Looking for a fast growing herbaceous fruiting low shrub with a difference? The Cape Gooseberry is a favourite amongst vegie garden enthusiasts. A few plants are all that’s needed for a regular supply of fruit for cheese platters, chutneys or decorative features with their papery covering on the Christmas table.

The fruit is slightly tart or tangy and changes from green to orange when ripe. While the Cape Gooseberry will grow in most conditions, it will thrive in humus rich soil almost becoming a weed in some areas. In frost prone areas protect the foliage by covering when freezing temperatures are forecast.

Cape Gooseberries will grow easily from cutting or by aerial layering. Pin a branch at ground level, scrape the stem and mound this area with soil. When roots develop trim this stem off and replant in a different location.