I just bought a couple plants last year. They're very thorny, supposed to be extremely hardy, apparently produce best when pruned regularly, and should not be allowed to fruit the first year they make buds (which should be year two, dependent on variety). I also remember reading that growing them from seed is a little unpredictable, as some varieties are hybrids of two other varieties and may not breed true.
Mine are doing very well in the raspberry patch, with moist soil and partial shade. They are not supposed to like hot weather, but our temps have been in the nineties recently and they don't seem overly bothered. The Hinnomaki Red has doubled in size since last year, and the Invicta is still thinking about it.
Jostaberries are a hybrid of gooseberries and blackcurrant. I have a couple of those as well. They're supposed to be just as disease resistant, but thornless.