16 The Colorado Experiment Station. 
Gooseberries. 
Gooseberries are only grown to a limited extent in Colorado. 
Few commercial plantings exist, though almost every kitchen gar¬ 
den has a few bushes. The gooseberry requires a deep, moist soil, 
well drained and abundantly supplied with vegetable matter. This 
bush fruit cannot be grown successfully without irrigation in Colo¬ 
rado and only the hardiest varieties should be planted. The soil 
for gooseberries should be prepared in like manner as for currants. 
Two-year-old plants should be used. They should be set in 
squares five by five and cultivated both ways. 
Varieties .—Only the American varieties can be grown in 
Colorado. Some of the hybrids may do well in favorable locali¬ 
ties. Where the hybrids can be grown they should be planted closer 
together, four by four feet being a good distance. They are less 
vigorous than the native varieties and, while the berries are much 
larger, the yield per bush is much less. Two-year-old plants are 
best for planting. Plant as early as possible in the spring. Always 
trim off the broken or torn roots but leave the top untouched. 
Thorough cultivation is absolutely necessary to success. Goose¬ 
berries stand drought poorly, so care should be taken to keep the 
soil moist, but not wet. Many experienced growers prefer to plant 
the gooseberries in the orchard to give the bushes partial shade 
and this practice is to be commended if the grower is willing to 
give thorough cultivation to both the fruit trees and the gooseberry 
bushes. On the open plain without at least partial protection by 
windbreaks or shade trees, gooseberry growing will not be a suc¬ 
cess and commercial planting should not be attempted. The fol' 
lowing varieties are recommended for Colorado : 
Downing .—One of the hardiest and best known varieties of 
the American type. It is hardy, vigorous, and productive. The 
fruit is of fine quality, but is apt to be small, especially under poor 
cultural methods. For culinary purposes it is superior to the large 
English berries. 
Oregon Champion .—This variety is a favorite in the Arkansas 
Valley. It resembles Houghton and seems to be a selection from 
that variety. 
Houghton ,—A well known iron-clad variety widely planted 
in the north Mississippi Valley. Fruit smaller than Downing but 
a vigorous and productive grower. 
Smith .—A probable hybrid between Houghton and an Eng¬ 
lish or European variety. It is a hardy and productive variety. 
Fruit larger than Houghton and Downing and stands high in favor 
•with many growers. 
