Shrub · Grossulariaceae family
gooseberry
Ribes uva-crispa
In short a 10-second read
Gooseberry (shrub) grows to 0.9–1.5 m tall and 0.9–1.8 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average soil. It flowers in April; the flowers are green. Hardy to −34 °C.
× spread 0.9–1.8 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun to part shade, in average soil. Hardy to −34 °C.
Sun
Tolerates several positions — choose to suit the rest of the garden.
Soil and water
average · watering: moderate
Soil: humus-rich, loamy, sandy
Frost
It copes with a normal winter outdoors.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Flowers
April · green
Pruning
cut back by a third (June–July)
Planting
container plant: October–April
Winter protection
not needed
Overwintering
It copes with winter on its own.
It overwinters outdoors without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
- Needs no protection
- Hardy to −34 °C
- Deciduous — bare in winter
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
When does gooseberry flower?
In April; the flowers are green.
Does gooseberry tolerate shade?
It tolerates part shade (3–6 hours of sun), but not full shade.
How much space does gooseberry need?
At maturity 0.9–1.8 m wide and 0.9–1.5 m tall; recommended spacing 120 cm.
Does gooseberry survive winter outdoors?
Yes, without protection, hardy to −34 °C.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 20 October 2026.
Show sources (14)
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder — Ribes uva-crispa 'Captivator'
- University of Minnesota Extension — Growing currants and gooseberries in the home garden
- BfN (Bundesamt für Naturschutz) — Naturschutzfachliche Invasivitätsbewertung
- GBIF Occurrence Search API — Ribes uva-crispa
- Wikidata (CC0) — Ribes uva-crispa
- RHS - How to grow gooseberries
- RHS - Gooseberries: pruning and training
- Penn State Extension - Gooseberries and currants
- RHS - Ribes uva-crispa
- RHS - Trees and shrubs: planting
- Clemson HGIC - Planting Trees Correctly
- Invasive plant lists — this species is not on them: EU, Slovakia, EASIN
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