Grape Care

Muscadine Grape Care
Muscadine grapevines are a fantastic addition to any garden thanks to their lush foliage, deliciously sweet fruit, and usefulness in wildlife-friendly landscaping. These native vines are strong growers, with thick-skinned grapes that ripen in late summer to early fall. The fruit ranges in color from bronze to deep purple and is perfect for eating fresh, making jelly, or fermenting into wine.

Scientific name: Vitis rotundifolia

Wildlife Gardens: Muscadine vines provide excellent food and shelter for birds and other wildlife. Their dense foliage and fruit clusters attract songbirds like cardinals, mockingbirds, and thrashers. Additionally, they support pollinators during their flowering stage. While muscadines are not butterfly host plants like passionflower vines, their ecological value still makes them ideal for naturalized or wildlife-friendly gardens.

GROWING MUSCADINE GRAPES

Planting:
Plant along a fence, trellis, arbor, or pergola in full sun for best fruit production. Good air circulation and proper support structures are essential for healthy vines.

Watering:
Muscadines are drought-tolerant once established but benefit from regular watering during flowering and fruit development. Avoid waterlogging the soil.

Hardiness:
Muscadine grapes are hardy in USDA Zones 7–10 and can withstand minimum temperatures down to 10–15°F, depending on the variety.

Average mature height:
12 to 20 feet, depending on pruning and training.