Ribes uva-crispa ( European Gooseberry ) is a deciduous, fruiting plant that is native to northern Africa, western Asia and large parts of Europe. The European Gooseberry is high in vitamins and minerals, makes delicious pies and jams and is very tasty in summer straight off the plant.
Suitable for Cold, Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
There are only two farms, both in Victoria that we know of that produce an annual supply of the European Gooseberry. And we now know three of the children in our family when at the age of two much prefer eating a fresh Gooseberry. After harvesting and tasting Blueberry, Raspberry, Blackberry and European Gooseberries in one day, the Gooseberry was by far their favourite and was the first bucket to be eaten.
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Growth
Ribes uva-crispa is a deciduous shrub that grows to a compact height of up to 1.2 metres (4 feet) by 1 metre (3 feet) and can tolerate a wide range of climatic conditions. European Gooseberries also cope with a large temperature range, with dormant plants withstanding -20°C/-4°F in winter and up to 30°C/86°F in summer.
Plants enjoy are regular source of moisture but do not enjoy being waterlogged. They enjoy a fertiliser that is high in potash and if applied during the flowering springtime will produce more fruit in summer. Although Gooseberry plants are tolerant of shade and young plants benefit from the protection of harsh sunlight, the final position should be in full sun where berry production is at its peak.
Growing from seed, Ribes uva-crispa can take between 3-4 years to start fruiting.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Grossulariaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate, Dry and Sub-Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-10°C to 30°C / 14 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining, 50/50 sand and soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Light Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1.2 metres (4 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low-Medium.
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees.
MATURITY:
3-4 years.
GERMINATION RATES:
50-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
Cold Stratification – 3 months and then 6-8 weeks germination
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium to Hard. Cold stratification & patience required.
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 900
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 12 years.
FACTS ABOUT RIBES UVA-CRISPA (European Gooseberry)
In Britain, Gooseberries are sometimes called goosegogs and are often found at old runs and abandoned castles which has made it difficult to determine whether they are native to the region.
A colloquial phrase suggesting that ‘babies are born under a gooseberry bush’ was part in reference to a 19th century term where Gooseberry bush was slang for pubic hair.
Gooseberries are called groseille a maquereau in France which translates to mackerel berries as the berries are part of a sauce served with mackerel.
Rich in Vitamin C, magnesium and potassium, the Gooseberry has a variety of medicinal benefits which you can click here to view more.
