Jostaberries
Jostaberries
The Jostaberry is a complex cross between the European black currant and North American and European wild gooseberries. Like other currants, the Jostaberry is disease-resistant, packed with vitamin C, and is a prolific grower. But the leaves look like a gooseberry, and the ripening berries look like gooseberry, too. The big change comes when the berries fully ripen: they turn a deep purple that looks almost black. As a bonus, this plant is thornless.
Characteristics:
- Mildew-resistant
- Mature height: 3 to 5 feet
- Mature width: 3 to 6 feet
- Hardiness Zones: 4 to 7
- Chill Hours: 1,000 (minimum)
- Sunlight: Partial to full
- Harvest time: June to July
- Bearing Age: Two to three years after planting
- Good for preserves, pies, fresh eating, juice
- Cold-hardy to -40 degrees F
Have you ever grown Jostaberry bushes? Please tell us your favorite thing about them and your experiences growing Jostaberries.
I just bought a plant a month ago to replace a blueberry bush that had given up the ghost. I’m considering dumping my fig tree and replacing it with the Jostaberry bush. I live in a tow house and I have limited gardening space. The fig tree is supposed to be ideal to grow in a pot. Unfortunately, I think the sudden sharp freeze last winter almost did it in.
There are about six berries on the Jostaberry plant. I’m waiting for them to get very dark before trying them.