This tall virtually spine-free red gooseberry originated in Canada so is therefore very hardy. It is a good cropper of large, tear-shaped fruit. The fruit quality is exceptional and the berries are a deep reddish-pink and juicy sweet, making them ideal to be eaten straight from the bush. Captivator has shallow lobed leaves that turn red in autumn. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. An ideal variety for all purposes. Eventual height and spread: 3m (10ft).
Cropping season: late July. Self fertile.
*Bareroot – November to March is the ideal time to plant bare-root plants. These are plants that have been grown in open ground, then dug up for despatch and planting during the dormant season. They are called ‘bare-root’ plants as they are supplied with no soil around their roots. They will come packed in damp compost to stop the roots drying out and should be planted as soon as possible. As long as the compost is kept damp planting can be delayed for a few weeks if necessary.