Gooseberry Red?

[Birchy]

Hi Guys!

I bought a Gooseberry Red? about 2 months ago put it in the wrong mix of soil/compost but it's doing very well. The problem is that I put it in a big pot and all the branches are that long now and heavy they're just hanging down and now looks a little untidy and in need of help?

Any suggestions as to what I can do with it to either control it's branches or support them? I don't want to cut it back if possible!

Birchy

[Birchy]

I guess that's a no then, I am suprised!

I will just see how it goes then fellow readers?

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by Birchy

I bought a Gooseberry Red? about 2 months ago put it in the wrong mix of soil/compost but it's doing very well. The problem is that I put it in a big pot and all the branches are that long now and heavy they're just hanging down and now looks a little untidy and in need of help?
Any suggestions as to what I can do with it to either control it's branches or support them? I don't want to cut it back if possible!

It's rather difficult to understand what the problem is from your description. I wouldn't ever describe a gooseberry as a 'tidy' plant and while I suppose one could prune for distinct shape, that would probably reduce fruiting. Do you mean by 'heavy' and 'hanging down', that these branches have fruit on them - if so then once the fruit is picked the branches will 'lift'. If there is no fruit set, but the plant is well leafed then it's best to leave it until winter, and then prune it by removing any dead branches, cutting any leggy branches by between a third to half, and new shoots by a half and ensuring there are no areas that are densely tangled.

If the branches are hanging down and limp and the plant is poorly leafed then you probably have a watering problem. Do not rely on rain to supply adequate water in pot plants - thoroughly soack the plant two to three times a week during the summer months - and in hot dry spells when the plant is fruiting, then daily.

CM

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by Birchy

I guess that's a no then, I am suprised! I will just see how it goes then fellow readers?

Giz us a chance ! You'd probably have got a quicker response if you'd posted this question on the Wildlife Gardening forum, which you'll find toward the bottom of the main forum page.

CM