Sébastien Gooseberry

Species: Ribes uva-crispa

History: Sébastien was developed in Ottawa.

Why We Grow It: This nearly thornless variety excellent red gooseberries that are good for fresh eating or making into pies and jellies. 

Canadian Hardiness Zone: 3

Soil Preference: Prefers loam but is adaptable to different kinds of soil

Growth Habits and Disease Resistance: Shrub reaches 1.5m tall, vigorous. Average susceptibility to powdery mildew and susceptible to white pine blister rust.

Thorns: Yes, but relatively few thorns

Sun/Shade: Full sun to partial shade (approx. 6-10 hours of sun daily)

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

Bloom Colour: Greenish-white

Ripens: July to September

Fruit Colour: Red

Storage: Keeps up to two weeks in the fridge

Recommended Use: Fresh eating, baking, jelly

Size: 1 year plant in 3" pot, ~20cm above soil