Jostaberry (Ribes x nidigrolaria 'Josta')

Jostaberry 'Josta' is the original 1970s jostaberry cultivar, a vigorous thornless hybrid between black currant (Ribes nigrum) and gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa). At Oak Summit, we have generally found jostaberry to grow faster than currants or gooseberries.

The upright, spreading shrubs produce clusters of large deep purple-black berries with a flavour that combines gooseberry sweet-tart character and the richer aromatic notes of black currant. Fruit ripens in mid to late summer and is useful fresh or for jams, jellies, pies, and wine.

Jostaberry grows in full sun to partial shade, prefers well-drained fertile soil, and is highly resistant to powdery mildew and white pine blister rust. Annual pruning helps keep the shrub open and productive.

Cold Hardiness Zone: 3
Mature Size: 5-6 ft tall and wide