The Delicious Grape is a Muscadine Grape Cultivar developed and released by the University of Florida. Delicious Grapes are black when ripe and they bloom and make fruit earlier than other Muscadine Grapes. The vigorous vines deliver high yields and are resistant to many diseases. The fruit is, as the name suggests, excellent tasting has a fine juicy texture and thin edible skin. The adaptable Delicious Grape Vines grow best in the ground within USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7 to 9 and are cold hardy down to -5ºF.
Delicious Grape Vines perform at their peak in full sun and growing up on a trellis, arbor, or fence. Delicious Grape Vines can also grow over other structures such as a garden shed or carport. The Delicious Grape is self-fertile and a single plant can produce large numbers of its sweet, juicy grapes each season. Delicious Grape Vines can grow healthy crops in their first or second year in the ground, and the plants are easy to maintain and harvest. Add a Delicious Grape Vine to your edible landscape, and enjoy fresh grapes, grape jelly, grape juice, and even wine.
The large, lush leaves of Delicious Muscadine Grape Vines do best when given plenty of airflows. A proven method for ensuring enough air circulation for Grape Vines is to grow the plants on raised wires that are about six feet off the ground. T-shaped poles that hold two or three lines of coated, braided wire is customary. Plant the grapevines at the bases of the poles and the elevated wires will provide support and help the grapes grow to their maximum potential.
Grapes climb naturally, and will normally only require a minimum of direction or tying to establish them onto a trellis quickly. Providing airflow in this way helps prevent several issues that can harm Delicious Grape Vines, such as Black Rot Fungus that affects leaves, and other mildew and fungi that can harm low-growing vines exposed to splashing soil and ground moisture. Delicious grapevines can also be grown on an arbor or a simple fence to keep them elevated and to help with air circulation.
Harvesting and Uses
Delicious Muscadine Grapes are large, and established vines in a cared-for location can produce grapes an inch wide or more. The ripe fruit is shiny, deep black, oval-shaped, and grows in clusters. Harvest Delicious Muscadine Grapes from early August through early fall. The fruit is ready when it is juicy and has a sweet, slightly tangy flavor. The ripe Delicious Muscadine Grapes can be kept refrigerated for seven or eight days.
Delicious Muscadine Grapes are mainly grown as fresh eating grapes that can be used in salads, smoothies, and juices. Delicious Grape Vines are heavy producers, and their fruit is also considered good for making sweet wine. In addition to providing your edible landscape with flavorful, nutritious Grapes, Delicious Muscadine Grape Vines make beautiful living shade when grown on supports over a patio. The lush foliage creates shade in the hot summers with clusters of black grapes hanging down to tempt all who see them. Then the vines lose their leaves in winter and allow the sun to warm the deck below.
Growing Zones
Advice
Delicious Muscadine Grape Vines respond favorably to annual pruning. Prune Grape Vines in late winter or early spring when the previous crop has been harvested and the vines are still dormant. Grapes are grown on one-year-old wood, so this year’s woody vines would have been last year’s new green growth. Cut back the one-year-old vines to leave between three and ten buds out from the main trunk. The number of buds left will affect fruit production, so experiment to find the best method for your vines.
Plant in full sun where the soil drains well and has average organic matter and nutrients. Fertilize after pruning and again before fruit sets using a fertilizer formulated for grapes. Apply according to plant size and age as recommended by the fertilizer manufacturer. Water fertilizer in well and do not over-feed Grape Vines. Over-fertilizing can cause the vines to grow excessive foliage and fewer blooms and fruit.
FAQs
Do Delicious Muscadine Grapes have seeds?
Delicious Muscadine Grapes have about five seeds per fruit. The seeds are crunchy and edible, but can be strained out for making preserves or juice.
Are Delicious Grapes Cold Hardy?
Delicious Muscadine Grape Vines are suited for USDA Zones 7 to 9, and are cold hardy down to -5ºF.
Do Delicious Muscadine Grape Vines need to be fertilized to grow fruit?
Grape Fertilizer properly applied to Delicious Grape Vines can promote strong plants and high yields. Do not over-fertilize, which can cause more vegetative growth, but fewer blooms and grapes.
Can Delicious Grapes grow in pots?
Yes, Delicious Grape Vines can be grown in containers with holes for drainage, in full sun, and with a trellis or structure for vine support.
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Katherine R. (verified owner) –
No name was on the plant, and it was shipped very wet. No instructions were included. What gives?
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