Type
red-fruited, vigorous
Gooseberry variety
Poorman Gooseberry
A classic American gooseberry with large dark red berries and a rich tart-sweet flavor. It is productive and particularly useful for culinary harvests.
Season
mid summer
Best for
jams, baking
About Poorman
Poorman is an American gooseberry with medium to large red berries that have a rich, sweet-tart flavor when ripe. It is a hardy, productive heirloom-type cultivar suited to both dessert and culinary use.
Growing Poorman Gooseberry
Grow in Zones 3 to 8 in fertile, well-drained soil with full sun to light shade. It is self-fertile; maintain an open bush through dormant pruning and protect foliage from gooseberry sawfly, harvesting when berries turn red and soften.
Full growing guide
For planting, care, pollination, and harvest that apply to all gooseberry, see the complete guide.
How to grow GooseberryOther gooseberry varieties
Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; chill hours, hardiness, and pollination vary, so confirm suitability for your zone. Availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.