North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Scott Smith <scott@cs.jhu.edu>]

My Black Velvets do not ripen well, they never got to the level of sweetness 
I like.  They were OK for cooking but not for eating.  The Poorman plants 
right next to them are great.  My climate is pretty hot and I have them 
planted in afternoon shade.  Given how BV seems to work well for some people 
I am wondering if it doesn't need a cooler climate to produce tasty berries.  
Hinnomaki Red also usually does not do well, same problem with ripening, but 
one year they were very good.  The birds didn't eat the BV or HR but they 
picked the Poorman clean this year.  I have a Jeanne but its new and no fruit 
yet.  Lucile Whitman thought it was one of her best so I decided to try it.

Scott z7 MD

On Dec 25, 2010, at 11:37 AM, Deb S wrote:

> What experiences have you had with the following varieties of gooseberry:
> 
> Black Velvet
> Jewel
> Friend
> Jeanne