Why gooseberries don't bear fruit: what to do and how to make them bear fruit

Gooseberry is a hardy and resistant shrub even to the most adverse weather conditions. But it also happens that he stops producing crops. Why gooseberries do not bear fruit - this question worries many gardeners, especially those who first encountered a similar problem.

The main reasons why gooseberries do not bear fruit

There are many reasons why the fruiting of this shrub may deteriorate. Some are associated with objective factors, others are the result of violations in agricultural technology. Nevertheless, each of them should be given attention.

Gooseberry fruiting

Shrub age

It is believed that gooseberries can develop normally up to 15-20 years. But this only applies to those plants that were properly cared for and pruned on time. The fact is that gooseberries, regardless of the variety, are quite active in launching new young shoots. If they are not cut off in time, forming a bush, then the plant thickens strongly. The shoots lack nutrients. The branches that are closer to the center of the bush lack sunlight and air. As a result, there are practically no berries on the gooseberry, except that a small amount of fruits appears closer to the top. And this is despite the fact that the plant seemed to be watered according to the rules and fertilized.

Other pruning rules will be discussed below. But in any case, it is very important that branches of different ages grow on the same bush.

Poor quality planting material

One of the reasons why there are no berries on the gooseberry is the initially poor-quality planting material. Even if all the rules of agricultural technology are observed, there is no hope for a big harvest. Sometimes, of course, the plant develops, only very slowly. It may even bloom, but the berries will be too few or they will be very small.

That is why it is recommended to pay maximum attention to the choice of planting material. It is better to acquire it in nurseries and farms that specialize in breeding this crop. Buying seedlings on the market from private owners is always a risk that the plant will not bloom or bear fruit.

In any case, when choosing seedlings, you need to check their root system. It is important that the roots are healthy, that is, strong enough, without dark spots and traces of damage. Their color should be uniform yellowish brown. Healthy roots are always slightly fluffy. Their length must be at least 14 cm.

Violation of landing rules

The bushes are planted so that the distance between them is 1.2 m, and if the variety is spreading, then 1.5 m, otherwise the plants will not have enough light and air to bloom and bear fruit.

Gooseberry blossom

Violation of the rules of care

Most gooseberry varieties do not need abundant watering. Stagnation of water at the roots of a plant only leads to the development of fungal diseases.You also need to feed the gooseberries correctly, just a couple of times a year, no more, and even before the berries ripen, so that they do not have nitrates.

Violation of the rules of pruning

Pruning is done regularly. This is best done in the spring, as soon as it is warm enough to work in the garden, as the shrub blooms early and needs to be done before the flowers appear. In the summer after fruiting, small pruning is done, mainly of a preventive nature. If the spring one was missed for some reason, then the next shaping procedure is carried out in the fall.

Gooseberry pruning

Thickening of the bush

This happens when trimming is neglected. The only result of such a violation is the appearance of weaker branches covered with thorns. They take resources away from fruit-bearing branches and make it difficult to cultivate shrubs.

Unfavorable weather conditions during the flowering period

Often the answer to the question of why gooseberries do not bloom and why they do not bear fruit depends on weather conditions. If the weather is rainy, then, accordingly, the harvest will be less.

Lack of pollinators

Poor gooseberry harvest can be due to pollination problems. It would seem that if the plant is a self-fertile crop, no difficulties should arise. But there are varieties in which the fruits are tied only if pollination has occurred with other varieties of gooseberries. Therefore, so that there are no questions about why the gooseberry does not bloom, it is worth planting bushes of different varieties on the site from the very beginning, so that such pollination occurs constantly.

Northern plant varieties can thrive even in strong winds. But such varieties as Mashenka, Record, Chernomor do not tolerate dry winds well. They need not only enclosing structures, but regular spraying.

It so happens that the owner of the site managed to plant various varieties, but still there are no berries. In this case, it should be clarified whether all varieties here are self-fertile. Perhaps someone still needs help for pollination.

Incorrectly selected variety for the climatic conditions of the region

Many gardeners underestimate the effect of the variety on the productivity of the shrub. In fact, each variety, including hybrids, is bred for specific conditions. And if she does not feel well in a warmer or more severe climate, this immediately affects fruiting, and nothing can be done. Therefore, you need to choose the right variety from the very beginning.

Pests and diseases

Another reason why gooseberries do not bear fruit are diseases or pests. In principle, most plant varieties are disease resistant. But if the bush is very thickened, or water stagnates at the roots, the risk of fungal diseases increases. The threat is powdery mildew, which manifests itself as a white bloom.

Another common problem is anthracnose. This is a disease in which the leaves become covered with brownish-brown spots, and the process of photosynthesis stops. Because of this, flowering does not occur, the leaves fall prematurely, and there will be no harvest either. Sometimes brown spots brighten, but this does not mean that the plant has recovered. This is how white spot appears, which can also lead to the fact that the shrub will die. Removing damaged shoots, disinfecting the ground around the bush and proper feeding will help to save the remaining branches.

Top dressing of gooseberries

If pests appear on the shrub, for example, aphids, then the plant must be treated with a fungicide.

What to do and how to make gooseberries bear fruit

Let's say why gooseberries don't bear fruit, figured out what to do - that's a new question. The only answer to it is to follow all the rules of agricultural technology.

• Initially, you should carefully choose seedlings, moreover, zoned varieties that are adapted to local conditions. When choosing, be sure to ask about the timing of flowering and fruiting in order to adapt the care program.
• Even if the wrong place was chosen for the bush from the very beginning, it should be transplanted. Sometimes transplanting and subsequent feeding in a year allows you to get a solid harvest. Only such work should be performed with protective gloves, because the spikes can severely injure the hands.
• This is an unpretentious plant, but you still need to water it in a timely manner, loosen the ground near it, mulch the soil, achieving increased resistance to diseases and pests.
• It should be in the year when the main variety will be planted, plant next to several more gooseberry varieties that are suitable for flowering for cross-pollination.
• If during the period when the gooseberry is blooming, there is a high risk of recurrent frosts, you can fight low temperatures by smoke.
• In drought conditions, gooseberries are provided with protection from the wind.
• For preventive purposes, even the most resistant varieties are recommended to be treated with insecticides and fungicides. It is best to do this in early spring, before the ovary appears, so that the berries then do not contain chemicals. In the fall, the soil around the bush must be dug up, and the plant residues must be removed, since next year they are almost guaranteed to become sources of infection.

But in principle, with timely care of the garden, such measures will not be needed. Regular pruning and sanitization of the shrub is a guarantee of its longevity and good productivity.