Poorman Gooseberry

Poorman Gooseberry

Poorman Gooseberry produces round, 3/4-1 inch, flavorful, dessert-quality, pink fruit in large clusters that can be eaten fresh or preserved. The plants are disease resistant and thorns repel small herbivores.

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.

Latin Name: Ribes grossularia
Site and Soil: Moderately fertile, well-drained soil with full to partial sun.
Hardiness: Gooseberries are hardy to -40º F.
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting.
Size at Maturity: 3-4 ft. in height and 3-4 ft. in width
Bloom Time: April-May
Ripening Time: June- July
Pests & Diseases: Black Velvet is resistant to most pathogens
USDA Zone: 3-8