[upthetump]

Its still in the bag. I think its the red goosebery. What should i do with it? is it too cold and too early to plant out?

[andreadon]

You could always put it in a plant pot inside until it's a bit warmer.  It's make a nice houseplant!

normally gooseberries are hardy, but i'd wait a while.

luckily, they don't mind being transplanted.

[mumofstig]

I planted mine as soon as i bought them. Goosebery growing away quite happily outside.
I'd plant it but have a bit of fleece handy in case they forcast a hard frost in the next week to 10days.

[upthetump]

thanks. I'll plant it tomorrow and keep an eye on the weather. The plant is still very small, will it grow whilst flowering/fruiting?

[mumofstig]

Not really supposed to let them fruit in the first year but you could leave 1 or 2
on just to see what they tast like

[upthetump]

no fruit in first year?  how do I stop them fruiting? I've never grown soft fruit before so.... Damn it didn't mention this on the packet 

[poultrygeist]

You can see if any start to develop and just pinch them off. There'll be a slight swelling behind the flower.

Hoping to get some fruit this year but transplanted ours so might have to do the same as you.

Rob

[upthetump]

again, displaying my profound ignorance, why do you have to stop them fruiting?

[mumofstig]

Cos it's more important for them to grow a good root system for future years
than it is to fruit this year

[upthetump]

 . none at all?  . I bought 4 packs. that's 13 raspberrys, 3 gooseberrys, 2 blackcurrants, a redcurrant and a tayberry. OMG am I gutted, I had visions of being snowed under with fruit.  . Oh well, * it. (can I just pinch a few of each?)

[mumofstig]

As i said above

you could leave 1 or 2
on just to see what they tast like