Gooseberries that are pruned annually and fed correctly can last from 30 to 40 years. Six branches seems rather few for an 8 year old plant. Is this because you chose to keep it to just six branches or did that happen naturally? If it is the latter maybe it doesn't like the spot it is in. Alternatively we have just had an exceptionally wet winter, could the soil have been waterlogged and caused the roots to rot? Gooseberries are not grafted so your new shoot will be Invicta, but it will take a couple of years to grow to fruiting size. Have you an another spot where you could plant another gooseberry as an insurance if your existing one should die?
Posts
Gooseberries that are pruned annually and fed correctly can last from 30 to 40 years. Six branches seems rather few for an 8 year old plant. Is this because you chose to keep it to just six branches or did that happen naturally? If it is the latter maybe it doesn't like the spot it is in. Alternatively we have just had an exceptionally wet winter, could the soil have been waterlogged and caused the roots to rot? Gooseberries are not grafted so your new shoot will be Invicta, but it will take a couple of years to grow to fruiting size. Have you an another spot where you could plant another gooseberry as an insurance if your existing one should die?