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Grape Vines
When we think of grape vines, it's usually because we've spent hot, lazy days on holiday, sitting under the shade of a pergola, eating, drinking and having a siesta, with the grapes dangling enticingly through the rafters. What a lovely image...mmm...
Pergola Shade and Fantasic Fruit!
Recreating this relaxed atmosphere in our own gardens is very manageable. And, yes, you can even have grape vines in this country. They are not only highly decorative but productive too.At one time, it was thought that grapes would only grow in warmer and drier climates. Obviously the warmer the better. But with our climate becoming warmer all the time and knowing the vines best suited to our weather, it is now possible to achieve reasonable success with these climbers.
Positioning
Grape vines need lots of sun and warmth to form and ripen the fruit so it is important to put them where they will produce their best crop. South or west facing is really a must. They can be trained to grow over a pergola, on a house or garden wall, over a fence or a shed and even trained as a low hedge.The main thing is that they are sheltered and warm. Look in your garden to see if there is a structure that provides a bit of a sun trap over which the vine can climb. You will need to use vine support wires and make sure that the vines are regularly secured to the wires.
Best Varieties
If you want to grow these plants in the UK, two good varieties are: The red grape 'Dornfelder', which has a profusion of deep red/black fruits and attractive autumn leaf colour. The vine was bred in Germany, and it is one of the best flavoured grapes in the UK. Cropping begins in early October. Disease resistance is good and the plant is easy to maintain. Then there is the green grape 'Pheonix', which is a very productive plant with large bunches of good sized grapes. Also bred in Germany, the grapes have an excellent flavour with a Muscat aroma. Fruit is ready in early October.
More Grapevine Choices
There are several other really good grape vine varieties.
Using Your Grapes
Your plants will look superb, and provide good shade on the rafters of a pergola, but of course you will want to use the produce!
Wine is the most obvious, but these wonderful fruits can be used for many other things too. Try making a colourful fruit salad for those warm summer evenings, a healthy juice to boost your immune system, a smoothy with other fruits, a wonderful dessert, or last, but not least, eaten fresh from the vine!
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