Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) is a species of Ribes, native to Europe, northwestern Africa and southwestern Asia. It is indigenous in Europe and western Asia, growing naturally in Alpine thickets and rocky woods.
Gooseberry is a straggly bush 1-3 m tall, with branches that are covered with sharp spines. The leaves are rounded, deeply-crenated with 3-5 lobed. The berries of wild species are smaller than in the cultivated varieties, but are often of good flavor. Gosseberries are generally hairy, except in one variety smooth. Gooseberries are usually green in color, but there are red variants and occasionally deep purple.
Gooseberries are best for making Gooseberry Fool and Gooseberry Crumble. The berries can be added to soda, water or milk to make a beverage.
Propagatio can be done by cuttings which is the easiest. Cuttings planted in autumn will take root quickly and can begin bear fruits in a few years time.Vigorous pruning may be necessary, as fruit is produced on lateral spurs and the previous years shoots.
Gooseberry bushes are vulnerable to magpie moth (Abraxas grossulariata) caterpillars, and the best method to remove them is by hand. Potassium sulfide was known to be an effective treatment for blight and other parasitic growths.
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