Grapes
Grapes
Grapes (Vitis Spp)
Depending on the variety, grapes can be surprisingly easy to grow. On our farm we have planted several kinds of grapes in clay soil in a frost pocket. We use no sprays and minimal weed control. Despite our poor site and minimal care, our vines have produced tasty fruit within a year or two of planting. Grapes have been the easiest, most rewarding plant to grow to fruiting on our homestead.
Concord- Best flavor, the standard of table grapes. Hardy to -20f
Worden- Similar to Concord, ripens a week earlier. Hardy to -25
Somerset Seedless- Super hardy to -40f. Fruit is small and flavor is excellent, pink grapes that have a hint of strawberry.
Bluebell- Very vigorous cold hardy to -40f. Large grapes with seeds and very good flavor. Similar to concord grapes, but bigger and ripens a month earlier. This has been the most prolific and successful grape for us.
Niagara- Extremely vigorous green grape, seeded.
Einset- Delicious red seedless grape does well in our zone 5 winters.
Golden Muscat- Yellow muscat grape, outstanding flavor ripens late season. Reportedly hardy to -10f, but we have seen it survive closer to -20f. May have some die back in cold winters.
Reliance- Seedless red grape with good cold hardiness
Mystery- Grapevines that lost their tags, could be any variety we grow.