Has my gooseberry bush self seeded?

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Jess91, Aug 25, 2025.

  1. Jess91

    Jess91 Gardener

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    Whilst doing some weeding around my gooseberry bush this morning, I found these growing nearby.

    The gooseberry bush is Hinnonmaki Red. A quick Google tells me it doesn't self seed, but may sucker. I think these were too far away from the original plant to be suckers though, and they had small root systems that you'd typically see of seeded plants.

    Are they even gooseberry plants? They do look like it to me but I'm not completely sure. I've potted them up just in case, as they couldn't stay where they were, but now I'm wondering if I've potted up a weed :biggrin::dunno:

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  2. Tidemark

    Tidemark Total Gardener

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    Yes, gooseberries do produce viable seeds. I have a Hinnonmaki red and a yellow, plus another variety. The birds eat the fruit and drop the seeds here and there. I have a lovely “seedling” of about ten years old which was a present from a bird. The fruits are smallish but ripen to a sweet, pitch black colour. You can eat them straight from the bush. :)
     
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      Last edited: Aug 25, 2025
    • Thevictorian

      Thevictorian Super Gardener

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      Our gooseberries definitely seed about but because we grow a mix, they won't be true from seed.
       
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      • lizzie27

        lizzie27 Total Gardener

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        Definitely gooseberry seedlings I think. Lucky you, we've never had any.
         
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        • Jess91

          Jess91 Gardener

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          Ah brilliant, thanks all :smile:

          @Thevictorian we only have Hinnonmaki Red, and i doubt there are any others nearby. I wonder if it will come true to seed?
           
        • Adam I

          Adam I Super Gardener

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          they self seed and also can be cloned from cuttings very easily.
           
        • Thevictorian

          Thevictorian Super Gardener

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          @Jess91 as it's a hybrid cultivar anyway then the seed won't come true. It may be nicer or worse in the same way growing an apple from seed is a bit of a lottery. The best way to get true cultivar is through cuttings or layering.
          The plants that popped up for me from seed have always been pretty pleasant and very similar to their parents.
           
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          • Jess91

            Jess91 Gardener

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            Thanks @Thevictorian
            Guess I'll just have to wait to see what I get then! Definitely the fun bit of gardening :)
             
          • Tidemark

            Tidemark Total Gardener

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