How to Prune Gooseberries in the Winter
- 1). Do major pruning in winter when the plant is dormant and it’s easier to see what you’re doing. Pruning helps promote plant health and improves fruiting.
- 2). Allow 4 to 5 canes to develop per year during the first 3 years of growth. Prune out only any weak or damaged canes or wood. Cut them out at the soil line.
- 3). Rotate the pruning of canes, to promote continuous replacement. Starting the fourth year, prune out the oldest canes in early spring before the plant beings to grow, cutting them out at the soil line. Do this annually. As the bush matures, it should have between 9 to 12 canes.
- 4). Prune lightly in the summer, removing side shoots to allow sunlight to reach the center of the bush and improve the ripening of fruit. It also reduces the chance to mildew, as it enables air circulation.
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