The best gooseberry varieties for central Russia with photos and descriptions (without thorns). Review of the best varieties in 2022

The article was prepared by a specialist for informational purposes only. We urge you not to self-medicate. When the first symptoms appear, consult a doctor.

Modern breeders have developed gooseberry varieties that do not have thorns on their stems. However, most gardeners prefer to grow traditional varieties of this plant in their garden plots. After all, despite the fact that picking berries from thorny bushes causes certain inconvenience, their benefits outweigh any discomfort.

However, different varieties of gooseberries are suitable for growing in different regions of Russia, so before planting, you must definitely clarify which variety you plan to plant.

How to choose a gooseberry variety

To make the right choice, you need to know the peculiarities of cultivating gooseberries, otherwise in your climate zone it may not take root or die over the winter. All its varieties have different color, taste, fruit size, and ripening time. Some have thorns, others don't. You also need to pay attention to the susceptibility of the variety to diseases, otherwise you will later face this difficult problem. It is also worth finding out how a particular variety tolerates drought.

Depending on the place of origin and general properties, the Gooseberry family can be divided into three large groups.

1. European gooseberry. It is distinguished by large fruits and rich taste. However, at the same time - weak resistance to viruses and diseases and a very low ability to reproduce.
2. American gooseberry. It is characterized by small fruits with an indeterminate taste. But it is resistant to fungal diseases. Reproduction occurs by layering and cuttings.
3. American-European hybrid gooseberry. It has large fruits with a pronounced taste. Relatively resistant to disease, extremely prolific.

The best varieties of this berry are quite unpretentious and at the same time high-yielding.
There are also types of gooseberries adapted for cultivation in the Moscow region, Siberia, and the Urals. They also have differences among themselves. They have different fruit sizes and colors (green, yellow, red, purple). They have or lack spines. They also have different ripening times and yields.

The most convenient to farm are bushes with straight shoots that are not prone to forming many shoots. Such bushes grow sparsely, and this gives them unlimited access to fresh air and sunlight. As a result, it becomes easier to care for the bushes, and the yield increases (see → ways to increase the yield of gooseberries)

Features of planting and caring for gooseberries in the Moscow region

Planting and care will not require specific manipulations; the gardener will have to water and feed the plant, but such procedures should be carried out during the 2nd year of its life. It is better to plant gooseberries in spring, in a prepared place.

Attention! The berries will need sunlight, but it is better to protect them from scorching rays.

If you fertilize, use organic matter - compost and mullein will do. Good results are observed when applying nitrate and other mineral fertilizers.

When choosing a gooseberry variety, take into account the features, follow the basic rules of planting and caring for the plant - this will increase the yield.

In terms of care, gooseberries cannot be called whimsical, but as they grow, fruiting may change. Much depends on the plant, its characteristics, as well as the gardener’s ability to properly care for it. Only years of experience will allow the gardener to optimize the process and get a decent result.

Review of the best gooseberry varieties

Gooseberries have more than 160 species, which differ from each other.
When choosing, you need to focus on the climatic conditions of your region or immediately choose sustainable species aimed at growing in Siberia. You also need to take into account the taste of the gooseberries that you prefer: some people like fruits with sourness, others like sweet varieties. There are fewer difficulties with thornless shrubs.

Tip #1. The bushes you choose should not be prone to producing too many shoots, otherwise you will be forced to prune every now and then.

Read the article ⇒ pruning gooseberries in autumn

Recently, many varieties of gooseberries have appeared that can be successfully cultivated in a variety of climatic zones. If you want to get an excellent harvest, you need to plant the best varieties on your plot.

The main differences between thornless gooseberries

Varieties differ in the shape, size and color of the berries, and taste: some are sour, others are sweeter. But all non-thorny and low-thorn varieties of gooseberries are characterized by common characteristics, they are:

• are not susceptible to fungal disease in the form of a white coating on the leaves (powdery mildew), especially Grushenka and Northern Captain;
• cold-resistant, do not freeze out in harsh winters, tolerate short-term frosts well;
• light-loving, bloom more actively in well-lit areas;
• high-yielding: on average, low-thorn and non-thorny varieties are 20-30% more productive than others.

• vitamin P, which strengthens vascular walls;
• pectin, which promotes digestion;
• ascorbic acid (2-4 times), which increases the body’s protective functions;
• trace elements: copper, selenium, zinc and others.

Recommended varieties for the Moscow region

When choosing gooseberries, you need to pay attention to the necessary conditions for growing them.
When choosing among the varieties of gooseberries for the Moscow region, you need to take into account the climate of this region. The yield and survival rate of this crop are greatly affected by fairly long winters and a lack of summer heat. Experts recommend considering winter-hardy hybrids with a strong root system that can easily withstand climate change.

