Cape Gooseberry Problems

[Miryme]

Hi there, I wonder if I can have some advice?

First off I'm new to growing fruit and vegetables, this is my first year of growing so I have lots to learn still!

I received a cape gooseberry bush as a gift, but it looks as though its completely died. Its bore no fruit, did show flowers while it was alive, but it looks dead now. II also watered regularly.

My question is it dead, and could I revive it? I'm in Lancashire, UK, and its now starting to turn chilly... Its currently in a pot in my back garden.

Any help/advice would be very much appreciated :-)

Many thanks

[veggiechicken]

Hello and welcome to the Grapevine.
It doesn't look like the Cape Gooseberries that I grow so I'm a bit puzzled by it. What were the flowers like - what colour? Can you remember?
If it is alive, it needs to be under cover now. Of course, if its dead..................

[sparrow100]

Can you remember if it was a dwarf cape gooseberry at all? It is the same family as the ones you buy in the shops but the plants are smaller and the berries sweeter. Standard cape gooseberry plants are usually very tall. I can't help on the care though - looks dead to me.

[Miryme]

Thanks Veggiechicken :-)

I got a little leaflet with it. Its a Physalis Peruviana and i think the flowers were a purple. The picture of the fruitis a little orange plum. I followed the details but not sure what's happened to it.
Would it be advisable to bring it in doors for the winter? Also, do you think a good cut back would help?

Many thanks for your help :-)

[Bigmallly]

Hello Miryme & welcome to the vine. There's a bit of info here that may help:

Physalis peruviana Goldenberry, Peruvian groundcherry PFAF Plant Database

[skeggijon]

I'm afraid it looks unlikely to recover - could be wrong of course

[Tripmeup]

I find they need to be in a greenhouse or tunnel unless you get really good summers.. Looks dead to me, sorry..

[Miryme]

Thank you for all your advice. I've brought it in doors now for the minute as i don't have a greenhouse or anything like that. Seeing as it does look dead I've trimmed it right back and am giving it a good feed with plant food. Going to give it a go as it won't do any harm trying :-)

Thankyou for all your help :-)