A complex cross of North American coastal gooseberry, European black currant, and European improved gooseberry varieties. Thornless sprawling shrub producing dark fruits with a mild black currant flavor and firm gooseberry texture. Jostaberry fruit is larger than black currant, but smaller than most gooseberries; has papery blossom remnant on fruit just like gooseberry. Vigorous, productive and disease resistant. Early to leaf out and late to drop leaves that turn sunny yellow in fall, making it a great addition to a mixed hedgerow. Fruits favored by birds.
ZONE: 2-8
POLLINATION/BLOOM TIME: Early spring, but late enough to usually avoid frost damage to blooms. Self-fertile.
RECOMMENDED GROWING AND CARE:
Prefers moist neutral-to-acid soil high in organic matter and appreciates afternoon shade in hotter climates. Will fruit in sun or shade. Reduce grass competition in root zone by applying 2-3" layer of wood chips. Apply aged manure under chips yearly.
CHILL HOURS: Medium-high: 800-1000 hours below 45F
DISEASE RESISTANCE: Very good. Resistant to American gooseberry mildew, black currant leaf spot, white pine blister rust, and big bud gall mite.
SIZE AT MATURITY: To 6' x 6'
RESTRICTIONS: CAN NOT SHIP TO NC, MA
