Black Velvet Gooseberry

Ribes uva-crispa ‘Black Velvet’

Prohibited to DE, ME, NC, NH & WV, and by permit only to MA and NJ

This new, late-ripening gooseberry cultivar produces massive crops of sweet, reddish-black fruit with an delicious, complex flavor – reminds us of blueberries or grapes! The multi-sized berries hang on the tall, thorny branches for weeks and continue to sweeten until you pick them off. Expect yields of 5+ pounds per plant. Vigorous, upright bushes to 6′ x 4′ with some sprawling.

Prefers sun to part shade in hotter summer climates. Evenly moist soils with optimal ph of 5.8-6.8 and amended with organic matter regularly will produce vigorous plants with best yields. Plants reach mature bearing age by years 4-5, but begin fruiting as early as year 2, and will remain productive for 15-20 years or more. Space at 4′-5′ for optimal airflow.

The hardy, upright, disease-resistant bushes are very easy to grow, and tremendously productive in even the coldest parts of the nation. Reliably self-fertile, but you’ll get more production with another, different variety. We offer well-rooted, one-year bushes. Hardy to USDA Zones 3.