Welcome Gooseberry

Ribes uva-crispa ‘Welcome’

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

“Welcome” to a great gooseberry experience! Welcome gooseberry is a Minnesota heritage selection known for its extreme cold hardiness and full-bodied flavor. This gooseberry produces large yields (5+ pounds yearly!) of medium sized, red berries that ripen midseason. Sweeter and less thorny than many other cold-hardy varieties, Welcome can be used in pies and jams but really shines for eating fresh.

Fair to good mildew resistance. Young canes are weak and spreading, but become more vigorous and upright as the plant matures. 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 in early summer, just after strawberries. We offer well-rooted, one-year bushes. Hardy to USDA zone 3.

Click here to read our Gooseberry Growing Guide