Ribes uva-crispa Black Velvet

Actually a Gooseberry-Worcesterberry hybrid, mid-season Gooseberry Black Velvet has the huge advantage over mainstream gooseberries of being completely immune to American Gooseberry Mildew. The berries are small to medium-sized, deep purplish-red, with a very good, sweet-tart flavour somewhat reminiscent of blueberries. Can be eaten fresh when fully ripe. The bush is vigorous and upright in habit, and particularly suitable for training as a cordon. Heavy cropper, and easy to grow. Thin the fruit for larger berries. Disease-resistant and very hardy – suitable for very cold areas.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any well drained soil
Position: Full sun, partial shade
Pick: Mid-July
Keep: Does not keep; freezes well
Hardiness: Very hardy
Pollination: Self-fertile
Uses: Cooking, preserving, eating
Height: 3 to 5’ Spread: 3 to 5’ (1m to 1.5m)