Species grape
maroon-burgundy fruits with olive-green leaves and orange-brown branches

grape

Vitis 'Catawba'

Grape (Vitis 'Catawba') is an American type of grape, widely used to make wine, juice, jellies and jams. Catawba grapes are clingstone, medium to large in size, oval-shaped, and have juicy, sweet-tart flesh. They're reddish-purple in hue and have blue-green, thick, waxy, and leathery skin protected with a light bloom. The plants reach about 12 feet tall and require regular pruning to control size and promote fruiting. Catawba grapes should be planted in well-drained soil in a location that receives adequate sunlight for optimal growth. With proper care, Catawbas can produce blooms within two to three years.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Tissue Culture,Air Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 7

Flowers:

Greenish Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

blue,green,purple,black Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Grape (Vitis 'Catawba') plants should be watered once every 5 to 7 days during the growing season (winning April-October). The amount of water needed depends on the temperature and the amount of natural rainfall in your area. Generally speaking, water deeply enough that the soil is moistened an inch or 2 below the surface. If temperatures remain high and there is very little rain, you may need to water 2 to 3 times per week.

sunlight

Grape (Vitis 'Catawba') plants need 6 to 8 hours of sunshine daily in order to produce ripe, juicy fruit. They will do best in sunny, bright spots that receive full sun, such as the south facing side of a home. During spring, when the plant is in the early stages of development, it should have a minimum of 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In summer, the direct sunlight requirement increases to 10 hours. In the cooler months of fall and winter, the grapevine can tolerate as little as 6 hours of direct sunlight. It is also important to give the grapevine some afternoon shade during the hot summer months.

pruning

Grape (Vitis 'Catawba') should be pruned annually in late winter, when the vines are still dormant. Pruning for grape vines involves removing old, overgrown shoots and canes to open up the canopy for better air circulation and light exposure. Any dead, diseased, or weak canes should also be removed. Summer pruning, in rare instances, might be necessary to reduce excessive foliage or fruit load if the vine is overloaded. Light hand pruning of the current season's growth should also be done regularly throughout the summer to keep the vines in balance.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Vitis 'Catawba' grapes typically begins in late August and runs through October.

Starts Flowering

Vitis 'Catawba' typically starts flowering in late April or early May.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Vitis 'Catawba' grapes typically begins in late August and runs through October.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is Trellising Beneficial for Grape Trees?

Trellising is definitely beneficial for grape trees. Trellising allows the vines to be better supported and keeps them off the ground, which helps to prevent rotting, disease, and pests. In addition, trellised vines can be trained into manageable and organized shapes, which promotes better air circulation. This helps to reduce disease and increases photosynthesis, contributing to healthier, more productive grape trees. Trellising also makes harvesting easier, as it keeps the grapes easily accessible. Finally, trellising can help to support the weight of the vineyard, providing stability and reducing the risk of damages. All in all, trellising is a great investment in the health and productivity of your grape trees.

Is Companion Planting Suitable for Grape Trees?

Yes, companion planting is suitable for grape trees! Companion planting is an age old technique of planting multiple plants in the same vicinity to benefit from their combination of benefits. In the case of grape trees, some other companion plants such as radish, spinach, onion, lavender and garlic have been proven to be effective in oxygenation of soil, pest control as well as overall protection of grape trees in many ways. Additionally, it enhances the overall fertility of the soil and allows for a more natural approach to gardening than chemical fertilizers typically provide.

Do Grape Trees Enhance Curb Appeal?

Yes, grape trees can make a great addition to your curb appeal. Not only do these trees bear fruits, they also create a beautiful display with their round, full shape and lush green leaves. The deep purple fruits that develop in season will add a splash of color to your outdoor space. And when the leaves happen to turn orange or red in the fall, the overall look will be even more eye-catching. Grape trees can also provide a great amount of shade, making them ideal for larger yards or yards with limited options for shade. All in all, these trees truly can boost your curb appeal and make your outdoor space look all the more inviting.

Is Organic Growing Possible for Grape Trees?

Yes, organic growing is certainly possible for grape trees. By following organic growing practices such as using integrated pest management, mulching, and using natural fertilizers, grape trees can be grown without the use of chemicals or other synthetic inputs. Additionally, organic growing supports biodiversity and encourages beneficial insects and wildlife to thrive, further supporting the health of a grape vineyard.

Are Grape Trees Affected by Frost?

Yes, grape trees can be affected by frost. Depending on the region, grapevines may be exposed to a low temperature even though they don't do well in extremely cold and frosty conditions. A grapevine can be killed from a hard frost if the temperatures drop to 28 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. When a vine is exposed to these temperatures, the sap in the vine freezes, and this can cause the rupture of cells in the vine and injure the vine. If the vine is severely injured, it may die back or be replaced in the following season. In colder climates, it is important to provide enough protection from frost to grapevines during the winter months.

Should I Use Mulch for Grape Trees?

Yes, mulching can be beneficial to grape trees. Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil, reduces weeds, and helps regulate the soil temperature. It also helps protect the grapes from cracking and splitting caused by excessive heat and drought. Additionally, it can help improve the soil's fertility and structure by providing essential nutrients to the tree. The best mulch for grape trees is wood chips, bark chips, or compost. It is important to keep the mulch away from the trunk in order to allow adequate air circulation and to ensure that it does not overheat the roots. When choosing a mulch, look for something with larger particles to prevent compaction and monitor your tree’s progress as you mulch.

Could I Grow Grape Trees in Humid Areas?

Yes, you can grow grape trees in humid areas if certain precautions are taken. The area needs to have enough sunlight, as well as good air circulation. Grapes need lots of heat and light for the best yield, and good ventilation will reduce the risk of fungal infections. Additionally, the soil type and drainage also need to be taken into consideration to ensure the vines have enough space to spread without flooding or excessive wetness. It's important to check the pH of the soil, as well, since grapes have a broad range of tolerance. If you follow these tips and take the necessary precautions, you should be able to grow grape trees successfully in humid areas.

Does Grape Trees Change Leaf Color?

Yes, grape trees can change leaf color. Depending on the variety of grape, the leaves can transition from a dark green in the spring and summer, to yellow, red, orange, or purple in the fall. While some varieties display subtle changes, other display more dramatic ones. The changing of the leaf color is caused by a decrease in levels of chlorophyll which result in the vibrancy of the other pigments, primarily carotenes and anthocyanins, becoming visible.