Hortiforum

General Info – Muscadine Grape, Scuppernong, Southern Fox Grape

Native to the Southern United States, the Muscadine Grape thrives in warm, humid climates where traditional Vitis Vinifera varieties often struggle, deserving vastly more attention and cultivation across Australia.
Although on the surface, Muscadine Grapes appear similar to the European Grape, they are both distinct and flavourful. Vines produce round, thick-skinned grapes that boast a delightful, fruity, sweet flavour far exceeding the grapes of Vitis Vinifera. The flavour of fruits is similar to a combination of the European Grape, Jaboticaba and Fox Grape. Muscadine Grapes have a distinct musky flavour, although newer forms have been bred to have a less pronounced musky flavour, which can be either a positive or negative based on personal taste. Size and Colour can vary greatly depending on cultivar, with cultivars in Australia ranging from the Purple ‘Noble’ that is ideal for juice and wine, to the large, bronze ‘Fry’. Grapes make for a delightful fresh snack, but due to their limited shelf life of 1-2 weeks, they are frequently processed into products such as wine, jelly, or juices, each of which represents an excellent use of this fruit. Grapes are a rich source in antioxidants (polyphenols) in addition to being rich in Vitamin C and Manganese.
Like all Vitis species, Muscadines flourish in full sun positions with good airflow, being best cultivated on structures such as a wire trellis or even archways which allow plants with complete exposure to sun. Muscadine Grapes are native to the Southern United States which experiences relatively mild winters and sweltering, wet & humid summers. The preference of Muscadines for these conditions is their unique, gardening proposition, with vines thriving in similar climates in Australia such as the East Coast, where many traditional European Grape varieties will become susceptible to pests and diseases. Comparative to both Fox Grapes and European Grapes, Muscadine Grapes also require fewer chill hours, making them further ideal for subtropical climates. Muscadines require a well-drained but moist soil, being otherwise adapatable to soil type, but with a preference for slightly-acidic to neutral, loam soils. Consistent, supplemental watering throughout flowering and fruiting will maximise production. Owing to their vigour and suitability to much of Coastal Australia’s climate, it is highly recommended not to place vines near native bushland it may be able to physically spread into.
Notably, in contrast to the common European grape, Vitis Vinifera, Muscadine grapes, along with other American Vitis species, display resistance to Phylloxera—a sap-sucking insect that harms both leaves and roots and has led to widespread destruction of numerous Vitis Vinifera grapevines.
Muscadine’s are similar but distinct in appearance to the more common and related European Grape. Vines have more rounded, serrated leaves, with a copper-tinged underside, while the bark is smoother and does not shed. Like other Vinifera, the minute, flowers are borne in clusters which eventually form into grapes. Similar to European grapes, Muscadines are natural climbers, requiring a sturdy support structure to bear the weight of their vigorous vines. The size of the structure provided will largely determine the form and size vines reach, with plants responding well to regular, pruning during winter. Their vigorous, spreading form makes them ideal for covering unsightly structures.
A superb and flavorful substitute for the typical Vitis Vinifera, especially well-suited for hot and humid, low chill regions, as well as areas grappling with Phylloxera issues.

Plant Profile/Properties