How to grow Gooseberry in Australia
A cool-climate bush for Tasmania, the highlands and cool southern gardens. Likes moisture and some afternoon shade.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Sun: Part shade
- Water: 12 litres a week, watered every 3 days
- Spacing: 150 cm
- Time to harvest: 730 days (about 2 years)
- Time to germinate: 1 days
- Soil pH: 6 to 6.8
- Frost tolerance: Frost hardy
When to sow by region
| Region | When to sow | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| South East Queensland | Not suited | Not viable in SEQ. Needs cold winters; summer humidity brings mildew. |
| Northern Rivers NSW | Not suited | Not viable. Needs cold winters and mild summers, and summer humidity brings mildew. |
| Sydney & Coastal NSW | Not suited | Not reliable on the coast. Humid summers bring mildew and winters lack chill. Upper Blue Mountains only. |
| Melbourne & Victoria | June to August | |
| Adelaide & SA | June to August | |
| Perth & WA | Not suited | Not reliable in Perth. Hot dry summers scorch the bush and winters lack chill. Cooler south west only. |
| Tasmania | June to August | |
| Canberra & ACT | June to August | |
| North Queensland | Not suited | Not viable. Needs cold winters and mild summers. Impossible in the tropics. |
| Darwin & Top End | Not suited | Not viable. Needs winter chill and mild summers. No chill in Darwin. |
Harvest and storage
Storage
Fridge up to a week; freezes well.