gooseberry

Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa 'Hinnonmäki Röd') plants prefer to be kept evenly moist, but not soggy. Water well on a weekly basis, allowing the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. In warmer weather, this may need to be increased to twice a week or more. Once established, the Gooseberry plant isn't necessarily a heavy feeder, but does need supplemental nutrients. Fertilize bi-weekly with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer during the growing season for optimal growth and fruit production.

Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa 'Hinnonmäki Röd') needs full sun to partial sun. It should be grown in an area that receives about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day during peak growing season. Planting the gooseberry in an area that gets morning sunlight and some afternoon shade is ideal, as too much direct afternoon sun can cause its leaves to scorch. Gooseberry plants can also benefit from being planted in an area that receives some dappled shade.

Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa 'Hinnonmäki Röd') plants should be pruned twice a year: once in late winter and once in early summer. Late winter pruning should take place when the trees are dormant, usually after the last frost of the season. For most gooseberry plants, this means pruning in February or March. Pruning during this time may include removal of dead, damaged, or diseased branches, thinning of overcrowded canes, and shortening of canes to keep the plant from becoming too tall or making the bush top-heavy. Early summer pruning should take place in late May or early June. During this time, pruning should focus on light thinning of the top of the bush, removing any shoots that are growing vertically. Late summer pruning should also focus on thinning out the bush and removing any crowded canes. Any dead, diseased, or damaged canes should also be pruned. Total yearly pruning should be completed by July, so as not to put any extra stress on the plant during its fruiting months.