Jostaberry

Species: Ribes x nidigrolaria, a cross between Ribes nigrum (black currants), Ribes divaracitum (black gooseberries), and Ribes uva-crispa (European gooseberries)

History: Jostaberries were created in West Germany in 1955 by Dr. Rudolph Bauer, although attempts to cross these three plants had begun as early as 1883 without success. They were eventually released to the public in 1977.

Why We Grow It: Jostaberries are a unique cross between three plants: black currants, black gooseberries, and European gooseberries. The berries taste like gooseberries at first and transition to a black currant taste as they ripen and darken. 

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 3

Soil Preference: Prefers loam, but adaptable to different soil conditions

Growth Habits and Disease Resistance: Shrub reaches 1-2m tall, vigorous. Resistant to American gooseberry mildew, blackcurrant leaf spot, white pine blister rust, and big bud gall mite.

Thorns: No

Sun/Shade: Prefers full sun to partial shade, but can tolerate full shade

Pollination: Self-pollinating, this variety will produce fruit without a different variety but will produce more and better fruit if one is present    

Flowering Time: Spring

Bloom Colour: Maroon

Ripens: Mid July

Recommended Use: Fresh eating, cooking, baking

Height Above Soil Line: 20-40cm