Jostaberry

A hybrid between a gooseberry and a blackcurrant, the Jostaberry (pronounced ‘yustaberry’) was developed in Germany early in the last century. It looks like a (thornless!) gooseberry, and is usually grown as a bush, but stooled (planted deeply) like a blackcurrant. Jostaberry is long-lived and very vigorous, but can be pruned to a manageable size or grown as a trained form, e.g. cordon. Heavy cropper. Resistant to the diseases that can plague its parents, but may need some frost protection, as it flowers early. The Jostaberry fruit looks like a huge blackcurrant, reddish-black, richly flavoured and rich in Vitamin C. Pick when fully ripe for eating, or use for jams, pies and juices.

Site: Some shelter
Soil: Rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil
Position: Full sun
Pick: mid-late July
Keep: Does not keep; freezes well
Hardiness: Hardy
Pollination: Self-fertile
Uses: Eating, cooking
Height and Spread: 6’ (1.8m) x 6’ (1.8m)