Jostaberry
Developed in the 1970s—combining the thornless nature of the gooseberry with the flavour of the blackcurrant.
The jostaberry is one of the most fascinating berry innovations in the world of gardening. This hybrid of blackcurrant and gooseberry was created in the 1970s by German breeders and has since won the hearts of gardeners worldwide thanks to its uniqueness. Unlike the common gooseberry, the jostaberry is completely thornless, making berry harvesting a genuine pleasure. At the same time, it has inherited from the blackcurrant a rich, sweet-tart flavour with a wonderful aroma — truly the best of both worlds.
The jostaberry bush grows into a beautiful, dense form with large dark-purple berries the size of blackcurrants. In spring, the plant bears discrete flowers in April and May, then generously rewards you with a harvest. Externally, it appears decorative enough to occupy a place even in an ornamental garden, not merely in a utility plot. The jostaberry's foliage is also attractive — large leaves with characteristic blackcurrant texture, lending the bush noble expressiveness.
In the garden, the jostaberry is well-suited alongside its relatives — blackcurrants, gooseberries and honeysuckle. It is undemanding in care: it requires moderate watering and good drainage, thriving equally well in sunny locations and partial shade. The plant is reliable and frost-hardy, making it recommended for cultivation throughout all regions of Ukraine. It easily tolerates the Ukrainian climate without special winter protection.
If you are still hesitant about planting a jostaberry, consider this: it combines attractiveness, low maintenance and generous harvests. When in early summer you are picking large juicy berries without thorns, you will understand why breeders spent years developing this hybrid. The jostaberry is for those who want maximum flavour with minimum effort.
Jostaberry — planting & location
Thornless! Large berries, a hybrid of gooseberry and blackcurrant
How to water Jostaberry
Moderate watering
Fertilizing and pruning: Jostaberry
Remove old branches (7+ years old)