How To Grow Gooseberries In Pots and Containers

Gooseberries are not very picky plants in terms of soil, position, nutrients, and similar. Also, they can be pruned and trained to fit most empty spaces on the balcony, terraces, walkways, and similar - they can be very decorative plants.

And when harvest arrives, each plant provides numerous tasty, juicy, and healthy berries full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Published: April 6, 2023.

Growing Conditions

Gooseberries require full sun position, but they can grow in partial shade as well, especially in a warmer climate - they prefer USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8.

The soil should be sandy, rich in organic matter, slightly acidic, and moist but must drain well.

Gooseberries are self-fertile plants, so a single gooseberry plant can is all one needs for a successful harvest. But, if You have enough space, go for several plants - different varieties can be very decorative in terms of growing plants but also in terms of harvested fruits.

Pot/Container Size

Gooseberries may be grown in relatively small pots and containers - 16 inches wide and 16 inches deep (~40x40 cm) containers are usually more than enough for plants that are grown up to 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5m) in height.

However, growing plants in slightly larger pots and containers is much easier - more soil ensures more room for roots, more stable nutrient levels, less frequent watering, and similar.

So, if You have enough area, go for rectangular pots that are 24 inches long and wide (~60x60 cm) and that are 16-20 inches (40-50 cm) deep.

Regardless of the container shape (round, rectangular), be sure that there are plenty of drainage holes on the bottom.

Soil For Gooseberries

After choosing the right containers for your gooseberries, fill them with ordinary potting soil, mixed with some worm castings, organic compost, and manure pellets, and if You have time, let everything settle down for a few days/weeks.

Also, if You have NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer with gradual release of nutrients, add a little bit - half an ounce to ounce (15-30g) per container, depending on other fertilizers and the size of the containers.

Now, it is time to plant the gooseberry seedlings.

Obtaining and Planting the Gooseberry Seedlings

If You are just starting with gooseberries, the best thing to do is to buy bare-root plants while they are dormant (late fall, winter, early spring) or potted seedlings in containers (throughout the year).

When gooseberry seedlings arrive, plant the seedlings into the prepared containers and water them generously.

Gooseberries don't need heavy support, but before harvest, the branches can be overloaded with numerous ripening berries - single gooseberry can provide up to 6-12 pounds (~2.7-5.4 kg) of tasty fruits.

So, before planting the seedling, place one strong wooden pole in the middle of container or position a strong tomato cage around the seedling along the edges of the container.

Note: When looking for gooseberry varieties, go for varieties that are grown locally and that are resistant to diseases as much as possible.

First gooseberry fruits can be expected in the first year - just be sure to water the plants regularly, once a week during spring, and during warmer days, 2-3 per week.

Carrying For Gooseberry Plants In Containers

Gooseberries are very easy to care for.

Watering - water the plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Water the soil directly, keeping the branches and leaves dry.

Fertilizer - add some organic fertilizer (manure pellets, worm castings) combined with slow-release NPK fertilizer at the end of winter. After flowering again, add some slow-release NPK fertilizer and work it into the soil with some organic compost.

Note: too much nitrogen is not good for gooseberries - it will make the plants large but prone to diseases.

Pruning - prune gooseberries in winter by removing anything that is dead, broken, or ill. Also, keep the gooseberry bush well aerated since it prevents mildew and other diseases.

Pests - protect the gooseberries with protective netting from birds. Also, aphids and similar bugs can attack the gooseberries - few aphids can't harm the plant, but if present in larger numbers, use organic or commercial insecticide (read the instructions carefully!).

Diseases - obtaining certified disease-free and disease-resistant plants is crucial. Strong plants can resist many typical diseases, so keep the nitrogen levels low to medium, add water directly to the soil, and prune the plants regularly. In the case of a disease outbreak, unfortunately, use fungicides and/or similar chemicals.

Mulching - a layer of organic mulch can prevent weeds from growing, keep the moisture in the soil, and as the mulch decomposes, it refeeds the plants and keeps the soil slightly acidic.

Gooseberry Harvest

Gooseberries ripen from late June to early August, depending on the variety and local growing conditions.

Most gardeners grow "dessert" varieties and consume them fresh, while "culinary" varieties are used for making jams, pies, syrups, and similar.

Personally, go for "dessert" varieties, enjoy them fresh, and if the harvest is exceptionally good, make a few pies :)