Grape expectations

[Simpo Two]

I have a 'Brandt' grapevine (3 years old I think) which has finally taken off and is now about 10 feet high trained on a south-facing wall.

There are loads of bunches this year but each has a mixture of small, large, green and black grapes. They just don't ripen together and are very small, the biggest about 1cm across. Some are edible but others are sour.

Am I doing something wrong or is it just the lousy weather?

[fulham911club]

TBH - think of it as an ornamental plant - you'll really struggle in the UK

[Rickyy]

Another vine mess you've gotten yourself into....

[cod man]

Oh do stop wine-ing

[Bonefish Blues]

I've had good results with Black Hamburgh outside - not large grapes, but they always ripened well. We've just planted another in our new house.

[Johnnytheboy]

I'd be susrprised if you got edible grapes off an outdoor vine in the UK.

Greenhouse (& a touch of heat) is best I am told.

[Bonefish Blues]

Further thought - reducing the number of bunches will help them fill better, also make sure that they aren't shielded by foliage.

[Mr GrimNasty]

There should not usually be any problem growing grapes outside, especially with a southerly aspect, although it has been an exceptionally cool summer (especially at night) this year. Your main problem seems to be the variety, if you Google you will see it is biased towards being an ornamental vine, and although the grapes are not poisonous, it is not recommended as a productive edible fruiting variety.

[Simpo Two]

Bonefish Blues said:

Further thought - reducing the number of bunches will help them fill better, also make sure that they aren't shielded by foliage.

Good ideas, thanks.

Mr GrimNasty said:

Your main problem seems to be the variety, if you Google you will see it is biased towards being an ornamental vine, and although the grapes are not poisonous, it is not recommended as a productive edible fruiting variety.

Hmmph, so much for the advice from 'The Place For Plants' then

[Bonefish Blues]

Specialists: http://www.silktree.co.uk/grapevines.html