Species grape

grape

Vitis 'Chardonel'

Grape (Vitis 'Chardonel') is a hybrid grape variety with a sweet and juicy flavor. It is a cross between Chardonnay and Seyval blanc grapes and is known for its white blush clusters of small but very fragrant, pumpkin-orange colored grapes. Its flavor profile consists of succulent notes of melon, honey, white flowers, butter and a hint of hazelnut. Great for table grapes, making juice, or even wine, Chardonel grapes are not only easy to grow but quite prolific, too with its long harvest season. Pair their sweet flavors with a cheese plate for a delightful combination.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Cutting,Tissue Culture,Budding

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 7

Flowers:

Greenish Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

High

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Grapes (Vitis 'Chardonel') should be watered regularly and uniformly throughout the entire growing season, from the time of planting until the final harvest. During the first several weeks after planting, regular watering is especially important as it will help with root establishment. After the plants become established, they should be watered every 7-10 days. When watering, it is best to provide water directly to the root zone area. This can be done with a watering can, hose-end sprinkler, or drip irrigation system. Total water applied per session should be between about 1 and 2 inches, depending on the soil type. If the soil is sandy or light, then slightly less water is needed, while for heavy clay soils, up to 2 inches per watering should be applied. Monitor the plants as they grow to better assess water needs. When hot weather occurs, you may need to water more frequently to keep the grapes healthy and producing fruit.

sunlight

Grape (Vitis 'Chardonel') plants require full sunlight and must be exposed to a minimum of 6-8 hours direct, unfiltered sunlight per day, preferably during the early morning or late afternoon hours. When planting the grape, make sure the location has full sun exposure for most of the day to ensure its full growth potential. During the summer months, exposure to more sunlight is beneficial to the plant as it aids in ripening of the grapes. During hotter months, it is beneficial to provide shade to the grapes when the sun is highest, as this could cause sun damage to the berries.

pruning

Grape (Vitis 'Chardonel') should be pruned twice per year, once during the dormant season (winter) and once in the early spring season just before active growth begins. During the dormant season, cutting back the canes to 4 to 6 buds per shoot is recommended. This will encourage new growth for the upcoming season. During the early spring pruning, the goal is to maintain an overall shape and to optimize air circulation and light penetration, so isolated branches should be removed. Grapevines should also be thinned to avoid overcrowding and issues with overcrowding like competition for nutrients. Additionally, selecting the best shoots to promote fruiting is recommended. It is best to remove shoots that are less vigorous than those encouraging growth. Lastly, ensure to cut back all suckers that have grown around the trunk's base as they can use energy from the plant.

Season

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

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

Starts Flowering

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

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Vitis 'Chardonel' 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.