Intro
A relatively tidy shrub which produces berries in green, white, red and even black depending on the variety that when fully ripe taste very much like grapes! Gooseberries can be eaten fresh or made into jams, chutneys or cordials. The very British Gooseberry Fool is a famous dessert spotlighting gooseberries, whipping cream and custard.
History
The gooseberry is indigenous to many parts of Europe and western Asia. It is documented in 16th century literature. It is popular fruit in European markets though not as well loved in North American markets. It’s fledgling popularity in North America was abruptly quashed in the 1920’s when it (and all Ribes) became implicated in being part of the White Pine Blister rust life cycle and was restricted by federal laws until 1966. White Pine blister rust does little to Ribes species but badly affects white Pines. The ban on gooseberries and fruiting currants was not particularly successful as there were a large number of other native Ribes varieties already growing throughout North America. To this day, gooseberries are still fairly rare to see in gardens and markets in North America.
Planting
Gooseberries are a hardy plant and can survive in Zones 3b-4. They actually appreciate cooler summers with plenty of available water. They can be grown in full sun but like some afternoon shade in hotter areas and plenty of composted or even a green mulch such as Labrador Violets or Wild Strawberries to cover the soil and maintain even moisture. Gooseberries can tolerate a wide range of soil ph and while they may need additional potassium and magnesium, they do not need much nitrogen at all, in fact, excess nitrogen will lead to mildew and other problems. Well draining soil and excellent air movement with keep your gooseberry healthy and happy.
Container
Gooseberries can easily be grown in containers, take note they do have some fairly pokey thorns so if you have a small balcony, you can relegate this hedgehog of a plant to the corners! Make sure you have excellent drainage and pot approximately 18” wide and deep should suffice and give you a bit of room to combine with a groundcover.
Pruning
Gooseberries are very forgiving of pruning and I favour the multi-stemmed pruning form for mine, similar to a blueberry, I thin out 1/3 of the branches to the ground in winter to invigorate and maintain good air circulation so you end up with an open, multi-stemmed bush. You can also grow them against a wall or on a low trellis.
Pollination
Gooseberries are self fruitful. Many varieties of bees are attracted to the simple flower and the shrubs are abuzz with activity when they are in bloom.