Growing
As a hybrid of blackcurrant and gooseberry, the jostaberry is a hardy, woody shrub that thrives in a variety of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. When establishing your plants, aim for well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.0. Because this is a perennial, you will typically plant nursery stock or use cuttings and divisions to expand your garden. Once established, these shrubs are remarkably resilient and can survive hard freezes, making them a dependable choice for much cooler climates.
To get the most out of your harvest, keep in mind that these berries do not continue to ripen once they are removed from the bush. You must pick them when they are fully ripe and ready to eat. Because they are delicate, avoid washing the fruit until you are ready to consume it, and store the berries unwashed in the fridge to prevent premature spoilage. If you have a surplus, the berries are well-suited for freezing or even canning. For those with limited space, the growth habit of this shrub allows it to perform quite well in containers, provided you maintain regular watering and avoid waterlogged soil.
Plant Witch