Jostaberry: care, pruning & propagation

The jostaberry is a relatively new berry hybrid that is easy to grow in any garden with a mild climate. Here you will learn everything you need to know about correct planting, care and use.

What does a jostaberry look like? What are its location requirements? When should you prune the jostaberry and can you propagate it yourself? Read on to find out everything about the jostaberry, as well as helpful hints for growing it at home.

Jostaberry: origin and characteristics

The jostaberry (Ribes x nidigrolaria) is a cross between the blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) and the gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) and has been hybridised several times in Germany. Once in 1922 in Müncheberg, and twice in the mid-1950s in Dresden-Pillnitz and in Cologne-Vogelsang at the same time. The growers sometimes used different species as parents, but they all called the result jostaberries. In fact, the various hybrids are similar: all resemble their parents, the blackcurrant and the gooseberry in terms of appearance and taste, as well as some related wild species. The jostaberry is also known as a spreading gooseberry, Worcesterberry or goose-currant. Just like its parent plants, this unique berry belongs to the Grossulariaceae family.

Its typical characteristics are a mixture of the blackcurrant and the gooseberry. The jostaberry bush is thornless and grows about two metres tall and wide. When ripe, its fruits look like oversized blackcurrants or small gooseberries with a translucent, deep black-purple fruit skin. New branches emerge near the base or in the middle of the plant. Its three-lobed, rounded and notched leaves are also a reminder of its family origins. It does not, however, have the usual blackcurrant aroma. The flowers, similar to those of gooseberries, grow solitary or in pairs on short stems from perennial branches and appear between April and May in striking purple. The flowers are also self-fertile, so you do not need a second jostaberry nearby for optimal fertilisation.

The most delicious jostaberry varieties

Despite the fact that the jostaberry has only been around for a short time, a number of varieties with distinct characteristics have emerged in recent years:

• Jostaberry ˈJostaˈ: The best-known variety is characterised by its strong, rather upright growth. Its fruits ripen from the end of June and taste sweet and sour with a strong aroma. It tastes delicious plucked straight from the bush, as well as in jams and jellies. It is resistant to blackcurrant gall mite, gooseberry powdery mildew, blister rust and leaf spot disease.
• Jostaberry ˈJochelineˈ: A variety with late flowering and late ripening that produces fruit with an intense currant aroma. Suitable for frost-prone locations. Weaker growing bush with high susceptibility to powdery mildew and blister rust and little susceptibility to a blackcurrant gall mite infestation.
• Jostaberry ˈJograndaˈ: Small-growing, very robust variety with late-ripening, large berries. Blooms late and is therefore particularly suitable for frost-prone locations. Less susceptible to powdery mildew, blister rust and blackcurrant gall mite.
• Jostaberry ˈJostineˈ: A vigorous variety with a rather upright growth and early flowering while the berries have a medium ripening time. Rather low yield with smaller berries that have a particularly intense aroma. Largely tolerant to powdery mildew, blister rust, and blackcurrant gall mite.
• Jostaberry ˈRiköˈ: Originating from Hungary, vigorous, very robust variety with relatively large berries. Higher susceptibility to powdery mildew and blister rust. Resistant to blackcurrant gall mite.

Planting jostaberries: location and method

In many ways, the jostaberry is similar to the blackcurrant in terms of cultivation. The main thing here is to choose the right location so that the bush can grow to its full potential. A location with plenty of sunlight is ideal for fruit ripening, but windy and frost-prone areas should be avoided. In frost-prone locations, there is a risk that the early blossoms will not be pollinated, resulting in fruits not developing from the flowers. ‘Jogranda’ and ‘Jocheline’ jostaberries are ideal for such locations because they bloom late. In the process of pollination, individual blossoms are shed if they have not been pollinated by insects. Even when heavy-laden with fruit, the jostaberry is sensitive to wind. The jostaberry has fewer requirements for its soil. It prefers a medium-heavy, humus-rich, nutrient-rich and slightly acidic soil.

