How to grow Gooseberries

Learn the best growing tips for Gooseberries. Find out when to plant, sun requirements, and when to harvest. Also includes a troubleshooting guide!

Gooseberry requires rich, well draining soil with plenty of compost mixed in.

Gooseberries do well in a sunny position, although will benefit from some afternoon shade in hot climates. 

Yes, however Gooseberries will need protection from severe frosts.

Space Gooseberries roughly 90cm apart. 

Late autumn or early spring is the best time to transplant most dormant plants. Plants, with the exception of bare-root, can be transplanted at anytime between when the ground thaws and when it freezes (so anytime if you are in a frost free climate). However, if transplanting in the heat of summer, you'll need to be diligent in watering and provide extra shade for your plant in the first few weeks after transplanting. 

Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball. The hole should allow the plant to sit at the same level in the soil as it was previously. Fill the hole with soil ensuring the crown of the plant, where roots and stem meet, is level with the soil surface. 

Plant out in the early morning or evening and/or on an overcast day. Avoid planting at peak sun times or on windy days, this will allow your plants to settle in comfortably and protect them from windburn and sunburn.  

Top-dress the soil around your Gooseberry plant with a new layer of compost at the start of each season, use an organic fertiliser throughout the season as well. Top-dress the soil with Potash if the Gooseberry leaves start to brown around the edges. 

Apply a 2 inch layer of mulch around the plant to retain moisture. 

Harvest Gooseberries when they have reached full size and are soft to touch. 

Pests that affect Gooseberries include: Aphids, Common Gooseberry Sawfly, Currant Borer, Stink Bug.

Diseases that affect Gooseberries include: Mildew, Anthracnose, Gray Mold Berry Rot, Currant Cane Blight, Septoria Leaf Spot White Pine Blister Rust. 

At the end of the season, prune your Gooseberry plant in order to remove old or unproductive wood. Open up the centre to let light and air in by removing any overlapping branches, this will help to prevent disease and increase growth and fruit production for the next season.