Hinnonmaki Red Gooseberry

Hinnonmaki Gooseberry is a well-known, cold-hardy gooseberry variety grown for its dependable crops and bold, classic gooseberry flavor. It is a great choice if you want a tough shrub that produces reliably in northern climates, with fruit that can be eaten fresh when fully ripe or used for jam, pie, syrup, and baking. Hinnonmaki is often sold in color types (commonly Red, Yellow, and sometimes Green), but they share a similar plant habit and care needs.

Hinnonmaki forms a dense, branching shrub with a naturally compact size, making it a good fit for small gardens, edible hedges, and fruit rows. Like most gooseberries, it has thorny stems, so gloves are helpful at harvest time.

Quick growing details

USDA grow zones: 3-8

Sun: Full sun to part shade (afternoon shade can help in hot summer areas)

Mature size: Typically 3-5 ft tall and 3-5 ft wide

Plant habit: Dense, upright to slightly spreading, thorny

Fruit details and harvest timing

Fruit size: Medium, round berries

Flavor: Classic sweet-tart gooseberry flavor, usually sweetest when fully ripe

Ripening window: Early to mid-summer in many regions, often June to July depending on climate

Harvest notes: Pick when fruit has reached full color and softens slightly for the best fresh-eating flavor. Earlier-picked berries are great for cooking and preserves.

Pollination

Self-fertile: Yes, one plant can produce fruit on its own

Bigger yields with a partner: Planting a second gooseberry variety nearby often increases total yield and can improve berry size, especially with strong pollinator activity

Planting and care basics

Spacing: About 4-5 ft between plants for airflow and easier picking

Soil: Well-drained soil is ideal, avoid places that stay wet

Water: Keep evenly moist during the first year, then water during dry spells and while fruit is filling

Pruning: In late winter or early spring, remove a few older stems to encourage new fruiting wood and keep the center open for airflow

Mulch: Helps retain moisture and reduce weeds around the base of the plant