Hortiforum

General Info – Fox Grape, Northern Fox Grape

Native to the humid, cool climates of Eastern North America, Vitis Labrusca, commonly known as the Fox Grape, and its diverse array of cultivars, offer an excellent alternative for grape enthusiasts residing in similarly humid, temperate regions where European Grape (Vitis Vinifera) varieties are prone to disease and pests.
Renowned for their robust, musky flavour and aroma, Fox Grapes impart a distinctive and delicious taste to any dish or beverage they grace. The widely cultivated ‘Concord’ Grape cultivar, in particular, is the origin of the familiar artificial grape flavour, evident upon tasting. Fox Grapes are notable for being ‘slip-skins’, as the skin readily peels away from the sweet flesh when pierced. Fox Grapes lend themselves superbly to various culinary creations, including jellies, juices, wines, and pies, offering a delightfully, pungent flavour profile that Vitis Vinifera cultivars struggle to rival. With numerous Vitis Labrusca varieties readily available, as well as a plethora of hybrid options between Vitis Labrusca and Vitis Vinifera, such as the renowned Concord Grape (approximately two thirds Labrusca) and the Kyoho Grape (half Labrusca), there’s a wide selection to explore.
Although Fox Grapes bear a notable resemblance to their more prevalent Vitis Vinifera counterparts, although they can be distinguished by the dense covering of small, brown hairs on the underside of their leaves. Like all fruiting vines, Fox Grapes should be provided a sturdy support structure such as a trellis or pagola, that allows it maximum exposure to sunlight together with airflow. Plants have twisting trunks of rough barks that give mature plants a handsome, aged appearance.
Similar to their North American counterpart, the Muscadine Grape, Fox Grapes thrive in humid climates, albeit with a preference for cooler, temperate conditions compared to the more subtropical, warm-temperate Muscadine Grape. To ensure optimal growth and yield, provide Fox Grapes with full sun exposure, adequate airflow, well-draining, loam soil, and sturdy support structures. Both full sun and good airflow are critical for plant health and productivity.
Possessing a richer flavour profile than their more widely recognized relatives, Fox Grapes are particularly well-suited to the temperate climates found in many regions of Australia, where they can flourish with minimal intervention.

Plant Profile/Properties