Key Characteristics of Glenora Grapes:
-
Origin: 'Glenora' is a seedless blue-black table grape cultivar (Vitis hybrid) developed at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Cornell University, in Geneva, New York. It resulted from a cross between 'Ontario' and 'Russian Seedless' (Black Kishmish) made in 1952. It was selected in 1962 and released in 1976. It was bred to be a high-quality, early-midseason ripening, seedless blue-black grape with good flavor and vigor, suitable for table use.
-
Patent Status: 'Glenora' was developed and released in 1976 by a public agricultural research institution. It is not patented and is considered a public domain variety. It can be freely propagated and distributed.
-
Berry Production: Produces medium-sized, round to slightly oval, intensely dark blue to black seedless grapes in long, often well-filled clusters. The berries have thin, smooth, adherent skin and sweet, juicy, fine-textured flesh with a distinct and pleasant spicy flavor. It is known for its good productivity and the fruit keeps well on the vine, allowing for an extended harvest window.
-
Ripening Time: 'Glenora' is an early to mid-season ripening grape, typically maturing in late August to mid-September, often ripening shortly after 'Canadice'.
-
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Glenora' is a vigorous grapevine with an upright growth habit, requiring a trellis or other support system. It is considered relatively disease-resistant and productive.
-
Flowers: Grapevines produce small, greenish-white, fragrant flowers borne in clusters. 'Glenora' has perfect flowers and is self-pollinating.
-
Hardiness: 'Glenora' is generally considered hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8, tolerating winter temperatures down to around -10°F (-23°C) when established. Some sources even suggest Zone 4 with protection.
-
Pollination: 'Glenora' is self-pollinating and will produce fruit without the need for cross-pollination.
-
Growing Conditions:
-
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal growth, fruit production, and flavor development.
-
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types.
-
Watering: Requires adequate moisture, especially during establishment and fruit development. Once established, it has some drought tolerance.
-
Pruning: Requires annual pruning during the dormant season to manage growth and maximize fruit yield. Spur pruning is generally recommended for 'Glenora'. Double trunking and trunk renewal may be beneficial in colder climates.
-
Uses: Primarily used as a high-quality fresh-eating table grape due to its attractive appearance, seedlessness, unique spicy-sweet flavor, and good texture. It is also suitable for making juice and can be dried to make raisins.
-
Wildlife Value: Grapevines provide cover, and the fruit is a food source for birds and other wildlife.
-
Ornamental Value: Grapevines can add ornamental value with their foliage and the striking dark blue clusters of fruit, especially when trained on arbors or trellises. It also exhibits intense fall color.
-
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Glenora' shows moderate susceptibility to black rot and downy mildew, and high susceptibility to powdery mildew. It is slightly susceptible to Botrytis. Good vineyard management practices are important for disease control. It is reported to be resistant to phylloxera and does not typically require grafting.
