Description
Ribes uva-crispa ‘Captivator’
Captivator Red Gooseberry produces abundant crops of medium to large, sweet, teardrop-shaped red berries that are excellent for fresh eating, jams, and desserts. This Canadian-bred variety is nearly thornless when mature, making it easier to harvest than most gooseberries. Vigorous, hardy, and highly productive, it shows strong resistance to powdery mildew and other common diseases. Like many modern gooseberries, it is a cross between European and American species, combining large fruit size with improved resilience. Gooseberries are highly nutritious, rich in vitamin A and phosphorus, and grow well in full sun to part shade. Remove older canes regularly to maintain healthy plants and strong yields.
USDA Zone: 3–8
Pollination: Self-fertile, but yields improve with another variety nearby
Time to productivity: 2–3 years from planting.
Ripening time: June–July.
Size: 3–5′ tall and 3–5′ wide.