Fox Grape
vitis labrusca
Also known as: ["American Grape","Frost Grape"]
Overview
A deciduous vine native to eastern North America, known for its tart grapes used in wine and juice production.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Vitales |
| Family: | Vitaceae |
| Genus: | Vitis |
| Botanical Name: | Vitis labrusca |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor vineyard or garden trellis
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30–40°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loam with organic matter; tolerates a range of soils but prefers fertile, deep soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter/early spring before bud break.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate to heavy; remove about 80% of the previous year's growth for fruiting vines.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for extreme heat by providing partial shade during peak afternoon hours.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; avoid sudden exposure to intense sunlight to prevent scorching; provide shade cloth or dappled light during extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Monitor leaf temperature; rotate plants for even light exposure; use reflective surfaces to enhance light in shaded areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage wetting; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; prioritize deep watering over frequent shallow watering.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
Avoid compacted soil; ensure good aeration; maintain consistent moisture levels.
Temperature
Optimal range 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates seasonal fluctuations but prefers moderate temperatures; dormant in winter below 50°F (10°C).
Monitor nighttime temperatures; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation to mitigate heat stress.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Test soil before fertilizing; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup; water after fertilizing to distribute nutrients.
Propagation
Methods
Hardwood cuttings in late winter/early spring; layering can also be effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy, disease-free cuttings.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Insert into medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Late winter or early spring before active growth begins.
Environment
Warm (70–75°F), high humidity (70–80%), and indirect light for rooting.
Medium
Coarse sand or perlite mix with some peat moss for moisture retention.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establishment may take an additional growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, rooting medium, plastic bags or propagation dome, heating mat.
Quick Tips
Use cuttings from the current year's growth; maintain consistent moisture; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Canopy thinning, spur pruning, or cordon training depending on growth habit and space.
Pruning Plan
Renewal pruning to maintain vigor and fruit production; remove old wood to encourage new growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune before bud break; remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches; thin out dense areas.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Not applicable for in-ground plants; for container-grown, repot in early spring if needed.
Pot Size
Not applicable for in-ground; for containers, increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Not applicable for in-ground; for containers, gently remove root ball, trim roots if necessary, and repot with fresh soil mix.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted; vines are usually grown in-ground or in large permanent containers.
Checklist
Assess root bound status; trim roots if necessary; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until the soil is moist but not waterlogged; ensure water penetrates the root zone deeply; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during growing season; reduce frequency in dormant season; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or stunted growth in cold stress; bud drop or poor fruit set in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes; can cause leaf damage, bud death, or reduced vigor; severe frost may kill vines.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; cover vines with frost cloth during freezes; choose cold-hardy cultivars for colder climates.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat accelerates water loss; leads to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced photosynthesis; can impair fruit development.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use reflective mulch to reduce soil temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; use appropriate fertilizer type; apply at correct rate; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; side-dress with compost during growing season; reduce or stop fertilizing in late summer/fall.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicVitis labrusca is not considered toxic to cats. The fruit is generally safe for cats to consume in small amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicVitis labrusca is not considered toxic to dogs. The fruit is often safe for dogs to consume in moderation.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicVitis labrusca, commonly known as Concord grape, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is widely consumed as food and used in various culinary applications.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Vitis labrusca suitable for making wine?
A: Yes, its grapes are commonly used for wine and juice production.
Q: How does Vitis labrusca grow?
A: It is a vigorous vine that climbs using tendrils and thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Q: Does Vitis labrusca attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts birds, bees, and butterflies with its flowers and fruits.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Vitaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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