Jostaberry Bushes

Size and Form

• Jostaberries are deciduous shrubs, meaning they lose their leaves in the fall. They normally grow to a mature height and width of 3 to 4 feet but can grow to as tall as 6 feet. Similar to European black currant bushes, jostaberries grow without thorny stems in a mounding compact form. Their leaves are a rich medium green color, toothy-edged and deeply veined with three to five lobes.

Flowers and Berries

• Jostaberry bushes produce yellow-green flowers in late spring followed by berries that ripen in late summer. The berries of this hybrid are more like the European gooseberry parent. They are 1/2 to 3/4 inch in diameter and burgundy in color. Their flavor is similar to gooseberries with a mild hint of black currant. They may be eaten fresh-picked from the bush, used in baked goods and jams, or frozen for later use.

Disease Susceptibility

• Jostaberries have more disease immunity and resistance to pests than its parent plants. While this hybrid is not a white pine blister rust carrier, it is still within the ribes family and may be restricted in some locations. Check with the local Extension office before purchasing these shrubs. They are somewhat susceptible to a physiological disorder known as jostaberry leaf netting. The cause of this disorder is not known.

Growth Requirements

• Jostaberry shrubs will grow in average soil as long as it drains well, but they prefer loamy, slightly acidic organically rich soil. They will grow in either full sun or partial shade but berry yield is higher when they are planted in a sunny location. Plant them in a protected area where they are less likely to sustain damage from harsh winter winds and late frost. Place a 4-inch-deep layer of mulch around the shrub to help retain soil moisture and control weeds but keep it about ½ inch away from the stems. In the spring, pull the mulch back off the soil around the shrub to let the soil warm and dry slightly.

Cultivars

• Josta, Jostagrande (or Jogrande) and Jostaki are the three commonly grown jostaberry cultivars. Jostagrande and Jostaki are not self-fertile. At least one of each of these two cultivars should be planted together for cross-pollination. The Josta cultivar is self-fertile, which means it can produce berries all by itself. Berry yield may improve, however, if one of the other two cultivars is planted nearby for cross-pollination.