Northern Red Currant vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Northern Red Currant vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Ribes triste

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Northern Red Currant
Sebastien Gooseberry

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 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.

Northern Red Currant Quick Facts

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

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




Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans
Other Names: swamp red currant