Gooseberry pruning – not the same as current pruning

A common mistake is to compare gooseberry pruning to current pruning. But there is a difference due to the nature of gooseberry wood, which is flexible and bends – this is how gooseberry forms shoots and clusters. If you do not take an action and shorten them, the bush will create a dense crown which will make harvesting much harder.

Think before you make the first cut. The best time is from the end of November to March. And what should you focus on?

7 shoots per gooseberry are more than enough

When growing a gooseberry bush or tree, select about seven longest shoots around the perimeter that have already grown after a radical cut made after planting. Shorter twigs will grow on these long shoots. Shorten twigs to one or two buds. This way you create excellent conditions for growth and “force” the bush to produce the first fertile buds.
The shoots you left will lengthen in the second year and will grow back in short increments. Shorten these again by two to three buds in the third year. This is how you grow solid wood but it will take four to six years. You cannot rush things and do not think about the next year only, but think ahead several years in advance. This is a procedure that is effective and works.

Photo: Pixabay

Gooseberry pruning tips

First, you need to preserve wood with new grown shoots. Do not cut it if it is not absolutely necessary! Leave the best branches and cut those where “nothing is happening”. Leave nice new shoots only when the older ones starts to lose their “growth dynamics”.

A noticeably long annual growth is a chance to make a rejuvenation cut. This way you ensure a gradual replacement of fertile wood. As a matter of fact, you will not be pruning the entire bush, but only certain parts every year. The bush should be composed of parts that produce the most fruit and from parts that do not produce that much. This is will affect harvest yes, but that is how it should be done.

Preview photo: Pixabay

Source: https://www.ireceptar.cz/zahrada/jak-prorezavat-kerovy-a-stromkovy-angrest.html