1. "Sirius". The berries of this medium-ripening gooseberry variety are collected in clusters, several pieces each. Small round fruits have a sweet and sour taste. In the conditions of the Moscow region, the variety normally survives the cold. Not susceptible to fungal diseases and pests.
2. "Grushenka." The fruits are pear-shaped. Single spikes. The berries are collected in clusters of a couple of pieces. When ripe they acquire a rich dark color. Very tasty. Virtually no seeds. The berries contain a large amount of pectin.
3. "Ural". Fast-growing bushes of this gooseberry variety are grown on supports. The Ural berries are large, sweet and sour. The variety is resistant to powdery mildew. Pests practically do not touch it. High-yielding.
4. "Northern Captain" The dark berries of this variety are not very tasty to eat raw. However, gardeners willingly grow it to make good wine. The variety is high-yielding, frost-resistant. Has resistance to diseases.
5. "Belarusian Sugar" This is an early ripening variety. Compact, small, low bushes. The shoots have oblong, very sharp spines. The variety is cold-resistant, disease-resistant, and undemanding to growing conditions. Large green berries, very sweet. The weight of one berry is more than 9 grams. They are good for making jams, compotes, and eating fresh.
6. "Malachite". The variety is very popular. It is distinguished by a tall spreading bush grown on a support. The shoots are practically thornless. Green berries weigh about 6 grams. High-yielding. In the conditions of the Moscow region it tolerates cold well. Resistant to diseases.
7. "Kolobok" This is one of the best varieties for the Moscow region. Tall bushes grow quickly. It has small thin spines. It has very good productivity. Round large berries weigh 8-9 grams. They have juicy dark cherry pulp and are resistant to fungal diseases and temperature changes. Constant pruning of bushes increases productivity.

Thornless crops for the Moscow region

The absence of thorns is regarded by many gardeners as an advantage; among such gooseberries there are leaders and outsiders.

Thornless gooseberry

It is not afraid of powdery mildew, has a very neat crown, the branches stretch upward, despite its high growth, the gooseberry tolerates frost quite well.

Ural thornless

It has one drawback - it can begin to form an ovary early, which will lead to loss of yield. Despite this drawback, the species is distinguished by increased frost resistance and sweet fruits.

Northern captain

It shows good yield; with proper care, one bush can collect up to 12 kilograms of berries with a sweet taste and characteristic sourness.

African

It will have to wait for it to start bearing fruit; the wait will last no more than 3 years. As a result, the patient summer resident will be pleased with the Afghani with dark fruits with a sour taste.

Varieties for central Russia

Basically, most varieties are excellent for the climate of Russia and the Moscow region.
Typically, such varieties are winter-hardy and high-yielding. Resistant to diseases such as moth and powdery mildew.

1. "Spring Seedling". The variety has a mid-early ripening period. Yellowish-green berries weighing 4-6 grams have a dessert taste. Resistant to spring frosts and temperature changes. It begins to bear fruit early. The variety is valuable for its high yield - up to 9 kilograms per bush.
2. "Golden Light". Medium ripening variety. Drought-resistant and winter-hardy. Amber-yellow berries have a sweet and sour taste. “Golden Light” has great resistance to diseases.
3. "Masheka." Medium ripening variety. Considered universal. Winter-hardy. Resistant to diseases and pests. The bush is compact and vigorous. The shoots are light-colored, slightly spiny. Weight of round-oval berries is 3-4 grams.
4. "Ravolt." It is called productive, winter-hardy, self-fertile. The shoots have a few thorns. Medium-sized dark red juicy berries weigh 4-5 grams.
5. "English yellow." The bush is upright, compressed. Oval, medium-sized amber berries weigh 4-8 grams. Very sweet and tasty. You can collect up to 21 kilograms of berries from a bush. Winter-hardy. Spheroteca is mildly affected.
6. "Seedling of Lefort." Has high winter hardiness. Relatively resistant to powdery mildew. For the middle zone, it is considered one of the best, as it is productive: 6-10 kilograms of berries are harvested from the bush. The bush is spreading, powerful, thin, drooping shoots have thorns of medium thickness. Red-violet round-oval small berries have a delicate aroma and dessert taste.
7. "Olavie." The berries are medium-sized, weighing 3.7 grams, oval in shape, dark cherry, with thin skin. Juicy, sweet and sour in taste, almost without aroma.
8. "Chernomor". It is a slightly spreading, vigorous bush with a dense crown. The shoots have a slight thorniness. The berries are medium-sized, oval, dark red, almost black, without pubescence, with an average number of seeds. They have a harmonious sweet and sour taste.

