Growing Fruits in Your Garden: Gooseberry

One of my daughters favorite fruits -- next to blueberries [see my article on Planting and Growing Blueberry Bushes] -- is the gooseberry. Gooseberries are not as popular in the United States as they once were; however, you will find some old-timers, who still grow gooseberries. If you live in Zones 3-6, you might decide to include gooseberries with the other fruits you are growing.

The gooseberry (Ribes spp.) is a native of Europe. The Greeks and Romans used gooseberries in various sauces. The French later developed new types that they began exporting to Great Britain in the 1270s. Gooseberries became extremely popular with even gooseberry clubs springing up. The sweeter varieties are generally preferred by the British and Americans, while the Germans and French use the tarter varieties in sauces for meat and fish.

Gooseberries are related to currants, though a much thornier cousin. They, like currants, are regulated by some states; because both are alternate hosts for the white pine blister. The plants, however, are only in danger of developing the disease if a white pine is within 900 feet of them.

The berries are greenish or pinkish in color with little veins. Gooseberries tend to be rather small, but some varieties can be as large as plums. If the berries are tart, you are probably picking them too soon. (My daughter recently got some gooseberries from a vendor at our local farmers market. They were definitely not ripe yet, and "tart" really does not adequately describe the taste. Wait to try them when the color deepens. The berries stay firm even when getting close to being ripe; therefore, tasting is the best way to determine if it is time to harvest. Gooseberries are best if they are completely ripe.) The bushes have nicely-lobed leaves and can even be used in the landscape as a hedge or border plant. There is a red-fruited variety that really looks nice in the landscape. (Consider the variety known as 'Poorman,' which has wine-red berries in a pear-shape and an excellent flavor.) The American cultivars (Ribes hirtellum) are usually healthier than the European (R. uva-crispa), which have large fruit and a better taste but are susceptible to powdery mildew. The American gooseberries are also more productive. Hybrids have also been developed by crossing the American and European cultivars.

Gooseberries tend to develop leaves very early in the spring, so they should be planted in the fall. Space about 5-feet apart in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, they should receive protection from the hot afternoon sun. They like rich, well-drained, moist soil and a pH of 6.2 to 6.5. You will want to purchase 1-2-year-old sturdy plants. Work lots of organic matter into the planting hole before planting your bushes. After planting, cut back stems to about 6-10 inches and lightly prune each year to encourage development of fruit. You should remove the buds the first year to promote a large, healthy plant. Remember to keep the soil moist and to fertilize each year with compost and/or manure. Plants can grow to be 4-5-feet tall.

Cultivars of interest:
'Downing': Pale-green berries used for commercial processing.
'Fredonia': Pinkish-green berries that are excellent-tasting when fully ripe.
'Oregon Champion': Small, pale-yellowish berries with a rich flavor and very productive.
'Hinnonmaki Yellow': Large, greenish-yellow berries with a sweet, rich flavor.

References:
Blume, James D., ed. New Garden Book. Des Moines, IA: Meredith Corporation, 1990.

Roth, Susan A. New Complete Guide to Gardening. Des Moines, IA: Meredith Corporation, 1997.

Stuart, David. Gardening with Heirloom Plants. NY, NY: The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., 1997.