Food Forest fruit collection | 8 plants | 4 varieties of gooseberries, 2 varieties of elderberries, 1 juneberry, 1 aronia berry

This Food Forest Fruit Collection includes eight perennial fruiting plants selected for homesteads and food forests. All varieties in this collection are suitable for USDA Growing Zones 3-8. Together, they provide harvests from early summer through early fall.

Viking Aronia Berry (Black Chokeberry) is a hardy deciduous shrub grown for its clusters of glossy dark berries., which are rich in antioxidants and are commonly used in juices, syrups, jams, and wine. Viking typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall and adapts well to a variety of soil conditions, including clay and sandy soils. Moderate watering is recommended during establishment, while mature plants are relatively drought tolerant. Harvest from late August through September. Shipped plant measures about 8"-12" in height.

Adams Elderberry is a productive American elderberry variety valued for its large flower clusters and abundant dark purple-black fruit. The berries are commonly used in syrups, preserves, wines, and other cooked preparations. Plants typically reach 6 to 10 feet in height and prefer moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Full sun encourages the heaviest fruit production, while consistent moisture supports healthy growth and berry development. Harvest from mid-August through September. Shipped plant is a starter plant about 5"-10" in height.

Johns Elderberry is often paired with other elderberry varieties to encourage cross-pollination and improve fruit yields. This vigorous shrub can grow 8 to 12 feet tall and produces heavy clusters of berries that are popular for preserves, juice, and wildlife forage. Johns thrives in moist, organically rich soil and performs best with regular watering and full sun exposure. Harvest from mid-August through September. Shipped plant is a starter plant about 5"-10" in height.

Jennybelle Juneberry (Serviceberry) is a small tree or large shrub appreciated for both its ornamental beauty and edible fruit. White spring blossoms are followed by sweet, blueberry-like berries that ripen in early summer. Mature plants commonly reach 10 to 15 feet in height and prefer well-drained loamy soil with moderate moisture. The fruit can be enjoyed fresh or used in baking, preserves, and desserts. Harvest in June to early July. Shipped plant is about 10"-14" in height.

Jeanne Gooseberry produces attractive red berries with a balanced sweet-tart flavor and is recognized for its strong disease resistance. Plants typically mature at 3 to 5 feet tall and grow well in fertile, well-drained soil. Regular watering during fruit development helps support crop quality, and plants perform well in either full sun or partial shade. Harvest from late June through July. Shipped plant is about 6"-10" in height.

Jahns Prairie Gooseberry is a cold-hardy variety known for dependable production and adaptability to a range of garden conditions. It produces medium-sized berries suitable for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. Plants generally reach 3 to 4 feet in height and prefer moderately fertile, well-drained soils with consistent moisture during dry periods. Harvest during July. Shipped plant is about 6"-10" in height.

Captivator Gooseberry is a nearly thornless variety prized for its burgundy-red fruit and relatively sweet flavor. Growing approximately 3 to 5 feet tall, Captivator thrives in moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Regular watering helps maintain fruit quality, while full sun to partial shade provides the best growing conditions. Harvest from mid to late July. Shipped plant is about 6"-10" in height.

Black Velvet Gooseberry produces distinctive deep purple to nearly black fruit with a rich sweet-tart flavor. The berries are well suited for fresh eating, preserves, and culinary use. Plants typically grow 4 to 5 feet tall and perform best in fertile, well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and support plant health throughout the growing season. Harvest from mid-July into early August. Shipped plant is about 6"-10" in height.

Together, these eight varieties provide a succession of blooms and fruit harvests beginning with Juneberries in early summer, followed by Gooseberries in summer, and culminating with Aronia and Elderberries in late summer. Their combination of edible fruit, pollinator-friendly flowers, wildlife value, and seasonal interest makes them well suited for food forests, edible landscapes, and perennial garden plantings.