Growing Cape Gooseberry in Kisii
Soil suitability analysis based on Kisii's nutrient profile
Yes, with the right inputs — Kisii is moderately suited to Cape Gooseberry. Kisii's soil (pH 5.21, strongly acidic) gives Cape Gooseberry a suitability score of 62/100. Apply agricultural lime before planting to unlock phosphorus and lift the score.
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. On ShambaIQ's soil-match model, Cape Gooseberry is the #41 soil match of the 106 crops we assess for Kisii County. 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.
Soil & climate match
| Factor | Kisii soil | Cape Gooseberry needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.21 | 6–7.5 | Adjust |
| Nitrogen | 1.09 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 13.1 mg/kg | min 12 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 151 mg/kg | min 200 mg/kg | Low |
| Rainfall | 1,500 mm | 700–1,400 mm | High |
| Altitude | 1,700 m | 1,200–2,600 m | OK |
Planting calendar for Kisii
Long Rains· March–MayMain season here
Short Rains· August–October
Top dressing guide
Kisii's nitrogen (1.09 g/kg) already meets Cape Gooseberry's 0.8 g/kg requirement, so this is a maintenance rate.
Economics
Fertilizer prices
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag