Price
Available
In stock
Ships by
-
February 10, 2026
Arrives
Add Your Zip Code
to:
ZIP
Seasonal Shipping
This order is a subject to seasonal shipping. Your order will be shipped by February 10, 2026
Questions? Contact our plant experts
Benny the Wise
knows all answers to your questions
Black Velvet Gooseberry Shrub (Ribes grossularia ‘Black Velvet’) is a hardy, easy-to-grow fruiting shrub cherished for its abundant crops of richly flavored, deep purple-black berries. Combining the sweetness of a blueberry with the tang of a traditional gooseberry, its soft, juicy fruit is excellent for fresh eating, jams, jellies, sauces, and baking. The compact, arching shrub produces delicate greenish-white flowers in spring, followed by heavy clusters of berries in midsummer. Cold-hardy and disease-resistant, Black Velvet is an excellent choice for home gardens, hedgerows, and edible landscapes.
Growing Black Velvet Gooseberry Shrub
Light: Prefers full sun in cooler climates; partial shade is beneficial in hotter regions.
Soil: Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil; amend with compost or organic matter for best fruiting.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer or compost each spring to support vigorous growth and berry production.
Pollination: Self-fertile; does not require another variety for fruiting.
Maintenance: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove old or crowded branches and encourage productive new growth. Can be trained to an open center for ease of harvest.
Hardiness: Grows best in USDA zones 3–7. Produces medium-sized, dark berries that ripen in midsummer with a sweet-tart, complex flavor.
Shipping Info
Black Velvet Gooseberry is shipped as a healthy, well-rooted young shrub, ready to plant in home gardens, borders, or edible landscapes. Naturally cold-hardy and productive, it establishes quickly and will provide years of delicious harvests. Each plant is carefully packaged to arrive safely and thrive in your garden.
Growing Zones
3a - 7b
Low Temperature
−40°F
High Temperature
100°F
Fragrant
Mild
Polinator Required
No
Polinator Friendly
Yes
Flower Color
Yellow
Growth Rate
Moderate to vigorous
Soil
Prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil; tolerates loam, sandy, and clay soils; best in slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.8-6.8)
Moisture
Moderate water needs; consistent moisture but avoids waterlogging
Sun Exposure
Full sun to partial shade; partial shade preferred in hot summer climates
Mature Spread
3-5
Mature Height
5–7
Bloom Period
April to May, with small yellow flowers
Pruning Time
Late winter or early spring; remove older canes to promote new growth and fruit production
Pet Safe
Yes
Perennial / Annual
Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous
Shop Our Bestsellers
Bring life to your garden with the plants everyone’s raving about! These bestsellers are customer favorites for their beauty, resilience, and ability to thrive in a variety of spaces.
