Little Ben Gooseberry

Little Ben Gooseberry

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 nutritious, 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.

A dwarf bud sport of one of our favorite gooseberry varieties! Little Ben is a compact bud sport of Hinnomaki Red that stays very compact and is extremely productive. It grows only 2-3 feet tall, can be grown in a pot in tight urban quarters or you can plant many of them in the garden for producing a ton of gooseberries in a small space. Disease resistant just like Hinnomaki Red.

Latin Name: Ribes uva-crispa
Site and Soil: Gooseberries like full to 1/2 day sun and well-drained soil.
Pollination Requirements: Gooseberries are self-fertile.
Hardiness: Gooseberries are hardy to minus 40° F
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: Little Ben gooseberry grows only 2-3 ft. in height and width
Bloom Time: April
Ripening Time: July
Yield: 4-5 lbs.
Pests & Diseases: Our varieties are resistant to Powdery Mildew, the most common disease of Gooseberries. Currant Worm feeds on the foliage and is the same color. It can easily be removed by hand.
USDA Zone: 3
Sunset Western Zone: A1-A3, 1-6, 15-17
Sunset Northeast Zone: 34-43