The best time for planting a jostaberry shrub is late autumn, as soon as it has lost its leaves. Dig a planting hole about two to three metres away from other plants to give the jostaberry enough space to grow. The size of the hole is always based on the bush’s root ball and should be approximately twice the size of the root ball. Place your jostaberry inside the hole about as deep as it was previously in the pot (but it can tolerate a little deeper) and fill with soil. Immediately after planting, select the three to five strongest branches to leave on the bush. Prune back the remaining branches to the ground and shorten the selected main branches to about 30 to 40 centimetres. Now water the jostaberry well to ensure good soil contact and healthy growth.

Summary: Planting jostaberries

• Plant jostaberries in late autumn, as soon as they have lost their leaves
• Plant around 2 – 3 m away from other plants
• Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball
• Place the jostaberry in the hole and fill with soil
• Select the 3 – 5 strongest branches as main branches and cut back the remaining branches close to the ground
• Shorten the main branches to about 30 – 40 cm in length
• Water the plant well

Growing jostaberries in pots: If you do not have a garden, you can also grow jostaberries in a pot on your balcony or terrace. As the jostaberry has a fibrous root system, choose a container that is large enough to accommodate the spreading roots. When grown in a pot, a nitrogen-rich soil is advantageous because the young plant is optimally supplied from the start and can develop healthily. Jostaberry also has higher nitrogen requirements than other soft fruits. For example, our nutrient-rich Plantura Organic Tomato & Vegetable Compost contains all of the essential nutrients that young plants require right after planting and can also store a lot of water thanks to the coconut fibres. To keep moisture in the soil, cover the soil surface with a layer of mulch.

Organic Tomato & Vegetable Compost, 40L

(5/5)

• Perfect for tomatoes & other vegetables such as chillies, courgettes & more
• For strong & healthy plant growth as well as an abundant vegetable harvest
• Peat-free & organic soil: CO₂-saving composition

£16.99

Shop now!

Jostaberry care

With a few simple steps, the jostaberry can easily thrive throughout the year. The correct water and nutrient supply is particularly important. Pruning and pest control, on the other hand, should not be overlooked in order to keep the plants healthy and productive.

Watering and fertilising

Especially during prolonged drought, deep watering of the soil is important for uniform crop growth. Do not let the soil dry out between waterings, but rather keep it as evenly moist as possible. Put a mulch layer of lawn clippings, compost, pine bark, or leaf litter around the jostaberry bush to lower evaporation and to help keep the soil evenly moist.

In order to preserve the soil nutrients, fertilise the jostaberry for the first time no later than two years after planting as it has a high nutrient requirement. Use a slow-release fertiliser to provide the plant with nutrients throughout the entire vegetation period. Jostaberries are sensitive to chlorine and have a high potassium requirement in order to form healthy fruits. Due to the early growth, apply the fertiliser in early February. We recommend using a plant-based slow-release fertiliser, such as our Plantura All Purpose Plant Food. It is especially gentle on plants, soil and garden life and is composed of natural raw materials. This actively conserves resources and saves energy during production compared to mineral fertilisers.

All Purpose Plant Food, 1.5kg

(4.8/5)

• Perfect for a variety of plants in the garden & on the balcony
• Promotes healthy plant growth & an active soil life
• Long-lasting fertiliser that is free from animal products - child & pet friendly

£9.99

Shop now!

Pruning jostaberries

Regular care of the adult jostaberry includes pruning it. Once your jostaberry bush is about four years old, cut back older branches close to the ground with sharp secateurs, leaving only six to eight strong main branches behind. Established branches (two to four years old) are especially important for fruiting and need to be left on the plant, whereas branches that are too old can be removed without hesitation. Thinning out the branches ensures that old branches with grey bark are cut back, so that the remaining branches on the bush are no older than three years. In addition, prune back weak branches annually. The best time for this is immediately after harvest, or in late winter, just before resprouting begins.

Tip: The jostaberry, unlike other currant bushes, does not require annual pruning because its fruit forms on short shoots from older branches. Pruning each year, on the other hand, promotes a good yield and makes harvesting easier.

Pruning a standard jostaberry tree: Pruning standard jostaberry trees on a regular basis is essential for maintaining their shape. Firstly, prune back all hanging branches, along with any upright, overgrown branches. Trim all protruding branches so that they are even with the remaining branches for the sake of the tall trunk’s aesthetics. To reduce the risk of disease infection, always use sharp and clean secateurs when cutting the jostaberry trunk.

