Thiessen Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Thiessen Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Amelanchier alnifolia Thiessen

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Thiessen Saskatoon (Serviceberry)
Sebastien Gooseberry

Thiessen Saskatoon is a deciduous shrub that produces delicious edible fruit. It is one of the most productive saskatoon varieties. Its fruit is great in pies, preserves or eating fresh.

Thiessen Saskatoon is popular with U-Picks and home owners because of its taller tree-like shape and larger berries. But it is not the best choice for berry orchards as it is too tall for most mechanical harvesting equipment.

Sebastien Gooseberry is a nearly thornless variety that produces medium-sized, red gooseberries. When the berries are fully ripe they are quite sweet and great for fresh eating. They can be stored for up to two weeks in the fridge. For baking and preserves, they are often picked when under-ripe when they are firm and tart. The general harvest period is anywhere from July to September.

Sebastien Gooseberry is a Canadian variety that was developed at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada research station in Ottawa.

Gooseberries are self-pollinating but planting with another variety will increase yields.

Thiessen Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $6.99 - SAVE UP TO 36%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: blue
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Harvest: late July to September
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: low




Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans
Other Names: alder-leaf shadbush, dwarf shadbush, pacific serviceberry, pigeon berry, western juneberry, western serviceberry