GROWING GUIDE - JOSTABERRIES

Looking to grow beautiful, healthy jostaberries in your garden? You've come to the right place! This comprehensive growing guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from planting to harvest.

QUICK FACTS

• Sun Requirements: But Tolerates Partial Shade
• Soil: Level As In The Nursery Container
• Best planted in spring or fall
• Requires regular watering during establishment
• Benefits from mulching to retain moisture

PLANTING

• Jostaberries can be grown as freestanding shrubs or trained against a wall or trellis
• Space plants 5ft. apart in all directions. Rows should have a 5ft. gap between them
• Plant at the same soil level as in the nursery container. Look for the natural soil line on the stem as a guide, and be sure to firm the soil gently around the base without burying it higher than before.
• Dig a hole large enough to accommodate roots and mix in well-rotted manure or compost before planting
• Apply mulch around the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds

TIMING

Plant in early spring or late fall when the ground is workable. Jostaberries produce fruit on branches that are one year old or older. To keep your plant healthy and productive, prune it in early spring each year.

This helps remove old or crowded branches, encourages new growth, and improves fruit production.

SOIL & WATERING

• Prefers moisture-retentive, fertile soil with good drainage
• Requires slightly acidic soil with high organic content
• Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade
• Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells and the first year after planting

FERTILIZING

• Apply a balanced fertilizer such as Peter’s All-Purpose 20-20-20 (item #3253) early each spring
• Replenish mulch annually to help maintain soil moisture and fertility

PRUNING

• Prune each spring to create an open framework of upright branches
• Remove about half of the new growth each year
• Cut out older, less productive branches at ground level

HARVESTING & STORAGE

Harvest when fruits turn blue-black and are firm, typically in late July to early August. Jostaberries can be picked individually to avoid damaging the fruit. Store fresh berries in the refrigerator or freeze for long-term storage.

Can be used fresh in fruit salads, desserts, and jams, or cooked for pies and jellies.

READY TO START GROWING?

Browse our selection of high-quality jostaberries and get everything you need to start your garden today!

Shop now at T&T Seeds for the best selection of plants, seeds, and gardening supplies.

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