Summary: Jostaberry care

• Water jostaberries during the growing phase so that the soil is always slightly moist
• Add a mulch layer to improve soil climate and reduce evaporation
• Fertilise the Jostaberry within 2 years with a high-quality slow-release fertiliser, such as our Plantura All Purpose Plant Food
• Thin out older branches on the bush after harvest or before the growing phase begins in late winter: branches should be one to three years old; prune back all older branches to close to the ground

Jostaberry does not produce fruit or bloom

There could be several reasons why the jostaberry does not bear fruit or bloom. These are frequently the causes:

• Freshly planted: The jostaberry does not always bear flowers and fruits the first year it is planted. There is no need to be concerned because the bush will flower and bear fruit the following year.
• Late frosts: If late frosts occur during the sensitive phase of flower formation, the flowers may be frostbitten, resulting in the jostaberry not fruiting. As soon as frost is forecast, cover the jostaberry with fleece or brushwood to protect it.
• Lack of pollination: Due to excessively cold weather, pollinators such as bees and bumblebees may not fly as much, resulting in the jostaberry not being pollinated.
• Wrong location: Jostaberries will not grow well in a location that is too dark or too windy and will not produce flowers and fruit – transplant your jostaberry bush to a better location.

Common pests and diseases

In general, the jostaberry is very hardy and rarely succumbs to diseases or pests. The majority of varieties are resistant to diseases such as gooseberry powdery mildew, leaf spot disease, and the blackcurrant gall mite. Only aphids can infest the jostaberry, but they can be washed away with a water jet if the infestation is mild. If the infestation is severe, see this article for effective methods of controlling aphids.

If the jostaberry has yellow leaves, it is usually due to over-fertilisation or a fertiliser with a high chloride content. Stop using fertiliser for a while, and then swap over to a primarily organic fertiliser.

Propagating jostaberries

Jostaberries can be propagated via cuttings or offshoots. Here is a quick over of both options:

Propagating jostaberries using cuttings: It is really easy to propagate jostaberries by taking cuttings. Cut off approximately 15 cm sections of one-year-old wood from the bush between September and April. Strong, healthy shoots from the outer area are especially suitable as cuttings, as they have received a lot of light during their development and have not had to grow excessively long. Place the cuttings halfway into a container filled with soil and water thoroughly. Healthy root development of the cuttings can be aided by using a high-quality sowing soil such as our Plantura Organic Herb & Seedling Compost, since its specifically reduced nutrient content stimulates root growth and thus ensures healthy plants. In addition, we do not use peat in our growing soil, which is beneficial to the environment. Place the cutting in a warm, bright place at around 12 to 16 °C to form roots before being planted out the following year.

Propagating jostaberries using offshoots: Another easy way to propagate jostaberry is to use offshoots. At the start of the growing season in spring, guide individual shoots to the ground in an arc and secure them to the ground about 30 to 50 cm below the tip of the shoot with a stone, a piece of wood, or wire. After that, cover the shoot with soil. By autumn, the offshoot will have established roots to supply itself with water and nutrients. Now, separate the offshoot from the mother plant and plant in its own spot.

Tip: It is not a problem if the bark of the lowered shoot cracks. Roots will form quickly around this site.

Harvesting jostaberries

Harvesting for early-maturing varieties can begin as early as mid-June. However, because the fruits ripen one after the other, it is important not to harvest all of the fruit from the bush at the same time. The harvest happens over several weeks. Jostaberries grow particularly tightly on the bush and should be picked with caution to avoid damaging the plant. Pick the jostaberries individually by hand.

How to use jostaberries?

Jostaberries taste similar to blackcurrants but are much sweeter. The berries can be eaten both raw and cooked. Jostaberry jams and jellies are particularly popular, as are jostaberry brandy, liqueur and juice. Jostaberries can be easily frozen or canned to be eaten or processed at a later date. Once picked, jostaberries can only be stored for a short time and need to be used as soon as possible. However, they can remain on the bush for two to three weeks at full maturity without losing quality or spoiling, so only pick what you can eat.

How healthy are jostaberries? Jostaberries are high in vitamin C. According to studies, 100 g of fresh jostaberries can meet the daily vitamin C requirement. Much of the vitamin C is lost when the berries are boiled or made into jostaberry jam. Furthermore, the berries are high in minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium. They are also said to have antioxidant properties.