Selection recommendations for regions

Each region has its own zoned varieties. In the south, in the middle zone and in the north, gooseberry varieties are distinguished by their adaptability and endurance to certain conditions.

Southern

For the Black Earth Region, it is recommended to choose varieties that tolerate long-term drought well. The ripening period can be any, since in the south summer lasts until the end of September. Any variety of gooseberry will have time to ripen to the end. It is also recommended to choose shrubs with a well-developed root system.

The culture prefers well-lit, sunny areas. However, in the Black Earth Region the sun is scorching, which can cause burns on the leaves. To protect the plants, they are covered with calico fabric.

Middle zone and Moscow region

Gooseberries with medium or early ripening, which lasts up to 125 days, are suitable. Frost resistance should be at a medium or high level. In this region, winter temperatures drop to -25 °C. Good immunity in a crop will greatly facilitate the task of caring for plantings.

Released varieties for the middle zone and the Moscow region have high yields, varied berry colors, moderate resistance to frost and drought, and they also tolerate sudden changes in weather conditions, which is typical for these territories.

Siberia and the Urals

In this region, summer lasts only 90 days. In order to have time to harvest a good gooseberry harvest, you need to choose varieties with early ripening that are resistant to severe Siberian frosts, have strong immunity and can easily cope with temperature changes.

The zoned varieties have all the necessary qualities; they are developed by scientists from the Agricultural Institute of Siberia. They are completely adapted to the northern climate. For the north, you need to choose varieties with frost resistance below - 38 ° C.

★ Top 7 sweetest and most delicious gooseberry varieties

When choosing a variety, also pay attention to the color of the fruit and the shape.

Classification of varieties by ripening time

To enjoy sweet berries for as long as possible, many experts advise planting 2-3 gooseberry bushes on a plot with different ripening periods.

Early ripening

This group includes species of shrubs that produce a harvest in early or mid-June, depending on growing conditions.

Important! Early ripening varieties bloom mainly in April; in some regions frosts are still typical at this time, which increases the risk of plant death. In this case, it is better to abandon these varieties.

Early ripening varieties include:

• Gooseberry variety Yarovaya. Its advantages include high yield, resistance to cold and disease. But the berries must be picked immediately after ripening, otherwise they may lose their taste.
• Gooseberry Grand. This is a large-fruited variety. Its reddish berries can weigh up to 13-15 g. The variety is distinguished by small thorns.
• Gooseberry Favorite. The advantages of the variety are that it is resistant to pests and has good resistance to spheroteca. Its berries have a yellowish tint, they are not very large (weighing up to 4 g).

There are other popular early ripening varieties - for example, Nezhny gooseberry, Pax, etc.

Mid-season

These gooseberry varieties produce a harvest in mid-July. Russian Red gooseberry is popular. It is a medium-sized shrub that has a yield of over 6 kg. And it can be grown everywhere except the Urals.

The Northern Captain gooseberry belongs to the same group. This is a variety with small red berries, weighing up to 4 g. They remain on the branches for a long time.

Late ripening

These varieties are not particularly popular, but they are also grown in the southern regions. For example, this is Korshudin - a variety with thin thorns and a sour taste. The berries appear on it closer to August. The Smenya seedling produces delicious pinkish fruits.

Fruits of the late-ripening Smena variety

Gooseberry varieties for wine

Gooseberries occupy one of the first places among berries in winemaking. Sometimes gooseberries are called “northern grapes.” And for good reason. Its fruits even look somewhat like grapes. And in taste and aroma, the wine made from it is similar to grape wine and is considered the best in taste among fruit and berry wines. Almost all varieties of gooseberries are suitable for winemaking. But the most delicious ones still come from varieties with large red or yellow berries.

You can make dry, table, sweet and dessert wine from gooseberries. It can have a different color and invariably a subtle bouquet of aroma.

It is relatively easy to make gooseberry dessert wine at home. To do this, a liter of pure juice is diluted with the same amount of water and 350 grams of sugar are added. And then the intoxicating drink is prepared using conventional technology. It will become soft and harmonious in taste in at least six months. From gooseberries you can get wine of any variety and excellent quality, especially if it is aged well. The best gooseberry wines are considered dessert and strong wines, with a bouquet and taste reminiscent of sherry.

