Hinnomaki Red Gooseberry

Planting & Care for Gooseberry Plants

Preparation

• Plant in full sun, you'll get more fruit.
• Currants & gooseberries perform better in rich, well-drained soils.
• It's best to prepare your planting area the previous fall. 
• Be sure to test your soil regarding pH levels.
• Add compost if needed.
• Gooseberry plants can handle temperatures as cold as 19 degrees Fahrenheit.

Opening Plant Material

• Your item will arrive as a bare root plant. This means it's in a state of dormancy so it doesn't have any soil on the roots and foliage. This is normal. Bare root plants are a way for us to offer you a healthier, more affordable, fresher plant year-round.
• Cut open the bundle (top and roots are tied) and separate all the plants.
• Soak roots in buckets of water until planted.
• Each plant type will be labeled separately for identification.
• Do not expose the roots to sun. They should never dry out. Keep roots covered.
• All bare-root plants must be trimmed when planted. See "Pruning - After Planting" below.
  

Planting

• You can plant in April, May or September, October
• Plant in rich, well-drained soil
• Plant in full sun for more fruit
• Plant 3 feet apart from each other if you purchased more than one.
• Dig a hole at least 6" wider and the same depth as the root mass.
• The crown or graft of the plant should be slightly higher than ground level where it was grown at the nursery.
• Trim off the broken roots and branches.
• Place fertilizer packets in hole (if purchased). Do not place other fertilizers in the planting hole. *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer
• Spread the roots and fill halfway with soil, then water until soil settles completely saturating the soil and planting pit.
• Re-adjust plant and fill the hole with the rest of the soil.
• Back fill the balance of the soil and water well. 

Pruning - After Planting

• Prune ALL bare root plants to reduce transplant shock and ensure success. Pruning should occur either before or as soon after planting as possible. All pruning should be done with a sharp pruning shears. See our handling guide below for detailed pictures and instructions. 
  

Pruning - Through-out the Season

• Prune annually to get rid of dead areas, which will allow for more growth by opening the canopy.
• Prune in late winter (early March) before new growth appears. 
• Wait the first 3 years before pruning to allow for enough canes to grow. Only remove weak wood. 

Watering - After Planting

• Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
• Beyond the 6 week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Watering - Through-out the Season

• After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
• How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Go to our "Plant Features & Video Tab" for more information on container plants and how to plant them.