Captivator Red Gooseberry
The Captivator Red Gooseberry is a European-American hybrid that produces very sweet, 1 inch, teardrop-shaped, red berries in large clusters that can be used in jellies, jams and juice on semi-thornless canes.
These attractive, compact shrubs are widely grown and prized by gardeners in many countries. Tasty jewels of our fruit world, the newer varieties we offer are large, sweet and very good for fresh eating, preserves and pies. Our Gooseberry Shrubs are also easy to grow and disease-resistant.
Gooseberries like half day to full sun and well-drained soil. They are self-fertile, hardy to minus 40°F., USDA Zone 3, and grow 2-3 ft. in height. Our varieties are resistant to powdery mildew, the most common disease of Gooseberries. Currant worm feeds on the foliage and is the same color. Control it with Rotenone or remove by hand.
Latin Name: Ribes grossularia
Site and Soil: Moderately fertile, well-drained soil with full to partial sun.
Hardiness: Captivator Red Gooseberry hardy to -40º F.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 3-5 ft. in height and 3-5 ft. in width
Bloom Time: April-May
Ripening Time: June- July
Pests & Diseases: Captivator is resistant to most pathogens
USDA Zone: 4-7
Most of the gooseberries in our selection are a cross between the flavorful, larger varieties from Europe (R. uva-crispa) and hardy, disease-resistant varieties of North American (R. hirtellum). The result is the jewel of the fruit world. Gooseberries come in a rainbow of colors from translucent white to green-gold and yellow to peach-pink and deep-red. They are highly nutricious, especially rich in vitamin A and phosphorus. Traditionally used in deserts and preserves with a delicious affinity for honey and cream. they are also great eaten fresh out of the garden. Not suited for southern climates that do not receive at least 1000 chill hours. Remove all canes older than four years to maintain healthy harvest of large, sweet fruit.
Interested in more Gooseberries, click here.