Grapes, Seedless, Black 'Everest' (Live Plant)

Key Characteristics

• Origin: 'Everest Seedless' (also known as NY98.0228.02) is a seedless table grape cultivar developed by **Bruce Reisch** at **Cornell University** in Geneva, New York, and released in 2017. It is a hybrid with ancestry including 'Concord', 'Niagara', 'Himrod', 'Ontario', 'Kyoho', and 'Pione'. It was bred for its large, seedless berries with a Concord-like flavor, good cold tolerance, and moderate disease resistance.
• Patent Status: 'Everest Seedless' Grape is protected by **U.S. Plant Patent PP29,792P2**, granted on **January 15, 2019**. This patent restricts unauthorized asexual reproduction, including propagation, and sale of the cultivar.
• Berry Production: Produces large (up to 7 grams, roughly twice the size of a traditional Concord), round to slightly oval, blue-black seedless berries in large clusters. The fruit is juicy with a soft texture and a sweet, distinct flavor reminiscent of Concord grapes. Yields can be high, with mature vines potentially producing up to 30-33 lbs of fruit.
• Ripening Time: Ripens in the mid-season, typically in mid to late September, around 2-3 days after 'Concord'.
• Plant Size and Appearance: Has vigorous, productive vines with a semi-trailing growth habit. Mature height can reach 4 to 6 feet with a spread of 2 to 3 feet, though the vines will spread along a trellis.
• Flowers: Produces typical grape flowers in the spring. It is self-pollinating.
• Hardiness: Exhibits good cold tolerance, suitable for USDA Zones 5 through 10 (some sources specify 5-8 or 5-11). It can tolerate midwinter temperatures as low as 10-15 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.
• Pollination: 'Everest Seedless' is self-pollinating and does not require another grape variety for fruit set.
• Growing Conditions:
  • Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal fruit production and ripening.
  • Soil: Adaptable to various soil types but prefers well-drained soil with added organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-6.5) is suitable.
  • Watering: Consistent watering is important, especially during establishment and fruit development.
  • Fertilizing: Follow general recommendations for grape fertilization. A balanced fertilizer in early spring is usually beneficial.
  • Pruning: Prune during the dormant season (winter), typically using the Top Wire Cordon training system, short cane (long spur) pruning to 5-8 buds, similar to 'Concord', to manage its vigorous growth and maximize fruit production.
• Uses: Primarily intended as a table grape for:
  • Fresh eating due to its seedless nature, large size, and good flavor.
  • Good for home gardeners and pick-your-own operations.
  • While primarily for fresh eating, it can potentially be used for juice, though it was not specifically bred for this purpose.
• Wildlife Value: Grape vines can provide some cover for wildlife, and the fruit will be attractive to birds.
• Ornamental Value: The vigorous vines and large clusters of blue-black grapes can be visually appealing on a trellis.
• Disease and Pest Resistance: Exhibits moderate resistance to downy mildew and powdery mildew. It is reported that insects do not seem to bother it significantly in research vineyards where insecticides are not applied, though this may vary by location. It is moderately susceptible to black rot and Botrytis.