Culture
Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers full sun. Plant in a location protected from strong winds and frost pockets. Plant bare root bushes in October or November. Needs regular summer and winter prunings to maximize fruit production.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Ribes uva-crispa, commonly called gooseberry, is a deciduous shrub which is primarily grown for its edible berries.
The genus name Ribes is derived from the Arabic ribas, the name used for Rheum ribes (Syrian rhubarb), an unrelated, wild rhubarb species. European herbalists possibly connected the two due to the acidic flavor of the flowering stem of R. ribes, or the visually similar panicles of red fruits.
'Invicta' is noted for its high fruit yields. Insignificant flowers appear in April, followed by almost golf ball sized, pale green berries with a mildly tart flavor that ripen in July. Vigorous, spreading growth habit. Has numerous thorns which make pruning more difficult.
Problems
In wet, humid conditions, anthracnose, powdery mildew and fungal leaf spots can be troublesome. Although white pine blister rust is not a problem in Missouri, this shrub is considered to be an alternate host for this disease and should not be planted in certain parts of the United States where the disease is prevalent (particularly in parts of the eastern United States). Contact your local Extension Service to verify if these plants can be grown in your area. Aphids, scale and bud mite are potential pests in some areas.
Uses
Grow in a protected location in the vegetable garden or fruit garden.