Individual plants are small enough to be fairly easily covered during cold snaps by placing plastic sheeting, etc. Plastic row covers will also provide some frost protection for larger plantings. Potted specimens can be moved to a frost-secure area. The plant is widely grown from seed. There are 5,000 to 8,000 seeds per ounce, which are sometimes mixed with pulverized soil or ashes for uniform sowing.
High humidity is required for good germination.
The plants can also be propagated from 1 year old stem cuttings treated with a rooting hormone. Cape gooseberries are bothered by several diseases, including Alternaria spp. The plants are also prone to root rots and viruses when grown on poorly drained soil. Greenhouse grown plants are attacked by white fly and aphids. The stored fruit can be adversely affected by Penicillium and Botrytis molds.