Balsors Blackberry vs Sebastien Gooseberry - TreeTime.ca

Balsors Blackberry vs Sebastien Gooseberry

Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien

Rubus fruticosus Balsors

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Sebastien Gooseberry
Balsors Blackberry

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 Balsors Blackberry is a cold-hardy variety that produces very large, sweet and juicy blackberries late in the summer. They are great for baking and fresh eating.

Balsors Blackberry are floricanes, primarily fruiting on second year canes. Each spring cut back all two-year old canes, leaving only the last year’s growth. This is a self-pollinating variety, so it doesn’t require a second plant nearby to set fruit.

Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts

Balsors Blackberry 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: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: reddish and medium sized
Berries: black
Fruit size: large
Firmness: soft
Flavor: sweet
Harvest: late July to September
Harvest: August
Bark: has thorns
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: low
Suckering: low



Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans

Other Names: balsors hardy blackberry, illinois blackberry