Tailless best varieties of gooseberries

There are no 100% thornless gooseberry varieties, no matter how the sellers of seedlings assure you of the opposite. The fact is that thorns can suddenly appear on any gooseberry bush or, on the contrary, disappear - it depends on the peculiarities of caring for the bush and on its age. For example, in the weakly thorny Northern Captain, young seedlings are covered with sharp thorns, which after a while almost completely disappear, but Vladil's smooth shoots, on the contrary, subsequently grow thorns.

Popular gooseberry varieties without thorns

Ripe gooseberries are tasty and healthy; you can cook many interesting dishes from them and make preparations for the winter in the form of compotes, jams or preserves. But while you collect all the berries from the bush, you risk getting scratched from head to toe. For excessive thorniness and many gardeners do not like this unpretentious culture. Fortunately, breeders have long bred the thornless gooseberry, the bushes of which are almost completely devoid of thorns.

Thornless and weakly thorny gooseberries tolerate Russian harsh winters

Among gardeners, it is believed that thorny gooseberries produce more delicious fruits than gooseberries without thorns. In this case, is it worth planting a thornless gooseberry? In fact, the flavor of the berries is determined by the variety - some varieties have a mediocre taste, while others have a wonderful, intense fruit flavor. In addition, thornless and weakly thorny gooseberries tolerate Russian harsh winters well, begin to bear fruit early and are not afraid of frosts characteristic of late spring. It was also noticed that bushes with weak thorniness are distinguished by significant resistance to powdery mildew.

Video about growing large gooseberries

Northern captain

In this variety, single thorns are extremely rare on the bush, we can say that the gooseberry is thornless. Oval berries of a black shade with a distinguishable waxy bloom are arranged in brushes of two or three pieces. Fresh fruits are of average taste, but excellent for making homemade wine. In addition, the North Captain has a high yield, resistance to cold and fungal diseases.

Malachite

On vigorous bushes, sparse thorns are evenly distributed throughout the shoot. Large green berries with delicate pulp and thin skin have a specific flavor, due to which they are most often used for compotes and preserves. High winter hardiness, excellent yield and resistance to powdery mildew are additional advantages of the variety.

Gooseberry "Malachite"

African

In a medium-sized, moderately spreading bush, thorns are almost never found. Dark purple berries, covered with a waxy bloom, are distinguished by a light taste of black currant - they are tasty fresh, as well as in the form of compotes, jelly and jam. The African is resistant to powdery mildew, but there is a risk of being affected by anthracnose.

Lights of Krasnodar

If you are interested in thornless gooseberries with delicious berries, check out this variety. On the branches and shoots of a semi-sprawling bush, thorns are not found, dark red small fruits are pleasant to the taste.The Ogni Krasnodar variety is resistant to disease, drought and frost.

Variety Ogni Krasnodar resistant to disease, drought and frost

Sirius

Another thornless variety that deserves attention. Sirius is not a prickly gooseberry, of average ripening. Medium-sized rounded berries are collected in a brush, one or two pieces, taste sweet and sour, suitable for fresh consumption and for harvesting for the winter. Sirius is resistant to fungal diseases and tolerates winter well.

Grushenka

On the shoots of the bush, thorns are almost imperceptible, the fruits of a characteristic pear-shaped shape grow in brushes in two pieces. Fully ripe berries are rich in dark color, small seeds and pleasant taste, rich in pectin substances.

Gingerbread man

This popular variety is valued for its thornlessness, rapid growth of the bush, good recovery from damage, large fruit size and early fruiting. However, Kolobok also has disadvantages: the gooseberry is sensitive to a sharp change in frost and thaw, too sprawling bush must be constantly cut off. And the rounded cherry-colored berries have a rather mediocre taste.

Video about the Kolobok gooseberry variety

Ural besshorny

The shoots of vigorous bushes are practically devoid of thorns, light green large fruits have a sweetish dessert taste with sourness, are used fresh and are used to prepare preparations for the winter. Powdery mildew of the Ural thornless gooseberry is rarely affected, it is resistant to other diseases.

