Gooseberry
Ribes uva-crispa
Botanical family: Grossulariaceae
An old soft fruit, very popular in England and Northern Europe where it gave rise to horticultural competitions from the 19th century (the Lancashire 'gooseberry clubs'). Large fruits (1 to 3 cm) green, yellow, or red depending on variety, sweet at full ripeness. Harvest from June to August. Short keeping when fresh: turn it quickly into jam, jelly, tart, or syrup. Source: François Couplan, Le régal végétal, Sang de la Terre, 2009; Royal Horticultural Society fact sheets (Ribes uva-crispa).
Partial shade
Cool, humus-rich, free-draining
Moderate, soil never dry
Very hardy (-25 °C)
Overwinters in your zone
Self-fertile
One plant is enough for a crop
Role in permaculture
A thorny shrub (Ribes uva-crispa), cousin of the redcurrant, ideal in the low layer of an edible hedge or in the light understorey of a fruit tree (cherry, plum). Likes cool partial shade: a plant in too hot a position dehydrates quickly. Gentle pruning in winter to open it up and ease picking despite the thorns.
Good companions
Traditional companion planting (benefit not demonstrated)
Poor companions
Alternate hosts of a disease (e.g. rust)
Insects attracted or useful
Known pests & diseases
Pests and diseases that commonly affect this plant, tap to learn how to recognise and manage them.
Seasons & availability
Gooseberries: June to August.
Available: June, July, August.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- RHS, « How to Grow Gooseberries » (rhs.org.uk/fruit/gooseberries/grow-your-own)
- La Ferme de Sainte Marthe, « Réussir la culture des groseilles » (fermedesaintemarthe.com/en/blogs/comment-reussir-la-culture-de/reussir-la-culture-des-groseilles)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Picked green, the fruits are very acid and thick-skinned: they're more pleasant and more digestible after a short cooking or blanching. As the shrub is thorny, picking calls for caution. In case of a special diet or doubt, rely on the advice of a health professional.
Family behaviour: Grossulariaceae
In general, Grossulariaceae bring together the small soft-fruit shrubs of the genus Ribes (redcurrant, blackcurrant, gooseberry). Shallow-rooted, they like part shade and a cool, well-mulched soil, which makes them good companions under taller fruit trees.
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Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.