Catawba Grape

$14.97

Catawba Grape can be grown wherever there is direct sun and sufficient air circulation. Train them overhead onto shade arbors, over outdoor living spaces or fence lines. Vigorous, hardy vine with clusters of medium to large, well formed grapes. The fruit is round and purplish-red with a distinctive foxy flavor. Catawba Grape are well suited for jellies, juices, table and for red and rosé wines. Ripens late in the season. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship this item to Arizona, Idaho, Nevada or New York.

• Scientific Name: Vitis labrusca ‘Catawba’
• USDA Zone: 4 – 8
• Average growth: Up to 20′ per year
• Sun Exposure: Full sun

Planting/Care Instructions

Before planting, have your soil tested to see what amendments are needed. Click this link to check your frost dates: Frost Dates. Check the light preferences for your plant and choose your plot accordingly. Choose the right time of the year depending on what you are planting.

When you receive your plant, soak the root ball in water for 20 minutes upon arrival before planting or potting. Gently break up the root ball. This will help the roots of the plant to grow out into the soil. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your plant. Fill in the hole tightly with soil to avoid any air pockets. Add a bit of slow-release fertilizer to help new plants to grow quickly. Add the recommended amount per fertilizer instructions. Be sure to water your plants until they are established. In addition, pull weeds out when they appear. They take nutrients from the soil.

Additionally, allow the grape vines to run freely for the first year. After that time, grapes will need  sure to have a sturdy trellis or other support system. This makes it easier to get to the grapes and keeps down the possibility of downy mildew. Also, mulching the plants is helpful.

Pruning grapes is very important. The fruit of grape vines grow off of one year old canes. If you do not prune enough and have too many old canes, you’ll get fewer grapes. But if you prune vines back completely every year, you get lots of new growth with few grapes. Pruning should be done in late winter when the plant is dormant, usually around March. If you have trouble keeping up with your pruners, check out our locally hand-made leather pruner holster here.

Lastly, enjoy your Catawba Grape and your time in the garden!