Growing Muscadine Grapes in the Home Garden

— Written By and last updated by
en Español / em Português
Español

El inglés es el idioma de control de esta página. En la medida en que haya algún conflicto entre la traducción al inglés y la traducción, el inglés prevalece.

Al hacer clic en el enlace de traducción se activa un servicio de traducción gratuito para convertir la página al español. Al igual que con cualquier traducción por Internet, la conversión no es sensible al contexto y puede que no traduzca el texto en su significado original. NC State Extension no garantiza la exactitud del texto traducido. Por favor, tenga en cuenta que algunas aplicaciones y/o servicios pueden no funcionar como se espera cuando se traducen.


Português

Inglês é o idioma de controle desta página. Na medida que haja algum conflito entre o texto original em Inglês e a tradução, o Inglês prevalece.

Ao clicar no link de tradução, um serviço gratuito de tradução será ativado para converter a página para o Português. Como em qualquer tradução pela internet, a conversão não é sensivel ao contexto e pode não ocorrer a tradução para o significado orginal. O serviço de Extensão da Carolina do Norte (NC State Extension) não garante a exatidão do texto traduzido. Por favor, observe que algumas funções ou serviços podem não funcionar como esperado após a tradução.


English

English is the controlling language of this page. To the extent there is any conflict between the English text and the translation, English controls.

Clicking on the translation link activates a free translation service to convert the page to Spanish. As with any Internet translation, the conversion is not context-sensitive and may not translate the text to its original meaning. NC State Extension does not guarantee the accuracy of the translated text. Please note that some applications and/or services may not function as expected when translated.

Collapse ▲

Muscadine grapes are well adapted to the Piedmont and Coastal Plain of NC, where temperatures rarely fall below 10 degrees F. Muscadines unlike vinifera (bunch) grapes have a high degree of tolerance to pests and diseases. The fruit is very popular to make wine, pies and jellies due to its distinct sweet and fruity aroma. Muscadine Grapes, (Vitis rotundifolia) are often referred to as scuppernongs and are native to the Southeastern United States.

The best time to plant muscadines is in the Spring (March-April) after the chance of hard freezing temperatures. They should be planted at a minimum of 10 feet apart in row and 8 feet apart between rows. This is also dependent upon the trellising and training technique. The ideal trellising system would allow for 10 foot cordons (arms) on each side of the main trunk. A single 9 gauge wire supported 5-6 feet off of the ground allows for easy picking and pruning. Growing muscadines over a garden arch or a pergola can be aesthetically pleasing and provide shade, but the management is difficult and if neglected the fruit production will decline.

Fertility requirements are simple. First, as always recommended is to take a soil sample before planting and then every three years after. Apply 1/2 pound of 10-10-10 in an 18 inch band around each vine after planting in April. The second year apply 1 pound and then as the plant matures apply 1-2 pounds uniformly under the vine in March of each year not to exceed 3 pounds per plant. Grapes have a relatively high magnesium requirement and this can be met by applying Epsom Salts in July by mixing 1 tablespoon per gallon of water and pouring under the vines. Muscsadines are quite drought tolerant, but do benefit the first two years from watering and during dry periods.

Mulching around the plants assist with keeping a weed free area, but try not to pile it up on the base of the vine. Keeping a 2 foot diameter around the vine free of weeds and grass alleviates root competition with the vine. You may experience problems with japanese beetles and black rot, but muscadines are pretty forgiving. Birds may be your biggest challenge. You can use bird netting or place fake owls near your vines.

muscadine grapes growing on grapevine

Varieties good for home consumption include Nesbitt (dark colored), Fry (bronze colored), Triumph (bronze), Ison (dark), Lane (dark), Hall (bronze) and Tara (bronze). Juice varieties include Carlos (bronze), Doreen (bronze), Magnolia (bronze) and Noble (dark).

For more information about growing muscadines, or if you have other gardening questions, feel free to contact the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Franklin County Center at 919-496-3344. Stay tuned for nutritional information about muscadine grapes in the next Growing in Franklin article.