As you can see, the breeders tried to diversify the thornless gooseberry - its varieties are currently very numerous and not similar to each other. In addition to the listed varieties, the studless and weakly thorny varieties are also noteworthy: Chernomor, Shalun, Yubilyar, Prune, Sadko, Pushkinskiy, Senator, Laskovy, Rodnik, Kolkhozny, Leningradets, Kooperator, Beryl.

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Gooseberries can be found in almost every site in the central region of Russia. Gardeners often think about which variety to choose and plant. Let's try to figure it out together by reading the description of the most popular of them. Varieties are divided according to many criteria, Kolobok, Grushenka, Russian yellow and Amber are most suitable for the Moscow region... The most frost-resistant are Beryl, Ural emerald, Consul and others. The largest fruits are produced by the varieties Zashchitnik, Kooperator, Leningradets and others. They have excellent taste - Medovy, Kaptivator, Pushkin, Sadko, Laskovy, English, Mashenka and others. Thornless gooseberries are the safest, besides, it is easier to care for them, the best and most popular varieties are Eaglet, African, Thornless gooseberry and others.

Description of the most popular varieties for the Moscow region and central Russia

Grushenka

Gooseberry variety Grushenka

Medium-sized shrub with drooping branches. There are practically no thorns on the shoots. The berries are medium-sized, weigh on average 5 grams, the shape is pear-shaped, and the color changes as the fruits ripen (from pale red to deep purple). The variety is perfect for growing in central Russia, it is able to easily endure frosts, winter cold and drought. It is immune to many diseases.

Russian yellow

Gooseberry variety Russian yellow

A low bush with medium spreading, covered with thorns throughout the area. Produces yellow pear-shaped fruits weighing up to 6 grams... The presence of a thin waxy coating is characteristic. The variety is distinguished by its excellent tolerance to sudden changes in temperature, frost and drought. Self-fertile, not affected by many common diseases.

Amber

Gooseberry grade Amber

A tall shrub can grow up to 1.5 meters.The crown is dense and spreading, and there are also many thorny thorns on it. But all these disadvantages are offset by delicious and beautiful fruits. Berries are yellow-orange in color and oblong in shape, on average, weigh 5-6 grams... Amber gooseberries are early varieties and have a very high yield. Also, this shrub tolerates frost and drought well.

Gingerbread man

Gooseberry variety Kolobok

A medium-sized shrub with thorns, which are located singly, most often on the lower part of the branches. Fruits are large in size, their weight reaches 7 grams... The shape of the berries is slightly elongated, the color is pale red. The taste is pleasant, sweet and sour. The variety tolerates frost well, is resistant to anthracnose and powdery mildew.

The best large-fruited gooseberry varieties

Defender

Gooseberry variety Defender

A tall shrub with powerful branches and a straight crown. The mass of berries can reach 10 grams, their shape is oval-pear-shaped, the color is burgundy, almost black... The taste of the fruit is sweet and sour. Refers to varieties with a late ripening period. The defender tolerates frost well, does not undergo powdery mildew.

Cooperator

Gooseberry variety Cooperator

This type of shrub has a medium height and a sparse, slightly spreading crown with a small number of thorns. On average, one berry weighs 7 grams, pear-shaped, dark red color... Such fruits are considered dessert, they are very tasty and sweet. Up to 5 kilograms of harvest can be harvested from one bush, the ripening period is medium late. Another advantage of the variety is its resistance to cold weather and fruit rot.

Leningrader

Gooseberry grade Leningradets

A bush of medium height with a semi-spreading crown, thorns are practically absent. The berries are large, their weight can reach 10 grams, the shape resembles an inverted egg, the color is dark red... Gooseberry taste sweet and sour. From one bush, you can collect up to 7.5 kilograms of harvest, medium late ripening. The shrub is winter-hardy, moderately exposed to powdery mildew.

