Grape vine
Growing conditions
Grape vines are quite adaptable in terms of growing conditions, but their ideal soil is well-drained, rocky limestone soil, with plenty of exposure to sunlight. They will definitely not thrive in wet or poorly drained soil. Being vines, it is in their nature to climb on a supporting structure: either a fence or a trellis is perfect. This also makes them a good choice for those who have limited space for planting large fruit trees. They may be planted with around 1.8m (6 feet) distance between both the individual vines and the rows (if you intend on making several rows.)
Most grapevines are self-fertile, but will give more fruit if they are cross-pollinated with a different cultivar. For optimal fruit production, it’s important to prune the vines correctly each year. To learn how, take a look at our tutorial (on the way soon as we add to our new site!)
To choose the trees that will grow well for you, the first step is to know the hardiness zone in which they will be planted. If you do not already know your zone, you can find it here by writing the name of the municipality in which your trees will be planted.
When you select your zone, each variety that is hardy in your area will be identified, to make your choice easier.
Data was extracted from the Natural Resources Canada Hardiness Zones map.
I already know my hardiness zone
Tell us your municipality
Discover our varieties
The cultivars we offer are table grapes. They are great for fresh eating and some of them make excellent juice as well. As with many other fruits and vegetables, the grapes develop more sugar when they are left on the vine until first frost.
It’s interesting to note that table grapes that are hardy to the climate of Northern Canada did not exist until quite recently. The majority of the cultivars we offer are the creation of a very dedicated and generous plant breeder named Elmer Swenson. Swenson was a pioneer in table-grape breeding, and he continued tirelessly to breed new cultivars on his farm in Wisconson until around the year 2000, just four years before his death at the age of 91. We are greatly indebted to his work!
