Pixwell Gooseberry (1/2 Gallon Pot)

Name: Pixwell Gooseberry (1/2 Gallon Pot)
SKU: 7949
Availability: OutOfStock

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$15.00

Categories: Cold Hardy Fruit Bushes, Fruit Bushes for USDA Zone 3, Fruit Bushes for USDA Zone 4, Fruit Bushes for USDA Zone 5, Fruit Bushes for USDA Zone 6, Fruit Bushes for USDA Zone 7, Gooseberry Plants for Sale, Pixwell, Shop for Fruit Bushes by USDA Zone, USDA Zone 8

Planting Instructions

1. Choose the Right Spot

Sun: Full sun in cooler climates; in hot summer areas, give them morning sun and light afternoon shade.
Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil is best. Avoid spots where water sits after rain.
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (around 6.0–7.0) is ideal.

If your soil is heavy clay, mix in compost and some coarse material (like pine bark fines) to improve drainage.

2. Prepare the Soil

Clear weeds and grass in a circle at least 2–3 feet wide.
Work in 2–3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 8–10 inches of soil.
Rake the area smooth.

3. Spacing

Space Pixwell gooseberries 3–4 feet apart in the row.
If planting multiple rows, keep rows about 6 feet apart so you can move around them easily.

4. Planting Bare-Root Gooseberries

Hydrate the roots:
- Soak bare-root plants in a bucket of water for 30–60 minutes before planting.
Dig the hole:
- Make a hole wide enough to spread the roots out naturally, and deep enough so the crown (where roots meet stems) will be about 1–2 inches below soil level.
Position the plant:
- Set the plant in the hole, gently spreading the roots outward and downward.
Backfill:
- Fill the hole with your improved soil, firming gently as you go to remove air pockets.
- Make sure the plant sits at the correct depth (crown just below soil level).
Water in:
- Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

5. Planting Potted Gooseberries

Water the pot well before planting.
Slide the plant out and gently loosen any circling roots.
Dig a hole as deep as the pot and about twice as wide.
Set the plant so the soil level in the pot is even with the surrounding soil (you can go up to 1 inch deeper if you want extra stability).
Backfill, firm lightly, and water deeply.

6. Mulch and Watering

Add 2–3 inches of mulch (shredded bark, straw, or leaves) around the base, keeping it a couple of inches away from the stems.
Keep soil consistently moist, not soggy, especially during the first growing season.
- Aim for a deep watering 1–2 times per week, depending on heat and rainfall.

7. First-Year Pruning & Care

Right after planting, you can lightly prune long shoots back to 4–6 buds to encourage branching and a bushier plant.
Remove any dead, broken, or rubbing stems.
In the first year, focus on root and plant establishment rather than heavy fruiting. If it sets a lot of berries, you can remove some to reduce stress on the plant.

8. Ongoing Maintenance

Keep the area weed-free so the gooseberry does not compete for water and nutrients.
Refresh mulch each year.
Water during dry spells, especially in summer.

Description

1/2 gallon potted. Will be removed from pot for shipping.

Best grown in USDA zones 3-8.

The Pixwell gooseberry is a cold-hardy, productive shrub known for its tart, versatile fruit and easy-to-grow nature. Developed in North Dakota in the early 20th century, it remains a popular choice for home gardeners due to its resilience and consistent yields. The name “Pixwell” comes from its fruiting habit, berries hang on slender stems that “pick well,” making harvesting simple and efficient.

This deciduous shrub reaches about 3 to 5 feet in height and has a naturally arching growth habit. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Pixwell is adaptable to a range of climates and is especially valued in USDA zones 3 through 8 for its ability to withstand harsh winters. Like other gooseberries, it may develop thorns, but they tend to be less pronounced in this variety, making it more manageable during pruning and harvesting.

Pixwell gooseberries typically begin fruiting in their second or third year after planting, with harvest season occurring in mid-to-late summer. The fruit starts out green, gradually ripening to a soft pink or light purple hue when fully mature. Berries are small to medium-sized and can be eaten fresh, though they are most commonly used in pies, jams, jellies, and sauces due to their tart flavor.

The plant is self-pollinating, though having multiple bushes can improve yield. Each mature bush can produce up to 4 quarts of fruit per season. Regular pruning of older canes helps maintain productivity and air circulation.

Pixwell gooseberries are a reliable, cold-tolerant fruiting shrub well suited for edible landscapes, berry hedgerows, or small garden plots. Their high yields, ease of care, and flavorful fruit make them an excellent addition to home orchards and berry gardens.