To ensure that your gooseberry wine turns out to be of high quality, you need to listen to some advice from winemakers:

• To make wine, use ripe or unripe berries. Overripe gooseberries lose their aroma and taste, and the wine they make turns cloudy.
• The berries are processed immediately after picking. After lying for a while, they will lose their aroma.
• Berries for wine must be carefully sorted so that there are no spoiled specimens among them.
• To obtain a more aromatic wine, after crushing the berries, the resulting pulp should stand for 2-3 days in a cool place. And only after that it can be pressed.
• Table wines made from highly diluted gooseberry juice may acquire an unpleasant odor. Therefore, dilute the juice with water equally (50:50). Water can be replaced with non-acidic apples or pears. It is not without reason that gooseberry table wines are usually prepared with the addition of white currants or other berries.
• Depending on the color of the berries, wines come in different shades: dark yellow, golden yellow, greenish yellow.
• Gooseberry table wines have a rather sharp taste and characteristic aftertaste, which are absent in sweet and strong gooseberry wines.

Winemakers and tasters rate gooseberry wines very highly - they are given 9 points on a 10-point scale.
Gooseberry wine is especially popular in France. For the preparation of dry and semi-sweet wines, the following varieties are used:

• "Russian",
• "Cossack"
• "Weakly spiky."

For dessert wines:

• "Chernomor"
• "Jubileer"
• "Plum",
• “Prune” [wp-svg-icons icon=”sun” wrap=”i”] features of cultivation and care.

General advantages and disadvantages of thornless gooseberries

Black gooseberries - growing at home

Like any selected species, the plant has the best qualities, but it also has flaws. Thornless gooseberries have the following advantages:

• The bush is easy to process; harvesting is not complicated due to the absence of thorns.
• Basically, all varieties are frost-resistant and immune to standard gooseberry diseases.
• High yield is combined with good taste.

Negative aspects of the plant:

• Gooseberries are not thorny along the branches, but thorns are present on the trunk at the pre-root part.
• The shrub requires more careful pruning, since the above-ground part is usually quite large and spreading.
• The berries are not always large.

Drought resistance, frost resistance

Thornless gooseberries, the varieties of which are more popular, are resistant to low temperatures. Some of them also tolerate hot, dry weather well. If any problems arise due to unfavorable climatic conditions, with proper care they can be quickly resolved.

Productivity and fruiting

Selected types of crops give an excellent harvest, which can range from 5 to 15 kg from one average bush. The berries are usually evenly distributed along the branches and can be formed in clusters of 2-3 fruits.

Productivity

The ripening of each type is determined individually, but usually in mid-June or early August you can taste ripe berries.

Area of ​​application of fruits

Selected gooseberries have a huge scope of application. The taste and aroma make the berries of the plant universal for any type of processing. Gooseberries combine wonderfully with any berries and fruits.

Possible methods of consumption, cooking and preservation:

• cooking preserves and jams;
• making wine;
• fresh consumption;
• canning compotes.

Additional Information. Thornless gooseberry varieties are well transported due to the presence of dense skin. Some species do not fall off for a long period after ripening.

Resistance to diseases and pests

Selected gooseberry varieties are immune to many diseases and pests standard for the crop:

• powdery mildew;
• anthracnose;
• septoria;
• fungal diseases;
• spider mite;
• fire

Sustainability

This makes the plant more popular among gardeners, since in most cases the harvest is lost precisely because of such common diseases.

How to land correctly

The best time for planting and replanting is autumn, after the leaves have fallen. This recommendation is relevant for any region.

Select a planting site for the Russian Yellow variety according to the following principle:

• the area should not be swampy;
• the place is well lit naturally;
• the soil is fertile, not too loose, light loam is acceptable;
• when groundwater is high, choose a location on a hill;
• on the north side, the gooseberries should be protected from cold winds.

Before planting, seedlings are carefully inspected for rot, damage by pests and diseases. White coating on the branches and a weak root system mean that the plant is sick. It is better to purchase a seedling from a nursery; there will be less chance of introducing viral and fungal diseases into the area.

The distance between neighboring gooseberry bushes is left at least a meter, maybe more, since it grows quite spreading.

For a healthy two to three year old seedling, a planting hole measuring 50-60 cm deep and 40-50 cm in diameter is sufficient. Crushed stone or any other drainage is placed at the bottom of the hole. Pour a glass of superphosphate. A mound is made in a hole from fertile soil mixed with rotted manure, a seedling is placed on it, and the roots of the seedling are carefully spread along the slopes of the mound.

The planting depth should ensure that the root collar is covered with a 5-6 cm layer of soil. After planting, the gooseberries are watered and trimmed, leaving 4-8 buds. Cover the top with mulch.

On a note! During the summer, the mulch is renewed, this is especially important during prolonged rains and wet, cold spring. This is a necessary preventive measure against diseases and pests.