How to grow Jostaberry in the UK
Ribes x nidigrolaria
Jostaberry (Ribes x nidigrolaria) is a fruit that grows well in UK gardens. Hybrid of gooseberry, blackcurrant and wild gooseberry. Thornless, vigorous, big crops. This guide covers when and how to sow Jostaberry, the soil and position it likes, watering and feeding, companion planting, and when to harvest.
Type
Fruit
Difficulty
Easy — good for beginners
Position
partial sun (3–6 hrs)
Sow
spring
Harvest
July, August
When to sow & grow Jostaberry
Sowing and harvest window through the year (UK):
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul Harvest | Aug Harvest | Sep | Oct | Nov Plant | Dec |
Soil, position & care
- Soil
- Fertile, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0–6.5
- Position
- Sun or light shade
- Sowing depth
- Plant at the nursery soil mark
- Spacing
- 1.8 m apart
- Sowing
- Plant bare-root Nov–Mar; a gooseberry × blackcurrant, thornless and vigorous
- Growing
- Mulch and feed in spring; water while fruit swells
- Harvest & upkeep
- Prune out older wood in winter
- Watch for
- Birds; more disease-resistant than its parents
Companion planting for Jostaberry
No specific companion notes for this plant.
Grow Jostaberry this year
Add Jostaberry to your free 12-month plan and get watering & sowing reminders — no sign-up needed.
Jostaberry FAQs
How much sun does Jostaberry need?
Jostaberry prefers partial sun (3–6 hrs).
When is Jostaberry ready to harvest?
Jostaberry is typically ready to harvest in July, August in the UK.
Is Jostaberry easy to grow?
Easy — good for beginners. Hybrid of gooseberry, blackcurrant and wild gooseberry. Thornless, vigorous, big crops.