Redcurrant 'Jonkheer van Tets' (Ribes rubrum) - hardy small fruit - 15 cm pot - Height 50 cm - Pack of 2

Yes, the Jonkheer van Tets gooseberry (Ribes rubrum) can be grown in a pot on a balcony or terrace, provided you choose a container at least 30 to 40 cm in diameter. Use a rich, well-drained potting mix and water more regularly than if it were planted in the ground, as the pot will dry out more quickly. Place it in the sunniest spot on your balcony to ensure decent fruit production. Monthly feeding with a fruit fertilizer during spring and summer will compensate for the limited root space.

The Jonkheer van Tets gooseberries ripen in July, making them 'one of the earliest varieties among red gooseberries. The clusters are ready to pick when all the berries have taken on a uniform bright red colour and come away easily from the stem. It is best to harvest whole clusters by pulling gently, then sort out any damaged berries. Fresh gooseberries keep for two to three days in the refrigerator, but they freeze very well spread out on a tray before 'being stored in bags. They 'can be used fresh, or in jams, jellies, coulis, tarts or smoothies.

No, the Jonkheer van Tets gooseberry is self-fertile: a single plant is enough to produce a good crop without requiring another pollinating plant. However, planting two plants side by side, as this set offers, significantly improves the quantity and quality of the fruit thanks to better cross-pollination by insects. Bees and bumblebees, attracted by the small spring flowers, play a key role in this pollination. With several plants, the clusters are generally longer and the berries more uniform in size.

The Groseillier Jonkheer van Tets s'should be pruned in winter, ideally between December and February, when the plant is dormant and the branches are clearly visible. The principle is simple: the best fruit production comes from 1- to 3-year-old branches, so each year remove the oldest stems (over 3 years old), which can be identified by their grey, rough bark. Retain 8 to 10 evenly spaced branches around the center of the plant to ensure good air circulation.

The Jonkheer van Tets gooseberry performs best in full sun, where it receives d'at least 6 hours of d'irect sunlight per day. This exposure promotes abundant fruiting, even ripening of the berries, and a good concentration of sugars. Light partial shade, particularly in the late afternoon in the warmest southern regions, is tolerated without significantly affecting the harvest. However, too much shade leads to poor production, leggy shoots, and greater susceptibility to fungal diseases.

Yes, the Jonkheer van Tets gooseberry is a fully hardy shrub that easily withstands the harsh winters of mainland France, including in mountainous or continental regions. When planted in the ground, it n'eeds n'o special winter protection and vigorously regrows each spring. As with all early varieties, the only risk is associated with late spring frosts (the so-called frosts of the saints), which can burn already open flowers and compromise the current year's harvest of 'fruit.

The Jonkheer van Tets s'currant bush adapts to most garden soils, but prefers soil that is fresh, rich in organic matter, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6 to 7), and above all, well-drained. Heavy soils waterlogged d'uring winter can cause root rot and permanently weaken the plant. Before planting, amend the soil with well-rotted compost or ericaceous soil to improve its structure, water retention, and fertility.