry can produce fruit successfully in the UK when provided with sufficient warmth and sunlight.
The fruit is ready to harvest when the berry has turned orange and the surrounding husk has become pale, dry and papery.
Greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation may extend the harvest season into autumn.
What You Will Receive
You will receive one Inca Berry 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. Branching and seasonal development will vary naturally.
Important Information
Only fully ripe orange berries should be eaten.
Do not eat green or unripe berries, leaves, stems, flowers or other parts of the plant.
Keep unripe fruit and plant material away from children and pets.