Gooseberry Giggles Green: From Planting to Harvesting

Ribes uva-crispa

Gooseberry Giggles Green (Ribes uva-crispa) is a standout modern variety that combines vigorous growth, reliable cropping, and impressive disease resistance. This hardy deciduous shrub produces abundant sweet, tangy green fruits—ideal for eating fresh, preserving in jams, or baking into classic desserts. Whether planted in a traditional kitchen garden, a raised bed on your allotment, or a sunny corner, Gooseberry Giggles Green is a dependable and productive addition to any fruit-growing space.

With its long fruiting window, low-maintenance requirements, and resistance to common diseases like powdery mildew, this variety has quickly become a favourite among UK gardeners looking to maximise flavour and yield.

Gooseberry Giggles Green is specially bred for resilience and productivity. It thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained, organically rich soil. What truly sets this variety apart is its excellent resistance to powdery mildew, a common issue with older gooseberry cultivars. This makes it a brilliant choice for gardeners seeking a fuss-free, disease-resistant soft fruit shrub.

The medium-sized berries ripen in June and can be harvested steadily from July to early autumn. Their firm texture and well-balanced flavour make them versatile in the kitchen—perfect for crumbles, chutneys, and summer puddings.

To give your Gooseberry Giggles Green the best possible start, select a planting site that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Avoid waterlogged areas—well-drained soil is essential to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

1. Prepare the Soil: Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Mix plenty of well-rotted manure or compost to improve soil fertility and structure.
2. Set the Plant: Position the shrub so that the base sits at the same depth as it did in the nursery. You’ll often see a clear soil mark on the stem—this should remain level with the surrounding soil.
3. Spacing: Space multiple bushes at least 1.5 metres apart. This ensures good airflow, which helps reduce the risk of disease and allows ample room for each plant to spread and fruit well.
4. Backfill and Water: Backfill with soil, gently firming around the roots, then thoroughly settling the plant in.

Watering and Mulching

Water deeply and consistently for the first year after planting, especially during dry spells. Once the bush is established, it will tolerate occasional drought, but consistent moisture helps optimise fruit size and yield. In spring, apply a thick mulch of compost or well-rotted manure to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning for Shape and Productivity

Annual pruning is key to maintaining a strong, open structure that supports heavy fruiting. Remove any dead, damaged, or weak stems in winter or early spring. Aim to form a goblet-shaped bush with an open centre to maximise sunlight penetration and airflow. Cut back vigorous new shoots by about half to encourage branching and future fruit development.

Pest Monitoring and Organic Treatment

While Gooseberry Giggles Green is disease-resistant, it can still be affected by common pests such as aphids, gooseberry sawflies, and caterpillars. Inspect your plants regularly, especially in spring when new growth is tender.

• Aphids: Control infestations with an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to avoid damaging young shoots.

• Gooseberry sawfly larvae: These can strip leaves rapidly. Treat early with an organic insecticide such as pyrethrum, or remove larvae by hand if the infestation is light.

• Birds: Use netting to protect ripening fruits from blackbirds and other garden visitors.

Gooseberry Giggles Green starts ripening in late June, with the main harvest extending from July to September. Pick the berries when they are full-sized and slightly soft to the touch. If you prefer a sharper flavour for cooking, they can be harvested somewhat earlier.

These juicy, pale green fruits are packed with flavour and vitamin C. Whether enjoyed straight from the bush or used in pies, compotes, and cordials, they’re a refreshing seasonal treat that highlights the joys of growing your own.

I’ve always had a soft spot for gooseberries, and Gooseberry Giggles Green has quickly become one of my absolute favourites. What I love most is how easy it is to grow—once it’s in the ground, it just gets on with the job. It’s a real workhorse in my garden, reliably producing juicy fruit with little fuss. I’ve planted mine in a sunny spot near the back fence, and every summer it rewards me with a generous crop that’s perfect for throwing into a crumble or enjoying straight from the bush. Its resistance to powdery mildew means I spend less time worrying about disease and more time harvesting. If you’re after a low-maintenance fruit that earns its keep, I can’t recommend Gooseberry Giggles Green highly enough. Give it a go—you won’t be disappointed.

• Hardy and disease-resistant
• Thrives in well-drained soil with a sunny position
• Produces medium-sized, juicy fruits
• Ideal for allotments, kitchen gardens, or containers
• Requires minimal maintenance with excellent results

Gooseberry Giggles Green is a fantastic choice for any gardener looking for a hardy shrub that produces delicious fruit with minimal effort. Following proper planting and care techniques, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of juicy green gooseberries year after year. If you’re ready to start growing, now is the perfect time to add this superb new gooseberry to your garden!

Want to learn about other gooseberry varieties? Read about Gooseberry Giggles Red here

For more information on Fruit for your garden, please click here

Q: What is Gooseberry ‘Giggles Green’ and how do I care for it?

A: Gooseberry ‘Giggles Green’ (Ribes uva-crispa) is a variety prized for its medium-sized fruit with excellent flavour. To care for it, plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Before planting, enrich the soil with well-rotted manure or compost to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.

Q: When is the best time to plant Gooseberry ‘Giggles Green’?

A: The best time to plant gooseberry bushes is in early spring or late autumn when the soil is workable. Ensure you plant it at the same depth as indicated on the nursery label to encourage strong root establishment.

Q: How far apart should I plant my Gooseberry ‘Giggles Green’?

A: Space your gooseberry plants approximately 120cm apart. This allows them room to grow and ensures good air circulation, which helps prevent diseases.

Q: What kind of soil does Gooseberry ‘Giggles Green’ prefer?

A: Gooseberries thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Improve the soil before planting by incorporating well-rotted manure or compost to promote strong plant development.

Q: How do I protect my Gooseberry plants during winter?

A: In autumn, apply a layer of mulch around the plant’s base. This helps to insulate the roots and protect them from frost damage.

Q: Do Gooseberry ‘Giggles Green’ plants need pruning?

A: Yes, regular pruning is essential. In the first year, cut back stems by half to encourage a bushy shape and better fruit production. Annual pruning will help maintain an open structure, improve air circulation, and enhance fruit quality.

Q: How can I tell when the fruit is ready to harvest?

A: Gooseberries are typically ready to harvest in June when they are plump and have developed a vibrant green colour. Ripe fruit will feel slightly soft to the touch.

Q: What pests or diseases should I watch out for?

A: Gooseberry ‘Giggles Green’ is resistant to powdery mildew, but you should also watch out for common pests such as aphids. Regular inspections and good garden hygiene will help keep plants healthy.

Q: How tall and wide do Gooseberry ‘Giggles Green’ plants grow?

A: These bushes generally reach a height and spread around 120cm, making them well-suited to most garden spaces.

Q: Can I grow ‘Giggles Green’ in containers?

A: Yes, you can successfully grow this variety in containers. Use a deep pot with well-draining soil-based compost to support the root system and ensure the plant remains healthy and productive.

Q: Where can I buy Gooseberry ‘Giggles Green’ plants?

A: Gooseberry ‘Giggles Green’ plants are available from garden centres and online retailers. Check with your local garden centre or browse online suppliers to find plants.