Gooseberries
Thorny but rewarding bushes producing tangy to sweet berries perfect for pies, crumbles, and jams. Easy to grow and tolerant of various conditions.
Gooseberries (Young bush)
£9.99 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
Rarely grown from seed; buy bare-root or container-grown plants
Plant out
November – March (bare-root), throughout the year (container-grown)
Harvest
June – August, depending on variety and desired ripeness
Conditions
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Keep consistently moist, especially during fruit development. Tolerant of some drought once established.
Soil
Well-drained, fertile, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing
1.2-1.5m (4-5ft) between bushes
Containers
Yes, in large pots (min 45cm / 18 inch diameter) but requires diligent watering and feeding.
Indoors
Not suitable for indoor growing
Care and harvest
Feeding
Annual application of balanced granular fertiliser or well-rotted manure/compost in early spring.
Pruning
In winter, remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Aim for an open goblet shape. Shorten side shoots by half.
Harvesting
Pick green for tartness or wait until fully ripe for sweetness. Wear gloves to protect from thorns.
Storage
Refrigerate for 1-2 weeks. Freeze for longer storage. Can also be cooked down and frozen as a purée.
Good companions: Garlic, Marigolds, Tomatoes