Invicta is a heavy-cropping green dessert and culinary gooseberry bred in the United Kingdom at the East Malling Research Station and released in the 1980s. It has become one of the most widely planted commercial gooseberries in Britain thanks to its exceptional productivity and its resistance to American gooseberry mildew. The large, pale-green berries ripen in midsummer and are equally suited to cooking while firm and unripe or eating fresh once fully mature and slightly sweeter. Vigorous and spreading, Invicta forms a spiny bush that rewards regular pruning with enormous yields. It is a dependable choice for permaculture plantings where a reliable, disease-tolerant fruiting shrub is wanted, and its heavy fruit set makes it popular for jams, pies, and preserves.
Flavor Profile
Sharp and tart when green for cooking, becoming mild and moderately sweet when fully ripe. Classic gooseberry flavor good for pies and preserves.
Visual Characteristics
Large, pale-green, slightly hairy oval berries on a vigorous, very spiny spreading bush.
Growing Tips
Prune to an open goblet shape to ease harvest around the many thorns and improve airflow. Very productive, so support or thin heavy branches.
Resistance Information
Disease Resistance
Strong resistance to American gooseberry mildew (Sphaerotheca mors-uvae).
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.