LUCIE'S BIG GOLDENBERRY SEEDS

Physalis peruviana

Finally back in stock, but still limited. We continue to struggle with how best to grow these plants in our clay field, but this year was much better than last. Limit 3 packets per order please!

This is the earliest goldenberry we have grown. Both fruits and plants are indeed “big". In our clay field they do grow to just over 4’, but at our old farm they grew to 6’ or more in rich loose garden soil. In both environs they produce fruits that are typically just over 1”. And while common selections are somewhat day-length sensitive and don't begin producing for us in the Northeast until September, Lucie's begins flowering in July and has ripe fruits in August. The flavor is excellent. Sweet, fragrant and juicy. Not sour in the least.

These seeds can be started indoors with the tomatoes if you have space to grow them in nice deep pots for several weeks before transplanting. Kept warm (about 80°F) and moist in bright light, these seeds germinate within a week. Cool temperatures slow germination significantly. 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. The seeds may also be started as late as early May and still give a good crop of fruit by late summer and into autumn!

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

Fruits do not typically fall to the ground when ripe. Pick when papery husks are completely dry. On these plants the fruits ripen over several weeks, right up until the first frost usually, 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.