Red George Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa ‘Red George’)

Red George Gooseberry is a British-bred cultivar known for its large, deep red berries with a sweet-tart flavor, ideal for fresh eating, jams, jellies, and baking. This mid-season variety ripens in mid to late summer, producing abundant clusters of juicy fruit that are easy to pick. The shrub has a compact, rounded growth habit and features relatively few thorns, making harvesting more convenient compared to many other gooseberry varieties.

Red George thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soils. While it is not specifically known for strong disease resistance, it benefits from good air circulation and regular pruning to reduce susceptibility to common issues like powdery mildew. This cultivar is cold-hardy and performs well in climates with harsh winters, making it a reliable choice for northern gardens.

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