Leave no more than 6 to 10 canes per bush. Both currants and gooseberries eventually form a hedge. Pick red currants when they are soft and have a deep red color. Pick gooseberries when they reach full size and the berries turn slightly pink or red. Both can be eaten fresh or used in juice, jam, jelly, and pie.
Currants tend to have a milder flavor than gooseberries.
Red Lake and Perfection are two of the most popular red currants with medium-sized fruit borne in loose clusters. Pixwell and Welcome are popular gooseberries with half-inch berries. Both red currants and gooseberries are generally self-fruitful, so only one variety is necessary for pollination. Reaching a mature height of 8 to 12 feet, it s a vigorous grower. The juicy fruit are a rich source of iron and vitamin C. Berries are used for making jelly, jam, pie, juice, and wine.