[greenhead]

Two years ago two cuttings were taken, they are now in large pots awaiting to go into the lottie.  They are already 1m tall, does anybody know the final size and height.  I believe the fruits are the size of a gooseberry and coloured black.

What growing conditions do they need?

[Nobbie]

They are a Gooseberyy/Blackcurrant cross I believe, so usual spacings of 5' apart as they can grow into large bushes.

I suspect that when you replant them it is best to cut down to a few inches from ground level to encourage a plenty of branches like you do with blackcurrents - not absolutly sure on that though, hopefully someone can confirm?

[Trillium]

They don't have to be cut down that far, but they'll need considerable trimming every year. They will easily reach 7 ft tall if not kept in check and the inner areas need to be kept open to access the fruit later so that the pickers aren't drained of blood as the spines are rather deadly. I did read of one person who trimmed theirs with a chainsaw. That said, if you don't net the fruit, the birds will strip the bushes clean on you.

[greenhead]

Thanks Nobbie and Trillium, there are no thorns on any of the growth so far - I take it these will develop later.

[DavidT]

Worcesterberries are a type of currant.  The gooseberry x worcesterberry produces a gooseberry called Black Velvet.