Spring

Gooseberry variety Rodnik

Shrub of medium height with a compact, neat crown. On average, the fruits weigh 5-6 grams, but their weight can reach 8 grams, the shape is round-oval, the color is dull, yellow-green... The taste of such berries is very pleasant, sweet, they are suitable both for fresh consumption and for any kind of processing. The variety is resistant to frost and fungal diseases, it is distinguished by its ability to reproduce crops even under unfavorable climatic conditions.

The best winter-hardy gooseberry varieties

Beryl

Gooseberry grade Beryl

Medium-sized shrub with a neat crown. Thorns are present at the bottom of the shoot. The weight of the berries can reach 8-9 grams, the shape is spherical, the color is light green... The taste of the fruit is dessert, highly appreciated by professional tasters. One bush brings up to 9 kilograms of harvest and can survive frost down to -36 degrees. Also, the variety is resistant to fruit rot.

Ural emerald

Gooseberry grade Ural emerald

Medium-sized shrub with few thorns on the shoots. Berries are distinguished by the absence of pubescence, their weight can reach 8 grams... This variety got its name due to the bright color of the fruit with a dessert taste and pleasant aroma. The first harvest can be obtained at 3-4 years of life, the ripening period is medium early. Frost resistance is high, such a shrub can withstand cold temperatures down to -37 degrees.

Consul

Gooseberry grade Consul

Another name for this variety is senator. A medium-sized bush with a dense crown, on which there are practically no thorns. The berries are large, their weight can reach 6 grams, the color is maroon, almost black... The skin of the fruit is very thin, so they do not tolerate transportation well. Also, such berries have very few seeds, which makes them an excellent jam. The shrub tolerates frosts well down to -37 degrees.In the first years of his life, the Senator gives little harvest, but over time this figure increases 2-3 times.

Belorussian

Gooseberry grade Belarusian

A small bush with a compact crown, on which there are a lot of sharp thorns. Ball-shaped berries weigh no more than 8 grams... The color is bright green. The taste is very pleasant, sweet, the skin of the fruit is thin, and the pulp is juicy and tender. The variety belongs to the old selection, has a very high frost resistance (up to -39 degrees). The harvest ripens in medium terms.

Krasnoslavyansky

Gooseberry grade Krasnoslavyansky

The bush is of medium height, slightly spreading, the crown is sparse, there are thorns on the shoots. The berries are large enough, the maximum weight can reach 9 grams, the shape is round, the color is deep red... There is practically no pubescence on the skin. The taste of this gooseberry is considered dessert. The first crop can be harvested already in the second year of the plant's life, but over time this figure becomes larger and reaches 6-7 kilograms. Also, the variety is very frost-resistant, resistant to powdery mildew.

The best studless gooseberry varieties

Eaglet

Gooseberry grade Eaglet

A medium-sized shrub with a neat and small crown. The lack of thorns makes this variety one of the most popular among gardeners. On average, one berry weighs 4-6 grams, the color is almost black... Differs in the presence of a light military raid and a pleasant sweet and sour taste. The crop ripens early, the shrub bears fruit annually and abundantly, resistant to frost and fruit rot.

African

Gooseberry variety African

A medium-sized bush with no thorns. The berries are not large, rounded, dark purple in color... The taste of the fruit is sweet and sour, with light notes of black currant. The shrub begins to bear fruit in 2-3 years after planting, has good winter hardiness and resistance to many diseases. There is a risk of anthracnose contamination.

Northern captain

Gooseberry variety Northern Captain

One of the most popular gooseberry varieties. A tall shrub with a narrow, neat crown, the branches of which grow straight up. Berries are dark, almost black in color, their weight can reach 4 grams... The taste of the fruit is pleasant, with a slight sourness. The ripening period of the crop is average. With proper care, up to 12 kilograms of fruit can be removed from one shrub... Among other things, the North Captain tolerates frost, drought well and is not exposed to many diseases.

