Gooseberry Bush

Gooseberries (Ribes uva-crispa are an easy-going and rewarding fruit bush for the garden. They will thrive across the UK including in gardens further north but do plant them in a sunny spot to get the sweetest fruits. This variety is a variety called ‘Hinnomaki Red’ and is a popular variety prized for it’s large sweet ruby coloured fruit.

Traditionally grown as bush plants they can be grown as cordons up the side of a wall or trellis if you prefer.

Whilst your plant is in a small pot it will need regular watering. Aim to water it heavily and then allow the top of the compost to dry out before watering heavily again. As soon as the chance of frost is past in the Spring your gooseberry will benefit from being planted out in the garden or potted up in a much larger pot. Add a top dressing of well rotted manure or other rich compost to help your plant settle in and you may want to replace the pyramid of canes with a longer single cane or trellis as your plant grows.

We expect these young plants to put on plenty more growth this year and the first crop of flowers and fruits either this year or next. Over time your plant will grow into a sizeable bush up to 1m tall and 1m wide.

Fresh gooseberries are much sweeter and juicier than shop bought berries and are best enjoyed straight off the tree.

Overtime as your plant grows you should consider pruning back your gooseberry each autumn (to about a foot off the ground) and also thinning out the berry harvest to produce larger, sweeter fruit. Thinned fruits picked before the main harvest are perfect for jams and puddings.

Problem solving Slow or pale and mottled growth could be a sign that your plant is hungry. Top up with a good dose of well rotted organic matter or blood, fish and bone to encourage healthier growth.

The birds love gooseberries too so if you find there is not much left after they have finished consider netting your gooseberry or placing it within a fruit cage for protection.