Description
A gooseberry and currant cross! The rich berry taste is reminiscent of gooseberry with a kiss of black currant. Deep-red, almost-black fruit is high in vitamin C and forms in large clusters, ideal for juices, jams and jellies, and fresh-eating. Cold-hardy plants are long-lived, thornless, and productive once established. Debuted in 1977. The name “jostaberry” itself is a combination of the German word for blackcurrant, “Johannisbeere” and for gooseberry, “Stachelbeere”. Disease-resistant to American gooseberry mildew, black currant leaf spot, white pine blister rust, and big bud gall mite. Ripens in July. Self-pollinating. (Ribes × nidigrolaria)
Jostaberries are available only during the spring ordering season.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | Purple, Red |
| Fruit Color | Red |
| Fruit Size | Medium |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 4 - 7 |
| Pollination | Self-Pollinating |
| Ripens/Harvest | July |
| Shade/Sun | Partial Shade - Full Sun |
| Soil Composition | Loamy, Sandy |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained - Average Moistness |
| Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 6.5 |
| Taste | Sweet, Tangy |
| Texture | Firm |
| Years to Bear | 2 - 3 |
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
This variety is self pollinating.
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow hybrid berry plants in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Questions & Answers
Customer Reviews
Never heard of them, will be a great add to my orchard and berry areas that has so many varieties each unique and wonderful.
I love gooseberries but hate picking them. These appear to do well and have less thorns making picking easier.
Something new
Looking for a black currant bush. Decided to try this.