Currants & Gooseberries

A genus of plants hardly known or grown in North America. We have heard of them as currants and gooseberries. They are a major fruit crop in Northern Europe and black currant juice is to the Europeans as orange juice is to us. They have not been produced widely in the U.S. for many reasons--the major reason being a federal ban on plants as they thought white pine blister rust could be eliminated by eradication of the alternative host (currants) this was not the case and the federal ban was lifted, however local bans are still in effect in some regional areas. This group of plants is experiencing the fastest growth of any offerings we have ever been involved with. The interest in back yard and commercial production has been amazing and we are increasing our planting stock supply this demand. Currants and gooseberries are widely used in jams, jellies, syrups, juices and wine, pies and pastries and other tasty treats. Some dessert quality gooseberries can be eaten fresh.

Currants and gooseberries are very hardy and can be grown in most northern production areas on well drained soil with good water retaining capacity such as clay loam. If your soils are sandy you will need to mulch and irrigate. Your new planting should be made into weed-free, deeply-worked soils with a pH between 6 and 7.

Plants should be planted in rows 9 to 12 feet apart depending on equipment used. Some growers do use plastic mulch for the establishment years to reduce weeding. Currants are spaced 2 to 4 feet apart going down the row as you will be working for a solid hedge row of plants when the planting is mature. Gooseberries are planted 4 to 5 feet apart going down the row and will maintain a single crown culture throughout their production life. When planting new plants, prune back to leave only 1 or 2 buds above the ground on each existing stem. In the second year, after planting prune out all weak and damaged canes and also any low growing canes. For detailed pruning of established plantings we suggest reading the "Currants and Gooseberries Culture Guide".

Well maintained plantings can produce bountiful harvests for many many years so be sure to plant your new planting in an area that will be fit for the long run. The unique flavor and aroma of currants and the novelty of gooseberries will continue to make these plants a great selection for the active gardener and marketer looking for something new and different. Order early as our newest and most unique varieties are in limited supply. Currants and gooseberries prefer full sun but will grow in partial shade.

Black Currants
Ben Sarek--R. nigrum, released 1983 by SCRI. Ben Sarek has a unique compact growth habit making it ideal for high density planting on PYO farms or in private gardens. It rarely exceeds one meter in height. It has a heavy crop of large fruit with consistent cropping from year to year. Flowers and ripens about 7 days earlier than Ben Lomond with high tolerance for frost and cold injury. Ben Sarek forms a small, compact bush of medium vigour. "This variety is protected by a propagation agreement. No unauthorized propagation is allowed. Growers and nurseries should contact Indiana Berry for details."

Consort--Kerry x Ribes ussuriense from Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, Ontario. Introduced 1952. It is a productive plant with immunity to White Pine Blister Rust. It has moderate susceptibility to mildew. This self fertile plant has fruit ripening midseason. The black, strong flavored fruit is medium in size.

Crandall--Ribes odoratum, a native American fruit. Crandall was introduced in 1888. It is grown for its attractive and fragrant large yellow flowers that are followed by large, juicy berries. The dark red to black berries have a pleasant taste for fresh eating or make a flavorful jam, jelly, syrup or spread. Crandall doubles as an ornamental and fruit producer which is not susceptible to White Pine Blister Rust, also immune to cane blight.

Crusader--R. nigrum x R. ussuriense from Ag Canada. Crusader carries that dominant gene for rust immunity. It needs a pollinator such as Consort. The vigorously growing plant produces consistent yields of dark black berries with high Vitamin C content.

Red Currants
Red Lake--developed by the University of Minnesota at Excelsior and released in 1933. The parentage is unknown. It is a cold-hardy currant, moderately susceptible to powdery mildew, and is widely planted in the U.S. and Europe. The plants are fairly vigorous and very productive. The berries are dark red, sub-acid and of high quality.

Jonkeer Van Tets--a 1941 introduction from Holland. The erect bush has mildew resistance. The extra large, red fruit is very early and easy to pick and quite productive.

White Currants
Primus--a VERY SWEET AND TASTY white currant. Primus produces a compact bush with long long fruiting clusters. The primus fruit is self pollinating and very high in vitamin C. The unique flavor of this, the sweetest of the currant, make Primus a must for the serious novelty currant and fruit grower.

White Imperial Currants--Produces clusters of white, translucent fruit with a pink blush. This is considered to have the sweetest and richest flavor of all currants and is about the same in size as red currants and also as hardy. The White Imperial is an old variety that was introduced in 1895. Early ripening berry.


			*Pruning Black Currants* A) In the spring of the first year: following planting, prune back all shoots to 1 or 2 buds. B) Second spring: following the severe spring pruning, new vigorous shoots have grown from the base of plants during the last season. Select 4 to 7 vigorous stems and remove. C) Third spring: cut out weak, damaged or diseased shoots as well as shoots in excess of 10 to 12. Keep 3 to 4 two-year-old stems and 4 to 8 one-year-old stems. D) Fourth spring and subsequent years: prune out to ground level damaged, weak or diseased shoots. Remove all three- year- old stems,thin out to 4 the two-year-old stems and to 4 to 8 for the one-year- old stems.

Gooseberries
Invicta--The new star of the gooseberry world! Invicta produces huge amounts of very large fruit. The biggest yield and largest fruit of any of the commonly grown high quality gooseberry. Invicta produces a vigorous, spreading bush which will produce best with regular dormant season pruning. Unfortunately, like the fruit, the spines are also large and numerous. Invicta is reported to be resistant to gooseberry mildew and is recommended for fresh market and processing.

Hinnomaki Red--(Finland) Outstanding flavor. Outer skin is tangy while the flesh is sweet. Very productive with dark red medium sized fruit (3.6g) on upright plants. Favorite with home gardeners. Very adaptable to various growing systems. Would make hedge or space barrier. Could be adapted to machine harvest. Good mildew resistance. Begins fruiting in the planting year--real nice feature for home gardeners.

Pixwell--Oregon Champion x Ribes missouriense Nutt. Developed by the North Dakota Ag Experiment Station at Fargo, introduced in 1932. Bush is extremely winter hardy, very productive, has few thorns, good resistance to powdery mildew. Fruit is medium to small in size, purple-red-pink in color, has thin skin and is borne in clusters on long pedicels, and considered fair to good. As the name suggests, this berry is easier to pick than most because the berries hang below the branches. Very productive.

Poorman--Don't let the name fool you! Originated in Utah, the result of an American x European type cross, and introduced in 1888. it is one of the larger and better flavored, fresh-eating type gooseberries, while equally good for pies, jams and other processed products. The plants are mildew resistant, productive, and vigorous. Later ripening berry.

PRICES:
All Currants & Gooseberries
Each	5-for	10-for	25-for	50-for
$7.50	$36.25	$67.50	$155.00	$272.50

Varieties can be combined for quantity discounts.
To order call Toll Free:
1-800-295-2226

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