| Perhaps one of the more traditional fruiting shrubs grown for years for jams
and jellies—the small berries are easily picked and require little preparation
besides washing before eating. These sweet, succulent little berries are
perennial favorites of birds, too, so beware of a little competition during the
harvesting period.
Gooseberries & currants will thrive in most soil types including sandy or clay
types, however, good drainage is essential. Amend the soil with plenty of
organic compost and moderate amounts of well composted manures including Master
Nursery Paydirt (45% chicken manure), if desired. Be careful not to add
excessive steer manure, which contains salts not leeched out during composting.
These salts will contribute to the already alkaline soil of some areas.
Gooseberries & currants respond extremely well to a well-balanced fertilizer
applied at blossom time, and successively throughout the growing season.
Granules easily broadcast include Master Nursery Fruit Tree & Vine Food and Best
All Purpose 16-16-16. these products are formulated for time-release
fertilization. Application of three to four times a year is usually sufficient.
If a more water soluble fertilizer is desired, Master Nursery Bud & Bloom or
Stern’s Miracle Gro work well if applied often enough, usually every two weeks
from late April through early August. Master Nursery Master Start, a granular
fertilizer, or Jobe’s Fruit Fertilizer Stakes may be used.
Because gooseberries & currants are shrubby and not trailing in nature, yearly
pruning and excessive training is not required. Minor shaping of these bushes
can be done directly following harvest. Vigorous pruning, although usually never
required, is best accomplished when the plant is dormant. A plant free of leaves
is more efficiently pruned for strength on its fruiting branches. Although both gooseberries & currants will thrive in full sun, better fruit
production will occur if these shrubs are afforded afternoon shade. This period
of shade daily will allow for more succulent, thinner skinned fruit because
vital moisture is not lost through the skin.
A special note: All varieties are not available at all times.
These plants are shipped in the early spring when dormant. Successive shipment
to replenish variety is often impossible therefore it may take several years
before you acquire all the varieties you desire.
Currants
Red Lake Red Currant: Large, dark red berries on medium to large compact
clusters. Excellent for jelly, preserves, and muffins. Strong & vigorous upright
bush. Good for bird forage and windbreak plants. One of the most widely grown
red currants. Ripens in July.
Consort Black Currant: Medium clusters of soft, black berries with a a
very prominent sweet flavor which is excellent for jams, jellies and juice, but
also for drying. A fine choice for bird forage or as a windbreak plant. Ripens
in July.
White Imperial: Loose clusters of white, translucent fruit with a pink
blush. Richest and sweetest of all currants. Ripens mid-July.
Gooseberries
Captivator: This semi-thornless plant bears large tear-drop shaped fruit
which is sweet, colored pink to red when fully ripe. Captivator is very cold
hardy, mildew resistant, and ripens in late July.
Catherine: Very large pink berries which are sweet and delicious.
Invicta: Abundant huge, sweet and flavorful fruit. Mildew resistant
variety. Great for fresh eating, pies and preserves.
Pixwell: Medium sized, oval shaped fruit is pale green in color becoming
pink when fully ripe. Fruit is borne in clusters on long pedicals, making
picking easier, hence the name. It has few thorns but are stout and aggressive,
Pixwell is too tart for fresh eating, but makes wonderful pies, jams, and
preserves. Very productive plant.
Poorman: These berries are green but turn pink when ripe. a table variety
which can be eaten fresh—they are sweeter than most gooseberries. Considered to
be the best american gooseberry, it is excellent for pies and jams. |
Phone: 775-882-8600 Fax: 775-882-7285
