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Charlie, I would consider grafting to Josta rootstock IF it were not so prone to suckering. I still think that there are some good points to grafting to elevate the desired part of the plant. and I think that other forms of grafts may increase the "takes" to a satisfactory level. There are still some down-sides. A plant may be totally lost if the rootstock dies for some reason. I think that grafted plants did not have as long a lifespan as plants on their own roots.

 

I created somewhat the same effect (Taller plants with a "tree - like" stem) by keeping the lower branches trimmeed off and encouraging the plant to a more upright form on a trellis.

That said, I will probably graft some gooseberries this coming spring because I have some that I want to increase.

 

 

 

Ed Mashburn
Central PA
Zone 5A