Gooseberry

Gooseberries are the first soft fruits in many gardens, especially if the immature green berries are thinned in May for cooking. Like redcurrants, plants develop a permanent system of fruiting sideshoots, and may be trained as fans, espaliers, cordons and standards, as well as bushes. 'Invicta' is a vigorous, spreading bush which bears large, pale green berries that are suitable for dessert and culinary use. It gives high yields when grown as bush or cordon and is ready to be harvested from late May. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it their prestigious Award of Garden Merit.