Northern Red Currant vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Northern Red Currant vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

Ribes triste

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Sebastien Gooseberry
Northern Red 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.

The Northern Red Currant is also known as the Swamp Red currant due to its preference for moist soil. As long as the soil is wet, this shrub can live in any degree of sunlight.

The currant itself is a bright red-purple berry enjoyed by many animals and some people for its sour flavour, similar to garden red currants. The flowers of this shrub are tiny and red or greenish-purple.

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Northern Red Currant Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Berries: shiny, sour, bright red
Harvest: late July to September
Flowers: reddish or greenish purple
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: none



Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans

Other Names: swamp red currant