Grape - Bluebell

Grapes need a good support system like fences, walls, trellises, arbors or other structures. It ripens early to mid-September in Minnesota and is a good climber. With excellent hardiness, this grape should be used in northern areas as a substitute for Concord. Birds love grapes, so be sure to plant some to share. It is excellent for wine making. 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 Bluebell Grape, 'Vitis 'Bluebell', has berries that are medium to large and blue-black in color with tender skin. This grape tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, but must have good drainage. The grape vines can be quite attractive year-round and can provide good cover, screening, or shade to areas around the home. Resembles Concord in size and color but with more tender skin and greater hardiness. These have a very good table quality. 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. ... details