Ural besshorny

Gooseberry grade Ural Besshipny

Medium-sized shrub that bears bright green, large (up to 8 grams) oval fruits... The variety is medium late, there is no pubescence on the skin, the fruit pulp is sweet and pleasant to the taste. The variety tolerates frost well, but may begin to drop berries ahead of time, which will lead to a loss of yield. Gooseberries are recommended to be picked a little earlier than they are fully ripe. In addition, the absence of thorns will make this process even easier and more enjoyable.

Thornless gooseberry

Thornless gooseberry

The bush is vigorous, but at the same time its crown is very compact, and the branches grow mainly upward. On average, the berries weigh 5 grams each, have a drop-like shape and a light red color.... The taste of the fruit is pleasant, sweet with a barely noticeable sourness. The variety tolerates winter cold well and is not subject to powdery mildew.

Both adults and children love gooseberries. A resident of any region will be able to choose a variety suitable for himself, you can also pick berries according to taste, size and other indicators... The modern market offers a huge variety of different varieties of gooseberries.

In our country, such a berry culture as gooseberry is especially popular among gardeners, since, in addition to a pleasant taste, the fruits also have useful substances. Often, gardeners avoid planting gooseberries, since berries are not picked without scratches or even cuts.But this problem has long been dealt with by breeders, creating many varieties of gooseberries without thorns.

Harlequin

A bright representative of mid-season gooseberry varieties without thorns, which is suitable for cultivation in the Urals. The bush grows low, the foliage density is medium, semi-spreading. On the branches there are single short and thin thorns. The berries are medium in size, their weight usually does not exceed 6 grams, the shape is round-oval, the skin color is dark cherry. The variety is winter hardy, immune to American powdery mildew, the yield of this gooseberry is 5 kg per plant.

back to contents ↑ African

A productive gooseberry variety without thorns, it is grown almost everywhere in the middle lane. The bush is medium-sized, usually it does not grow more than 1.5 meters, the spreading is average. The berries are oval in shape and medium in size, covered with a rich black skin, and have a sour-sweet taste. The variety is not too resistant to anracnose, but is not at all afraid of powdery mildew and common gooseberry pests.

back to contents ↑ Grossular

Weakly spiked gooseberry variety with medium ripening periods. Plant height can reach 1.6 meters, the plant is medium spreading. The berries are more often oval, less often teardrop-shaped, their weight varies within 5-9 grams, the skin color is light green, the fruits have a sour-sweet taste. This variety of thornless gooseberry is ideal for cultivation in the Moscow region, since it is not afraid of droughts, winter-hardy and immune to powdery mildew.

back to contents ↑ Kolobok

An early ripe large-fruited variety. The plant is tall, the foliage is dense, single thin and small thorns are found on the shoots. The berries are round in shape, weigh an average of about 8 grams, covered with a dark cherry skin with a tart taste. The yield of the bush is 4-6 kg, the plant can freeze slightly in rather harsh winters, it is highly valued for its resistance to pathogens of fungal diseases, anthracnose and powdery mildew.

back to contents ↑ Commander

A variety with medium early ripening dates, bred by the Ural breeders. The bush grows tall, but its structure is rather compact, the foliage is dense. The berries are round, medium in size, weight varies between 3-5 grams, the skin has a red color of such a dark shade that sometimes it seems black, the taste of the fruits is sweet and sour. This thornless gooseberry variety is adapted for growing in regions with a rather cold climate, such as Siberia. Resistant to major diseases of culture. The yield of the variety reaches 8 kg per plant.

back to contents ↑ Consul

A bright representative of mid-season varieties of red gooseberries without thorns. Medium spreading bush with dense foliage. The shape of the berries is round, their minimum weight is 3 grams, and the maximum weight is 6.5 grams. The fruits are covered with a dark red skin, the taste is sweet with sourness. From each bush, under optimal growing conditions, about 5-6 kg of the crop can be harvested. The variety tolerates wintering well, it is immune to powdery mildew.

