Jahn’s Prairie Gooseberry

Ribes oxyacanthoides ‘Jahn’s Prairie’

Prohibited to DE, ME, NC, NH & WV, and by permit only to MA and NJ.

An easy-to-grow, disease-resistant, highly productive bush with large pinkish-red, dessert-quality berries that have a tasty, sweet/tart flavor and mature midseason. High yields of 5+ pounds per bush expected at maturity. Will grow to 5′ x 4′ tall. Selected in Canada from the wild, and introduced in 1996.

Resistant to leaf spot, white pine blister rust, stem botrytis, aphids, and saw-flies. Prefers sun to part shade in hotter summer climates. Evenly moist soils with optimal ph of 5.8-6.8 and amended with organic matter regularly will produce vigorous plants with best yields. Plants reach mature bearing age by years 4-5, but begin fruiting as early as year 2, and will remain productive for 15-20 years or more. Space at 4′-5′ for optimal airflow.

Gooseberries, highly prized in Europe as an important part of a well-rounded garden, have been sadly neglected in America, perhaps because people remember gooseberries as tart and mouth puckering. But sweet varieties are wonderful for fresh eating! Gooseberries generally ripen early summer, just after strawberries. We offer well-rooted, one-year bushes. Hardy to USDA Zones 3.

Click here to read our Gooseberry Growing Guide