Grape - Bluebell

Grapes are primarily grown for fruit production in home fruit gardens where they provide good ornamental value: bold summer foliage, showy fruit, some fall color and shaggy, twisted trunking and branching often best seen in winter. It is excellent for wine making. With excellent hardiness, this grape should be used in northern areas as a substitute for Concord. This grape tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, but must have good drainage. These have a very good table quality. The Bluebell Grape, 'Vitis 'Bluebell', has berries that are medium to large and blue-black in color with tender skin. Resembles Concord in size and color but with more tender skin and greater hardiness. Grapes need a good support system like fences, walls, trellises, arbors or other structures. Grapes need full sunlight and high temperatures to ripen, so plant on southern slopes, the south side of windbreaks, or the south sides of buildings The flowers are attractive to bees. The grape vines can be quite attractive year-round and can provide good cover, screening, or shade to areas around the home. It ripens early to mid-September in Minnesota and is a good climber. Birds love grapes, so be sure to plant some to share. ... additional info