Description
The Catawba Grape vine yields sweet, delicious grapes midway through summer. It is a purple-red seeded grape that originally came from America, andproduces a small thicker skin grape . It is popular for making juice (frozen juice makes awesome ice lollies), wine and preserves.
The vine leaves can also be stuffed with meat and vegetables and eaten as wraps, while the tendrils make healthy teas with many benefits. This tea can ease hypertension, the symptoms of menopause, toxins, problems in the bladder and kidneys, high cholesterol, and poor circulation. It also has anti-aging and cancer-fighting properties.
Grapes can produce fruit during their growing period; however, only after 3 years will they produce clumps of fruit.
Flowers are self-pollinating therefore, only one plant is required.
Position
This hardy vine should be planted in full sun (at least 6 hours of sunshine daily) and can handle the heat and cold rather well. So, plant it to grow over a pergola, and you can count on having a shady spot all summer. It will also grow along strong fences and trellises, but it definitely needs some support—plant vines about 1.8 to 3 metres apart from one another.
Size
The Catawba vine grows fast, so it is particularly rewarding. Its grape bunches are medium in size. A mature plant can grow to a height of about 1.5 to 2 metres with a spread of 2.4 to 3 metres.
Soil Type
It thrives in well-draining soil that is deep, so that its roots can extend far down and take in more nutrients. A slightly acidic pH of 5.0 to 6.5 is best, you can add a bag of acid compost when planting. This plant is resilient enough to withstand most soil types. The only exceptions are soils that are wet or alkaline.
Mulch
Mulch is a good way of preventing weeds and reducing the rate of water evaporation from the soil.
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Watering
When your vine is new, water it gently and gradually twice a week. Thereafter, about 2.5 centimetres of water per week should be ample. Don’t overwater your vine.
Fertilising
Because their roots reach deep into the soil, they take up all the nutrients the plant needs.
Apply our slow-release Berry/All-plant Fertiliser. For young vines, apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. The roots will absorb what they need.
Pruning
Prune your Catawba vine once a year to encourage the plant to produce more grape clusters. You can remove between 70 to 90 percent of the previous year’s growth each winter.
Harvesting
This vine yields sweet, delicious grapes midway through summer. Before picking them, wait until they are completely ripe (deliciously sweet and crisp).
