Large, Abundant Green Berries.

Best In Zones 4 - 8
Video Instructions
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Why Buy From Indiana Berry
Information
Currants and gooseberries are a major fruit crop in Europe. Black currant juice is to the Europeans as orange juice is to us. They have not been produced widely in the U.S. for many reasons. The major reason being a federal ban on plants as they though white pine blister rust could be eliminated by eradication of the alternative host (currants). This was not the case and the federal ban was lifted, however, local bans are still in effect in some regional areas. Currants and gooseberries are hardy and easy to grow. A few plants will produce enough fruit for typical family use and this fruit is much prized for making jellies and pies.
Planting Site
Currants and gooseberries prefer a cool climate and a rich, moist, well-drained soil high in organic matter. Silt and clay loams are best; however, plants should do well on fertile sandy loams. Light, sandy soils that tend to become hot and dry during the summer, or land where water stands at any time during the year should be avoided. Because both currants and gooseberries blossom very early in the spring, they should not be planted on low lands or in pockets where late spring frost may injure blossoms. Your new planting should be made into weed-free, deeply-worked soils with pH between 6 and 7.
The fruit of the gooseberry often scalds badly in hot weather, especially when exposed to direct sun. In zone 6 gooseberries thrive best when planted on a northern exposure where they will be shaded part of the day. Gooseberries are subject o mildew, therefore, they should be planted where there is good air circulation. On sloping ground, gooseberries should be planted high on the slope.
How to plant
Set the plants as early as possible in the spring. Space plants 4 to 5 feet apart in each direction. Remove all damaged or broken roots before planting and cut the tops back to 6 to 10 inches above the ground. Set bare-root plants deep enough so the lowest branch will be just below the soil surface. This is to develop a bush from. Spread the roots well and compact moist topsoil firmly around them. Make sure no fresh manure or commercial fertilizer comes into contact with the roots. You should see new green growth in 2 to 3 weeks.
Fertilizer
Apply a 6" layer of mulch of straw, grass clippings, sawdust or peat to control weed growth and maintain moisture. Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) annually either in the fall after growth stops or early spring before growth begins.
How to prune
Before pruning gooseberries, wear some thick leather gloves. Gooseberries can become a tangled mess and susceptible to diseases if allowed to grow unchecked. Prune out any damage or dead branches on 1,2 or 3-year limbs. Prune the branches out to ground level in early spring.
Prune 4-year old canes or older in early spring to ground level. Leave 9-12 stems per bush or cut all the limbs to the ground level, which will encourage the plant to produce larger fruit.
Helpful Info
Confusion often exists about the legality of growing gooseberries and currants since up until 1966 a federal ban prohibited the growth of Ribes. The ban was established because gooseberries and currants can serve as alternate hosts to white pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola), a fungus that needs both Ribes and white pine to complete its life cycle. This federal legislation was rescinded in 1966 but many states still have restrictions. If you have white pine nearby, though, you may want to consider growing less-susceptible types of Ribes. Black currant (Ribes nigrum) is by far the most susceptible, and for this reason many areas still prohibit growing it. Resistant black currant varieties are available. Red and white currants are less susceptible, and gooseberry is the least susceptible.
Currants and gooseberries can be planted as a single specimen, in groups, or as hedges.