Jostaberry
Developed in the 1970s—combining the thornless nature of the gooseberry with the flavour of the blackcurrant.
Jostaberry is one of the most intriguing berry novelties 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 for its remarkable character. Unlike ordinary gooseberry, jostaberry is entirely free of thorns, making berry picking a genuine pleasure. At the same time, it has inherited from blackcurrant a rich, sweet-tart flavour with a wonderful aroma — truly the best of both worlds.
The jostaberry bush develops into a beautiful, dense form with large dark purple berries the size of blackcurrants. In flower, the plant puts on a subtle display from April to May, then generously rewards you with a bountiful harvest. Visually, it looks sufficiently ornamental to occupy a place even in an aesthetic garden, rather than merely in a utilitarian patch. The foliage of jostaberry is also attractive — large leaves with characteristic currant texture that lend the bush a refined expressiveness.
In the garden, jostaberry befriends its relatives — blackcurrant, gooseberry and honeysuckle. It is undemanding in care: requiring moderate watering and good drainage, thriving in both sunny locations and partial shade. The plant is reliable and frost-hardy, making it suitable for cultivation throughout all regions of Ukraine. It readily endures the Ukrainian climate without special winter protection.
If you are still hesitant about planting 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 on this hybrid. 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)