Suffolk Red Seedless Grape
 

Suffolk Red Seedless Grape is a selection of a hybrid cross between Russian seedless (a Vitis vinifera hybrid) and a cultivar of American Fox Grape (Vitis labrusca). It is hardier than European grapes, requires less heat to ripen than most grapes, and produces the largest berries of the hybrids. It only requires 100 chill hours, so basically it can be grown anywhere in the U.S. and many parts of Canada. The fruit quality is excellent, and usually ripen early among grape cultivars.

Now as you might have read, we are having some unusually warm daytime temperatures here in San Diego for December. My poor Suffolk Reds are confused, and sporting fruit buds as if it is spring!

Re: Suffolk Red Seedless Grape
 

Would it be better to cut off the buds ?

Re: Suffolk Red Seedless Grape
 

The plants usually drop all their foliage in January and re-sprout in March-April. I don't think they are going to last.

Re: Suffolk Red Seedless Grape
 

I'm clearing some new ground on the back side of my place and I cut down a scragly maple to give a Live Oak more room and I notice that the maple was in bloom when it fell. Also, I have daylilies blooming and it's almost January. Still cutting my grass too. I'm in South Alabama near the Gulf.

Re: Suffolk Red Seedless Grape
 

Either a false spring, or an alarmingly early spring.

Re: Suffolk Red Seedless Grape
 

Looks like the vitis is not in its resting period, here in Holland januari is the
time to prune it. Normally in march it is growing again and then you should not prune anymore.


Ron

Re: Suffolk Red Seedless Grape
 

True. Last year the Red Suffolk's were bare at this time.

Re: Suffolk Red Seedless Grape
 

Richard,

Is it resistant to Pierce disease?

Can it handle the hot humid SE Gulf Coast region?

Re: Suffolk Red Seedless Grape
 

The only real way to control Pierce's disease is to (1) get rid of the vectors -- especially glassy winged sharpshooter, and (2) proactively treat every 60 to 90 days fungicide and antibiotic.

The glassy-winged s.s. is very easy to control with certified-organic approved methods such as pyrethrin. Unfortunately, there are some organic farmers who grow host plants for the g.w.s.s. and religiously do not treat for any insects. Thus their farms are a perpetual source for g.w.s.s. and Pierce's disease. There's one here in Valley Center CA whose infected grape vines are spreading Pierce's throughout the region.

It is half fox grape and does well in the south provided you prune for air circulation and (like most grapes) proactively treat for mildew. In warm spring areas like the south, the fruit is ripe extra early compared to other grapes.

Re: Suffolk Red Seedless Grape
 

Sounds like one I should try. I have ordered some Southern Home hybrids that are supposed to be resistant to Pierce. They have Muscadine in the "sap" line and the gwss may not like that. I'm not sure. I plan to plant on T Bars between my citrus rows so air circulation shoud be good.

The FSU are doing breeding to create a good wine grape and are using the muscadine as genetic material to make it work in the deep south.

Re: Suffolk Red Seedless Grape
 

The Muscadine grapes (Vitis rotundifolia) are no less susceptible to Pierce's.

Check with your county agricultural extension and find out if Pierce's disease is present or being monitored in your county. If so, check with the State Agricultural office of vector control and find out where the hot spots are in your area.