Golden Currant vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Golden Currant vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

Ribes aureum

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(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

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Sebastien Gooseberry
Golden Currant

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.

Golden Currant produces berries for jams, jellies, sauces and even pemmican. This currant bush is very dense, allowing for use as a hedge, windbreak, or wildlife habitat.

This plant is also a very popular rootstock to graft popular red and white currant varieties to. The resulting plants are taller, more productive, and easier to harvest.

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Golden Currant Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Fall colour: reddish purple
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Berries: glossy black berries
Harvest: late July to September
Flowers: yellow
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium



Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans

Other Names: buffalo currant, clove currant, fragrant golden currant, golden flowering currant, spicebush