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Smoky Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Sebastien Gooseberry
Amelanchier alnifolia Smoky
Ribes uva-crispa Sebastien
NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON
(new stock expected: fall of 2026)
Smoky Saskatoon is a large deciduous shrub that suckers and produces edible fruit. Smoky Saskatoons are one of the most productive and widely used Saskatoons and have large sweet berries with good yields.
One of the oldest and first good yielding cultivars, a majority of the commercial saskatoon orchards were based on this cultivar until Northline and other cultivars were introduced.
Smoky has slightly smaller fruit than Northline and a milder taste but is not acidic like Pembina, Thiessen or Honeywood.
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.
Smoky Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts
Sebastien Gooseberry Quick Facts
Toxicity: leaves are toxic to humans