Database

Vitis x ‘Frontenac’

Fruit: Grape

Vigorous growing, very cold hardy grape plant with great powdery mildew resistance. Tall, climbing habit with lobed, green foliage that turns yellow in fall. Small flowers in spring are followed by abundant, medium to large clusters of small, blue-black, seeded grapes. Fruit has a mild, sweet taste and juicy texture. Ripens in September: let fruit ripen on vine to reduce acidity. Great for wine-making (red wine) and juicing. Requires a support structure. Plant in a wind-sheltered, sunny, southern location. Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Fertilize with a good compost or all purpose fertilizer in spring before new growth emerges. In fall, prune back most of the plant to ensure good production, leaving at least 8 buds; remove the vines that remain standing from the trellis and lie them on the ground for snow cover (or provide a cover) and good winter protection. Pruning back 70-90% of plant in late winter/early spring, before new growth, emerges is also acceptable as grapes produce fruit on new wood and any winter damage can then be pruned away.

Self-pollinating.

Available in select potted sizes.