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When to Plant Gooseberry in Tucson, Arizona (85708)

Location

Tucson, Arizona

ZIP Code

85708

USDA Zone

9b

Last Frost

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Based on last frost Tuesday, February 10, 2026 · Zone 9b

Pro tip: Sow Gooseberry directly outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Ribes uva-crispa
Days to Maturity 730 days
Mature Height 36-60"
Spread 60"

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Regular (1-2 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

60" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

4" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 21-42 days

Ready to Plant Gooseberry in Tucson?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

TomatoBeanPea

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

Black Walnut
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Gooseberry

See which plants help Gooseberry thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Allow berries to fully ripen before harvesting for seeds.

Processing

Extract seeds from ripe berries, clean off pulp, and cold-stratify for 3 months.

Seed Viability

Up to 2 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Seed-grown plants may vary from parent. Propagate by hardwood cuttings in fall for an exact variety match.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 1 plant of Gooseberry. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Gooseberry in Tucson, Arizona? +

In Tucson (Zone 9b), direct sow Gooseberry outdoors around Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Tucson, Arizona? +

The average last spring frost date for Tucson, Arizona (ZIP 85708) is around Tuesday, February 10, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 9b.

How long does Gooseberry take to grow? +

Gooseberry typically matures in about 730 days from direct sowing. In Tucson, that means you can expect harvest around Tuesday, January 13, 2026 plus 730 days.

Should I start Gooseberry indoors or direct sow in Arizona? +

Gooseberry does best when direct sown outdoors. In Tucson, sow directly around Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Other Plants for Tucson

Growing Gooseberry in Zone 9b

Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa) is a popular garden vegetable. In Tucson, Arizona, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b, you should direct sow seeds around Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Gooseberry grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.