Growing Cape Gooseberry in Kisii

Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile

Kisii County is a solid choice for Cape Gooseberry, with a soil-match score of 62/100. At an average pH of 5.21 the soil is moderately acidic, below Cape Gooseberry's preferred 6–7.5 range; agricultural lime will lift pH and unlock phosphorus the crop cannot otherwise access. The main gap is potassium — measured at N 1.09 g/kg, P 13.1 mg/kg, K 151 mg/kg against this crop's medium/medium/high demand — so the fertilizer plan below prioritises closing that deficit. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Cape Gooseberry, which favours loam. Cape Gooseberry's full potential is about 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre at KES 120/kg), but at Kisii's 62/100 suitability a realistic target here is closer to 3,875 kg/acre (~KES 465,000/acre) unless the constraints above are addressed.

62Suitability score

Soil & climate match

FactorKisii soilCape Gooseberry needsStatus
pH5.2167.5Adjust
Nitrogen1.09 g/kgmin 0.8 g/kgOK
Phosphorus13.1 mg/kgmin 12 mg/kgOK
Potassium151 mg/kgmin 200 mg/kgLow
Rainfall1,500 mm700–1,400 mmHigh
Altitude1,700 m1,200–2,600 mOK

Planting calendar

Long Rains

Month 1
Nursery & Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Staking & Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruiting & Harvest

Short Rains

Month 1
Nursery & Transplanting & Basal
Month 2
Staking & Top Dressing
Month 3
Fruiting & Harvest

Top dressing guide

Product
CAN
Timing
Week 4 and at flowering
Instruction
Add potassium at fruiting. Excess nitrogen delays fruit set.
Bags per Acre
0.4

Economics

Market priceKES 120/kg
Expected yield in Kisii3,875 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 465,000/acre
Adjusted for Kisii's 62/100 suitability. Under ideal conditions Cape Gooseberry can reach 5,000 kg/acre (~KES 600,000/acre) — attainable here only after the climate and soil constraints below are addressed.

Preferred textureLoam

Fertilizer prices

DAP
KES 3,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,875(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 3,275(5,600)
Urea
KES 3,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)

Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag