Species grape

grape

Vitis 'Valiant'

Grape (Vitis 'Valiant') is an attractive, high-yielding variety of vine that produces an abundance of fruit. This self-pollinating variety produces fragrant, sweet clusters of dark green, black, and blue-purple fruits from August to October. The fruits are great eaten straight off the vine or used for making jams, juices, liqueurs, and wines. The vigorous vine grows best in well-drained soil with plenty of sun and can be pruned to provide aesthetically pleasing coverage for pergolas and walls. Hardy and tolerant of most soils and climates, 'Valiant' is an ideal grape for the home gardener.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

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

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Greenish Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

blue,green,purple,black Fruits Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

For optimal grape (Vitis 'Valiant') growth, it is important to keep the soil evenly moist. Water deeply and regularly during the growing season, about once a week to 10 days. Don't let the soil dry out completely, because this can cause young leaves to wilt and die, or cause fruit to drop prematurely. During the winter, reduce watering to once every 2 weeks; however, if the weather is especially dry, provide some additional water.

sunlight

Grape (Vitis 'Valiant') requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The optimal temperature for grape vine growth is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Ideal sunlight for grape vines is direct, south facing and without any obstructions. If planted in a location without direct sunlight, the plant should receive very strong indirect sunlight for a significant part of the day. Too much direct sunlight can damage the plant and cause leaf burn, making it very important to select the right spot to ensure strong growth.

pruning

Grape vines (Vitis 'Valiant') should be pruned in early spring, just as new growth begins. The amount of pruning required will depend on the age and size of the vine. Vines that are more than 5 years old can be pruned harder than younger vines, removing about 1 third of the canes each year. This may include some of the older canes that don’t produce the best grapes, encouraging the vine to produce new and more productive shoots. When pruning, look for canes that are thicker than the others. These can be trimmed down to about the diameter of your little finger. Thin canes should be removed or left shorter, as they are unlikely to produce high-quality grapes. Aim to leave 5 to 7 healthy, well-spaced shoots across the arbor for optimal production. Once the pruning is complete, ensure the vines are tied for stability.

Season

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

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

Starts Flowering

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

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Vitis 'Valiant' grapes typically begins in late August and continues 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.