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Gooseberry cuttings
are difficult to root, for the wood is relatively
hard. Because of this, use only the new season’s
wood and insert as soon as possible after removing
it from the plant. Cuttings are removed early
in September when about 25cm (6in) long. Remove
all but the top three buds so that the plant will
form a ‘leg’ and insert the base in
hormone powder to encourage quicker rooting. Then
insert the lower 2cm (1in) into the soil either
in trenches outdoors to which peat has been incorporated,
or in a frame, the soil having been prepared in
the same way. Those in trenches can be covered
with cloches.
Plant the cuttings 7cm (3in) apart and make the
soil firm around them. Water in and keep the soil
comfortably moist. They should have rooted by
early the following summer, but keep growing them
on until October when they should be moved to
their fruiting quarters and planted at the recommended
spacing. They will begin to fruit the following
year, but strawberries may be grown between the
rows until such time as the gooseberries have
made some growth.
Gooseberries are red, green, yellow or white when
ripe, and each will have its own particular flavour.
For culinary use, they can be picked green from
early in June.
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