back to contents ↑ Cooperator

The thornless gooseberry variety has an average time to reach the biological ripeness of the fruit. The bush is low, semi-spreading, with dense foliage. Berries come across both medium and large, their weight varies from 3.5 to 8 grams. Skin color is dark cherry, its thickness is usually medium, but it can be thin. The variety winters well, gives high yields of 5-7 kg per bush, is weakly affected by sawflies and anthracnose, and is immune to American powdery mildew.

back to contents ↑ Malachite

One of the most widespread varieties of mid-ripening thornless gooseberries grown in the Perm Territory. The plant is vigorous, spreading, the foliage is rather dense. The berries are round, large (4-6 grams), covered with a thin skin of a rich green color with a slight waxy coating.The variety painlessly tolerates wintering and dry weather; on average, about 3-4 kg of tasty fruits are harvested from the bush.

back to contents ↑ Honey

This mid-season gooseberry variety got its interesting name for its rare golden skin color and honey taste of the fruit. Sprawling, tall bush (1.5 meters). The shape of the berries is pear-shaped, their weight is 4-6 grams, the skin is rather thin, the structure of the pulp is medium-dense, juicy. The variety tolerates frosts and even frosts well, but is not at all protected from damage by powdery mildew. The yield of a single bush does not exceed 4 kg of berries.

back to contents ↑ Eaglet

A high-yielding variety with early periods of reaching the biological ripeness of berries. The plant is medium-sized, slightly spreading. The fruits are round, mostly of medium size (3-5 grams), but there are also large specimens (6-8 grams), covered with black skin with a small waxy coating, have a sweet and sour taste. The variety is resistant to gooseberry diseases, tolerates wintering well, the average yield of one bush is 6.5 kg.

back to contents ↑ Lights of Krasnodar

A large-fruited variety of red gooseberries without thorns can grow in almost any region of the country. The bush is semi-spreading, the foliage is medium, there are no thorns on the plant at all. The berries are round in shape and rather large in size, usually their weight does not exceed 8.5 grams, the color of the skin is red. The variety is valued for its resistance to common diseases affecting gooseberries, dry weather and frost.

back to contents ↑ Northern Captain

A mid-season fruitful variety of thornless gooseberries. The bush can grow quite high, the spreading is medium, the foliage is dense. Round-shaped berries are formed of medium size (3-4 grams), the skin color is black with the presence of a waxy coating. The variety is immune to such ailments as septoria, anthracnose and powdery mildew, is practically not affected by sawflies and moths, and painlessly tolerates wintering.

Back to contents ↑ Sirius

A high-yielding variety with medium late ripening of fruits. The plant is medium-sized with medium-dense foliage. The shape of the berries is round, the average weight is 3-4 grams, the skin is dense, dark red with the presence of a waxy coating. The variety is winter-hardy, tolerates dry weather well, but can get sick with American powdery mildew, the yield is average, only 2-4 kg per bush.

back to contents ↑ Ural besshipny

Late-ripening large-fruited variety of thornless gooseberry, bred by Russian breeders. The bush is tall, semi-spreading, with medium-dense foliage. The berries are oval in shape, their minimum weight can be 3 grams, and the maximum weight is 8 grams. The skin color is rich green, its structure is dense, the pulp tastes sweet and sour, juicy. The variety tolerates cold winters well, up to 5-8 kg of berries are harvested from an adult bush.

back to contents ↑ Prune

Thornless gooseberry variety with medium early ripening. The bush is of medium height, not too sprawling, the foliage is medium. The shape of the berries is oval and pear-shaped, the average weight is 4 grams, they are covered with a black skin with a waxy bloom. The variety is valued for its winter hardiness and immunity to powdery mildew; under normal growing conditions, about 4.5 kg of delicious berries can be harvested from one plant.