LUCIE'S BIG GOLDENBERRY SEEDS

Physalis peruviana

This is the earliest goldenberry we've grown. Both fruits and plants are indeed “big". While other selections of this species have topped out at maybe 4', these beasts can grow to 6' or more in a single season. Likewise, common selections are somewhat day-length sensitive and don't begin producing for us in the Northeast until September, but Lucie's began flowering in July and already had ripe 1" fruits in August. And the flavor is excellent. Sweet, fragrant and juicy. Not sour in the least. We are in love.

Start these seeds indoors with the tomatoes. Kept warm (about 80°F) and moist in bright light, seeds germinate in a week or two. Carefully prick out seedlings when they have true leaves to grow on in individual deep 6" pots in bright light at warm room temperature. Fertilize weekly with dilute seaweed and/or fish emulsion. Harden off carefully before transplanting into the garden once all danger of frost has passed.

Give these plants generous space in the garden. Though growth is strongly upright, consider their height, which is taller than other strains of this species. Avoid shading other sun-loving garden occupants. Though large, these plants are surprisingly sturdy once established. Cage, but do not stake, young plants, allowing enough movement for stems to grow strong.

Fruits do not typically fall to the ground when ripe. Pick when papery husks are completely dry. On these plants, fruits ripen over several weeks, and the plants continue to grow and flower all the while. Very impressive for gardeners in the north that have struggled to get substantial harvests of this species.

Original seed stock came to us from Germany. We do not know who Lucie is but we are very grateful to her!

Grown by Farmacie Isolde.

Packet contains at least 20 seeds.