The Thornless Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) is a hardy deciduous shrub that bears large yellow/green berries on almost thornless stems. The fruit are tart but quite tasty, and can be used to make wonderful jams jellies and dessert pies. Thornless Gooseberries will grow in most soils but prefers a mild Summer and a cold Winter to ensure adequate fruit set. Self pollinating so only one plant will produce a good yield.
Supplied as a dormant cane.
General Information: Grow the canes against a wall or fence or support with a trellis. If grown in rows, allow 1.5m between rows. Most berries bear fruit on 2nd year wood. The canes will grow vigorously the first year and then flower
and fruit the second year.
Soil: Likes a rich, well drained soil.
Watering: For optimum fruit production canes need to be kept well watered. Will benefit from mulching in spring to conserve moisture in summer and keep roots cool.
Fertilising: Prior to planting well-rotted animal manure, blood and bone or complete fertiliser should be thoroughly worked into the soil. As growth starts apply a complete fertiliser and a compost of well-rotted animal manure.
Pruning: In winter prune the canes that bore fruit down to the ground and tie dormant canes to the support. These will fruit the following year.
Tips: Protect plants from hot winds, and ripening berries from birds. Best grown in areas with a cold winter as a ‘chilling period’ will assist fruit set.