Alpine Currant vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Alpine Currant vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Ribes alpinum

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Alpine Currant
Sebastien Gooseberry

Alpine Currant is a great shrub to plant along sidewalks, near building or at your property boundary as a hedge or accent species. It is widely used by commercial landscapers in parking lots and near buildings because of its hardiness, attractiveness, and pollution tolerance.

While Alpine Currant produces edible berries, they are not palatable.

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.

Alpine Currant Quick Facts

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Height: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (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: small, bright red
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Harvest: late July to September
Flowers: greenish yellow and fragrant
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: low
Suckering: low




Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans
Other Names: mountain currant