Vitis × labruscana
| Vitis × labruscana | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 5 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 49' |
| Blooms: | Early Summer-Mid Summer |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Vitis × labruscana
Propagation: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[K]. Six weeks cold stratification improves the germination rate, and so stored seed is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is obtained. Germination should take place in the first spring, but sometimes takes another 12 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in early summer. This is a hybrid species and so seed is unlikely to breed true.
Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, December/January in a frame. These cuttings can be of wood 15 - 30cm long or they can be of short sections of the stem about 5cm long with just one bud at the top of the section. In this case a thin, narrow strip of the bark about 3cm long is removed from the bottom half of the side of the stem. This will encourage callusing and the formation of roots. Due to the size of these cuttings they need to be kept in a more protected environment than the longer cuttings.
Layering.
Cultivation: Prefers a deep rich moist well-drained moderately fertile loam[1][2]. Grows best in a calcareous soil[2]. Succeeds in sun or partial shade though a warm sunny position is required for the fruit to ripen[2].
The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts.
Cultivated for its edible fruits, used mainly for making wine, in Eastern N. America[3]. There are many named varieties.
Plants climb by means of tendrils[4].
Any pruning should be carried out in winter when the plants are dormant otherwise they bleed profusely[4][2].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[2].
Range: A hybrid of garden origin, V. labrusca x V. vinifera[3].
Habitat: Not known in the wild.
Edibility: Fruit - raw or dried for winter use[3][5]. A 'foxy' flavour that is not normally relished in Europe[3]. However, the fruit is larger and less 'foxy' than V. labrusca[3]. The fruit is about 25mm in diameter[2] and is carried in fairly large bunches. The fruit is commonly used for making wine in N. America[3].
Young leaves are wrapped around other foods and then baked, they impart a pleasant flavour.
Young tendrils - raw or cooked.
Usage: A yellow dye is obtained from the fresh or dried leaves[6].
Greenish-blue and dark blue dyes can be obtained from the fruit skins of the cultivar 'Concord'[6].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Seed Ripens: Early Fall-Mid Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Grae, Ida. Nature's Colors. MacMillan Publishing, 1974.