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Hardy — can tolerate frost

When to plant
gooseberries in the UK

One of the easiest fruit bushes for UK allotments. Plant a bare-root bush in winter, prune to an open goblet shape, and it will produce kilos of fruit every summer for 20+ years. Pick them young for cooking, or leave to ripen fully for eating fresh.

52wto harvest
120cmspacing
5°Cmin soil temp
hardyhardiness

Growing journey

Last frost
Plant out8w before frost
Harvest44w after frost

52 weeks from planting out to harvest

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What gooseberries need

Sun or partial shade. Moist but well-drained soil. Annual mulch with compost. Prune in winter to keep an open centre.

Spacing

120cm

120cm between plants

These plants need serious room. Plan for at least a square metre each.

Varieties

Varieties to try

Invicta

Green, heavy cropper, mildew resistant. The most reliable

Hinnonmaki Red

Red dessert variety, sweet enough to eat raw. Compact

Leveller

Large yellow-green berries, superb flavour. Needs good soil

Good companions

When to sow gooseberries

Plant outFebruaryMarch

Based on UK average frost date. Enter your postcode for exact dates, or find your city.

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Seeds

Where to buy gooseberries seeds

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