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

These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.

Key Characteristics of Joy Black Seedless Grapes:

• Origin: 'Joy' is a seedless table grape cultivar (Vitis hybrid) developed by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture fruit breeding program under the direction of Dr. James N. Moore. It was released in 2013 along with three other seedless grape varieties ('Faith', 'Gratitude', and 'Hope'). This information is documented in publications from the University of Arkansas and the American Society for Horticultural Science journal HortScience.
• Patent Status: 'Joy' Black Seedless Grape is protected under United States USPP25726P3, granted in 2015, assigned to University of Arkansas at Little Rock until it expires on 2034-01-28. This patent restricts unauthorized propagation and sale of the cultivar.
• Berry Production: Produces medium-sized, oval-shaped berries with a deep blue to almost black skin and a crisp, juicy texture. It is known for its excellent, sweet, and flavorful taste, often described as one of the most flavorful seedless grapes from the University of Arkansas. It is reported to be a productive cultivar with good yields.
• Ripening Time: Ripens in the mid-season, typically in mid-August in Arkansas. This places it among the later of the University of Arkansas' seedless grape releases.
• Plant Size and Appearance: 'Joy' is a vigorous, productive grapevine. As a table grape, it is typically grown on trellising systems to support the vine and optimize sunlight exposure for fruit production and quality. The specific growth habit details would align with typical grapevine characteristics.
• Flowers: Grapevines produce small, greenish-white, fragrant flowers that are borne in clusters. 'Joy' is self-pollinating, meaning it does not require another grape variety for fruit set.
• Hardiness: While specific hardiness zone information can vary slightly depending on the source, 'Joy' Black Seedless Grape is generally reported to be hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9.
• Pollination: 'Joy' is self-pollinating and will set fruit without the need for cross-pollination with another grape variety.
• Growing Conditions:
  • Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal growth, fruit production, and sugar development in the berries.
  • Soil: Prefers well-drained soil that is moderately fertile. Grapevines are adaptable to a range of soil types but good drainage is crucial to prevent root diseases. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is generally preferred.
  • Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during establishment and fruit development. Consistent moisture supports healthy vine growth and berry quality. Mature grapevines are somewhat drought-tolerant once established.
  • Pruning: Requires annual pruning during the dormant season to establish the vine's structure and to manage fruit production. Proper pruning is essential for maintaining yield and fruit quality.
• Uses: Primarily grown as a fresh eating table grape due to its appealing appearance, crisp texture, and excellent flavor. It can also be used for making juice and potentially raisins, although it was specifically bred as a table grape.
• Wildlife Value: Grapevines can provide some cover for wildlife, and the fruit, if not harvested, will be eaten by birds and other animals.
• Ornamental Value: Grapevines can add ornamental value to the landscape with their attractive foliage and the clusters of developing fruit. They are often grown on arbors or trellises, which can enhance garden aesthetics.
• Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Joy' has shown good resistance to some common grape diseases in evaluations at the University of Arkansas. However, like all grape varieties, it can still be susceptible to certain pests and diseases depending on local conditions, and appropriate vineyard management practices are recommended.