Ribes uva-crispa, var. reclinatum, Synonym: R. grossularia
Family: Grossulariaceae

Believed to originate from temperate northern Africa, southern Europe and south-western Asia, the gooseberry is a hardy, deciduous, frost-resis­tant, bushy plant which grows to around 1 m (3 ft). This shrub has thorny stems and produces green, acid fruit, ripening to pale yellowish green, yellow, reddish yellow or red, depending on the variety. It is grown for its fruit which is picked soft for eating raw or while still hard if cooking it for pies, preserves or jams.

Cultivation

Plant in a medium to heavy soil, with plenty of added organic matter. Make sure the soil is kept moist while plants are in active growth. Add a complete plant food every spring. Propagation is usually from 30 cm (12 in) cut­tings of young wood, taken in early winter after the leaves have fallen, or by layering. If the gooseberry is to be grown as an untrained bush, plant the cutting with only the top bud above ground level; if a miniature tree form is desired, remove all but the top four buds from the cutting before planting it, with the lowest of these buds 10-15 cm (4-6 in) above ground level. During the next winter, cut shoots back to 15 cm (6 in). During the following winter remove the ends of any pendulous new branches, while retaining as many strong shoots as possible. The bush should he kept open to facilitate picking and to allow good air circulation and maximum sun exposure for the fruit. Gooseberries are carried on the shoots of the previous year's growth, and on the shoots and spurs of old wood. "lb ensure the con­tinuing production of young fruiting wood, prune back laterals to a few buds each winter. Strong shoots from low on the bush may be used eventually for the renewal of the framework.

Climate

Gooseberries are best in zones 6 to 8.