Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana)

What an interesting member of the nightshade family, with beautiful furry foliage and large spiky shield-shaped leaves, hiding its creamy orange delights. Vigorously producing crabapple sized berries, the taste is somewhat between custard, mango and papaya and is incredible as a baking ingredient or jammed on a slice of toast. 

This guy will grow amost anywhere, though some hours of sun are necessary for the best fruit yield. A rewarding perennial plant that should be replaced every 3-4 years, it's absolutely beginner-proof!

Type: Tender Perennial
Sowing Time: 4-6 weeks before last frost
Germination Time: 14-42 days
Harvest Time: 98-112 days
Preferred Location/Soil: Sunny, Any Type
Toxicity: High (Humans, Pets)

Images courtesy of Evgeniya and Irmgard Gros via Plantnet.