How to Prune a Jostaberry

The jostaberry (Ribes nidigrolaria) looks like, but is sweeter than, a gooseberry, according to the experts at the National Gardening Association. A cross between the black currant and the gooseberry, the berries can be used in jams, jellies and pies or eaten fresh. The jostaberry grows on a 3-foot tall bush that is hardy in zones 3 through 8 on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zone Map. It is cold-hardy and disease resistant and requires little maintenance. Prune the jostaberry bush in late winter.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Loppers

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Wait until the jostaberry bush's second winter to prune for the first time.

   • 2

     Remove broken branches and those that cross over others.

   • 3

     Prune young shoots back to 6 inches in length, leaving older shoots at their current length.

   • 4

     Cut one-third of the older shoots, in the interior of the bush, to 1 inch above the soil.