Cape Gooseberry Growing Information:
Position
Plant your gooseberries in full sun, if possible. They do tolerate partial shade, but cannot survive in heavy frosts. Shelter your bush from strong winds. This berry is fairly drought-hardy.
Size
A mature bush will grow to a height of about 1.5 metres with a similar spread. So, give your new plants plenty of room to grow.
Soil
Loamy to sandy well-drained soil is optimal for a healthy gooseberry bush. It should be kept moist and have a pH level of between 5.5 and 7.0. Sandy soil mixed with a little organic compost or potting soil is sufficient.
Just Berry Plants stocks volcanic rock dust with its organic minerals and trace elements. These keep your soil healthy and increase important micro-organisms in it.
Watering
Keep the soil around your bush moist during the growing season. It can tolerate drought but will not fruit during a drought.
Water the soil only and not the leaves, as this encourages pests and diseases.
Mulching
Add a thick layer of pine bark mulch, keeping it about 20 to 30 centimetres away from the tree trunk (any closer may cause excess moisture and damage the trunk). This will retain the moisture in the soil and will prevent weeds from taking over.
Fertilising
Apply 1 teaspoon of our slow-release nitrogen-rich berry fertiliser every 4-5 months.
Pruning
Cut away dead canes in the winter.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids, citrus psylla, red scale, citrus greening. Spraying regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control ) will assist in either prevention or after the fact. If you already have aphids or mites, wash the tree with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control.
Practice good garden hygiene (remove fallen fruit and leaves).
Watch for root rot (if overwatered) and fungal infections during wet periods.
Harvesting
To gauge whether your gooseberries are ready to be picked and enjoyed, squeeze the berry inside the brown husk gently. It should give a little under the pressure. If it is very soft, it is overripe.
