How to Grow a Jostaberry

The jostaberry is a cross between the gooseberry and blackcurrant. The plant required 30 years of trials to produce and resulted in a superior fruit. Jostaberry plants produce round, black berries that add a tang to preserves or baked goods. The jostaberry was bred for its mildew resistance, spineless canes, fast growth and easy-to-care-for nature. Once established, a jostaberry will require little fuss and only some simple spring pruning. Jostaberries should be planted in rich, organic soil with good drainage and full sun. Plants are started with bareroot canes ordered from plant nurseries, as they are not yet widely available.

Garden fork
Compost
Jostaberry canes
Water
Starter fertilizer
Mulch
Pruners

Instructions

- 1
  Plant the canes in spring when the soil is workable. Prepare a sunny raised bed for best results. Work in 3 to 5 inches of compost to a depth of 6 inches.
- 2
  Dig holes that are 2 inches deeper than the root depth of the canes. Remove the wrappers from the canes and soak them in a bucket of water for one hour. Meanwhile, work in 1/2 cup of starter fertilizer into the bottom of each hole.
- 3
  Remove the canes from the water and place the roots in the hole. Build the soil up under them to support the roots and then back fill. Push the soil around the plants to remove air pockets. Water the canes well when you are finished.
- 4
  Provide 1 inch of water to the jostaberry plants every week during the growing season. Spread 3 inches of mulch around the base of the plants to minimize weeds and conserve moisture.
- 5
  Prune in spring by cutting back half the young shoots to 16 inches. Leave the other as they are. Take out one-third of the oldest, woodiest canes. Remove them to within 1 inch of the ground. The jostaberry has no serious pests or diseases and needs no other special care.

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