Vitis riparia |
Native Region: Eastern North America
Zone Range: 3-9
Preferred Climate: Full sun; well draining evenly moist soils.
Harvest Date: Thursday 20 September, 2007
Seed count: 40-50
Description:
This North American grape is one of the hardiest species in the world surviving temperatures as low as minus 40C (-40F). The grapes are sweetly acidic and have a lovely flavor when allowed to fully ripen on the vine thus excellent for winemaking and jellies. A stunning vine up to 5-7 m with variable leaf types (rounded or deeply lobed) displaying beautiful golden autumn colors. Highly valued by wildlife and perfect for naturalizing woodland areas or along fences and of course as root stock.
Notes:
This species is used extensively as a rootstock in today's European wineries. Those who enjoy a glass of vino fino owe a debt of gratitude to humble Vitis riparia . Even today Vitis vinifera vines are propagated on Vitis riparia rootstock to control phylloxera a devastating disease that will kill or severely harm own root Vitis vinifera. So if you want to grow your own grapes for wine or preserves, it is best to use this species as a rootstock.
Cultivation:
Soak seed 24 hours. Cold stratify for 6 weeks. After cold stratification period is over germinate at 20 C but we've noticed better germination rates (sprouts in 5-10 days) when seed is cold stratified 3 months at 20 C. Does best in calcium rich fertile loamy evenly moist soils for best production and flavourful fruit.
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