Gooseberry Bushes and Plants
Gooseberry plants are famously hardy and easy to grow in the garden or in pots. Our growers raise them the traditional way - outside in the field - so they can deal with anything the UK weather throws at them and will fruit reliably for anything up to twenty years. These newly developed varieties are as heavy cropping as ever, but with better disease resistance and a sweeter flavour - so bring on the tarts, fools, pies and jam!
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South Downs National Park
Meet Danielle
110 years' expertise free with every plant
You simply can’t buy better fruit plants and here’s why. Danielle grows them outdoors, just like our nursery has done since 1908, so they’re more than a match for the UK weather. Danielle only has time for the top performing varieties, meaning that you can be assured of a successful (and blooming tasty) soft fruit crop.
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Gooseberry FAQs
When is the best time to plant gooseberries?
Bare root gooseberry plants should be planted between November and March while they’re dormant. You can plant potted gooseberries at any time of year providing the soil isn’t waterlogged or frozen. You’ll find more advice in our growers’ guide.
What type of soil do gooseberries prefer?
Gooseberries prefer well drained fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5, but they’re happy in most garden soils. If your soil is a bit on the dry or heavy side, mix in some compost or well rotted manure before planting.
How much sunlight do gooseberries need?
Gooseberries will grow in partial shade, but they’re most productive in full sun, where they’ll receive at least six hours of daylight.
How should I space my gooseberry plants?
If you’re planting more than one gooseberry, space them about 1.2-1.5m apart to allow for good air circulation and to prevent moulds.
How do I water gooseberry plants?
Gooseberries like a consistently moist soil, so water them regularly, especially during hot or dry weather. It’s best to water them at the base of the plant to avoid splashing the leaves, which can encourage diseases.
How do I prune gooseberry bushes?
Prune your gooseberry bush in late winter or early spring, before it starts to put on new growth. Trim out any dead or damaged wood and thin out the centre of the plant to encourage air circulation. The ideal shape is a goblet, which will allow sunlight to reach every part of the plant. For more pruning tips, see our growers’ guide.
When do gooseberries typically fruit?
Gooseberry bushes fruit between June and July, depending on which variety you have and your growing conditions.
How do I harvest gooseberries?
When your gooseberries are firm and fully coloured, they’re ready to pick. For cooking purposes you can pick them slightly underripe, but for eating varieties you should wait until they’re fully ripe. You can pick them by hand or use scissors.
Can gooseberries be grown in containers?
Gooseberries are a great choice for container growing. Choose a large pot at least 45cm wide and deep, with drainage holes in the bottom and use a good potting compost. Plants in pots will need more regular watering and feeding than those in the ground.
What are the best practices for feeding gooseberries?
To feed your gooseberry plant, use a general purpose plant food in early spring and give it a layer of mulch at the same time to keep moisture and nutrients in the soil. Avoid fertilisers with a high nitrogen content, as they encourage leafy growth at the expense of fruit.
Are gooseberries self-fertile?
Most gooseberry varieties are self fertile and will produce a good crop from just one plant. If you do plant more than one though, they will cross pollinate and each plant will produce a bigger harvest.
