Key Characteristics of Fredonia Grapes:
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Origin: 'Fredonia' is a blue-black seedless table grape cultivar (Vitis labrusca x Vitis vinifera hybrid) developed at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Fredonia, New York. The cross between 'Champion' and 'Lucille' was made in 1915 by F.F. Gladwin, and it was introduced to growers in 1927. It was bred as an early-ripening, cold-hardy, Concord-type grape suitable for table use, juice, and wine.
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Patent Status: 'Fredonia' was developed and released in 1927 by a public agricultural research institution. It is not patented and is considered a public domain variety. It can be freely propagated and distributed.
Key Characteristics:
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Berry Production: Produces large, round, blue-black berries with a slip-skin and juicy pulp. While often described as seedless in some commercial contexts, it's more accurately considered a seeded variety, sometimes with small, soft seeds. The flavor is sweet and somewhat tart, with a noticeable "foxy" aroma and taste characteristic of its Vitis labrusca heritage, although generally considered less intense than 'Concord'. The grapes grow in medium to large, cylindrical clusters.
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Ripening Time: 'Fredonia' is an early-ripening grape, typically maturing about two weeks before 'Concord', usually in late August to early September in many regions. This early ripening is one of its desirable traits, making it suitable for areas with shorter growing seasons.
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Plant Size and Appearance: 'Fredonia' is a vigorous and hardy grapevine with a trailing growth habit, requiring a trellis or other support system. It has large, green leaves and is known for its good productivity.
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Flowers: Grapevines produce small, greenish-white, fragrant flowers borne in clusters. 'Fredonia' is self-pollinating.
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Hardiness: 'Fredonia' is a very cold-hardy grape variety, generally adapted to USDA Zones 4 through 8.
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Pollination: 'Fredonia' is self-pollinating and will set fruit without the need for cross-pollination. However, having other grape varieties nearby can sometimes improve fruit set.
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Growing Conditions:
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Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal growth and fruit production.
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Soil: Prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types.
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Watering: Requires adequate moisture, especially during establishment and fruit development.
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Pruning: Requires annual pruning during the dormant season to manage growth and maximize fruit yield. Cane pruning or spur pruning methods can be used.
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Uses: 'Fredonia' grapes are versatile and used for:
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Fresh eating as a table grape.
- Making grape juice.
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Producing jams and jellies.
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Winemaking, often producing red wines.
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Wildlife Value: Grapevines provide cover, and the fruit is a food source for birds and other wildlife.
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Ornamental Value: Grapevines can add ornamental value with their foliage and fruit clusters, especially when trained on arbors or trellises.
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Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Fredonia' is generally considered to have good disease resistance compared to some other grape varieties, although it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and downy mildew in humid conditions.
