Sloeberry 'Hinnonmäki' (Ribes uva-crispa) - hardy small fruit - Pot 15 cm - Height 50 cm - Set of 2

The 'Hinnonmäki Grün' gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) is ideally planted in autumn, between October and November, during which the shrub enters dormancy and devotes all its energy to establishing roots before winter. Planting in spring, between March and April, is also possible with potted plants such as those offered by Plant and Stories. Avoid periods of intense frost or heatwaves to avoid stressing the plant. Regardless of the season chosen, water thoroughly at planting and keep the soil moist for the first few weeks to promote recovery.

The berries of the Hinnonmäki Grün gooseberry 'Hinnonmäki Grün' ripen between late June and mid-July depending on the regions and climatic conditions of the 'year. For fresh consumption, harvest the berries when they are plump, slightly translucent and yield under light pressure from the thumb: they are then at their peak of sweet-tart flavor. For jam or tarts, harvesting slightly before full maturity gives fruit that is richer in pectin and makes setting easier. The picking i's done by hand, cluster by cluster, taking care with the characteristic thorns of the 'shrub.

Yes, the 'Hinnonmäki Grün' gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) is self-fertile: a single plant is sufficient to produce fruit without requiring the presence of a pollinator of a different variety. However, the presence of two plants (as in the set offered by Plant and Stories) significantly improves cross-pollination and, consequently, the volume and quality of the harvest. The small, nectar-rich spring flowers are highly appreciated by bees and bumblebees, which naturally ensure pollination. Planting the two plants close to each other (less than a meter apart) optimizes this effect.

Powdery mildew is the main fungal disease affecting redcurrants. The 'Hinnonmäki Grün' cultivar (Ribes uva-crispa) shows good tolerance to this disease, but some precautions remain essential. Plant in full sun with sufficient spacing (1 to 1.2 m between plants) to ensure good air circulation around the foliage. Prune the bush regularly in winter to remove the oldest shoots and open up the centre. Avoid watering the foliage; watering at the base is preferable.

Yes, the Hinnonmäki Grün 'Ribes gooseberry' tolerates container growing on a sunny terrace or balcony perfectly. Choose a container d'with a capacity of at least 30 to 40 litres, filled w'ith a well-draining compost-enriched growing medium. Water more frequently than 'when planted in the ground, as containers dry out more quickly in summer, precisely during the berry-swelling phase. A d'spring application of fruit fertiliser (rich in potassium) will stimulate flowering and fruiting.

The 'Hinnonmäki Grün' redcurrant (Ribes uva-crispa) reaches a mature height of 1 to 1.5 m with a similar spread, forming a bushy and compact shrub. Its growth is considered moderate: it grows about 20 to 30 cm per year in the first few years, then stabilizes. Thanks to its compact habit, it easily integrates into the edge of a vegetable garden, as a productive low hedge, or in combination with other small fruit trees. Annual pruning in late winter helps control the size of the shrub and maintain optimal fruit production on young and vigorous shoots.

No, the 'Hinnonmäki Grün' gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) is not a toxic plant: its berries are fully edible and have been enjoyed for centuries in European home gardens. They are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. The only precaution to note: gooseberry branches are equipped with sharp thorns that can injure young children or animals if they rub against them. It is therefore advisable to plant the shrub away from play areas and to wear gloves during pruning or harvesting. The leaves and stems, on the other hand, are not toxic.