Cape Gooseberry

[VirginVegGrower]

I've planted two in my polytunnel, as it said they liked heat, which they will get in there. How tall and wide do they get? Does anyone know. Do they bush? Or should I grow up a cane like a vine tomato?
Thanks in advance.

[binley100]

think they spread .........

[VirginVegGrower]

Flippin 'eck! How far apart should I have planted them? Book said 30"...which they've got.

[VirginVegGrower]

'Ish more like 20-25" I'd say

[veggiechicken]

I grew mine as a perennial in the GH. Reasonably compact in year 1, but year 2 it touched the roof. Needs support, stems are a bit floppy - I used canes and strings. Mutiple stems, not like a tomato with one main stem. Mine lived for about 5 years. I've started new ones this year.

[binley100]

just read that they bush but need support........

[veggiechicken]

Having read Bins comments, I only had one plant and it took over the far end of a 6' wide GH

[binley100]

My book says pinch out growing tips to encourage flowers but doesn't say how big before you do it.....

[binley100]

Having read Bins comments, I only had one plant and it took over the far end of a 6' wide GH

b'gger.......I've planted two in the lottie gh

[veggiechicken]

I'm sure you can keep them in check by pinching bits out - I just let mine roam free

[VirginVegGrower]

b'gger.......I've planted two in the lottie gh

Not just me then

[VirginVegGrower]

I grew mine as a perennial in the GH. Reasonably compact in year 1, but year 2 it touched the roof. Needs support, stems are a bit floppy - I used canes and strings. Mutiple stems, not like a tomato with one main stem. Mine lived for about 5 years. I've started new ones this year.

It says they won't survive the winter so chop down.

[veggiechicken]

Well they're wrong!

[Scarlet]

I grew 4!! ( thanks VC) the back of the 8ft GH last year! I built a cage of bamboos, they hit the roof. Brilliant crop, fab jam and great eaten fresh.... and now they've come back- I'm worried!!!

[Feral007]

Mine died off first frost of the winter. I was expecting them to go one all year round as if they were a perennial. Was a bit disappointed really, as they started to fruit but weren't ripe when they died off.

I'm planning to start earlier with them this year, and protect them from late frosts, in the hopes I'll have Jack N the Gooseberry Stalk bushes and lots of fruit before the first frost. That's the plan. I shall be watching to get all the tips from you lot.