Gooseberries (Ribes uva-crispa) Canadians are starting to realize what an easy landscaping plant the gooseberry is. In Europe you will find several bushes tucked into almost every backyard garden or used as an ornamental planting alongside the house. Gooseberries prefer morning sun, partial shade in the afternoon and good air circulation. As most varieties will tolerate brutally cold winters, it is especially important to plant in shade in warmer regions. Mulch heavily to keep the roots cool and moist. These hardy, compact shrubs have arching branches and typically mature at approximately 1-2 m (4') high and wide. The berries make incredible pies and are great for fresh eating as well as for preserves and drying. Gooseberries ripen mid-summer. Bareroot plants
Photo courtesy of Raintree Nursery

Red Gooseberry : CAPTIVATOR

$25.95

In stock

Captivator is actually Canadian, coming out of an Ottawa research program back in 1935. Some of us would say it is still as good a gooseberry as any, especially for fresh eating. When fully ripe, this European/American cross bears large, deep pink berries that are very sweet. The hardy, mildew resistant bush is almost thorn-free for painless picking.

SELF-FERTILE | ZONE 3 | HARVEST: LATE JULY

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Growing Tips

Currant, Gooseberry Growing Tip

Are the leaves disappearing on your currant or gooseberry bush in early summer? Most likely the currant sawfly larvae are at work. The British have a simple prevention that works surprisingly well. Spread a thin layer of wood ashes around the base of the shrub. Some local gardeners use straw and claim it works better yet.


Grapes, Gooseberries Growing Tip

Try Lee Reich's simple recipe for powdery mildew control in grapes or gooseberries. Spray plants with the following:
4 litres (1 gallon) of water
1 tablespoon sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
1 tablespoon canola oil
Repeated applications may be needed, especially in rainy weather.


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