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.
Noble Muscadine
Key Characteristics
Origin: 'Noble' was developed at the North Carolina Agricultural Experiment Station and released in 1973. It is the result of a cross between 'Thomas' and 'Tarheel'. It was specifically selected for its potential as a high-yielding wine and juice grape.
Patent Status: 'Noble' Muscadine is not patented and is a public domain variety. It can be freely propagated and distributed.
Berry Production: Produces medium-sized (around 1/2 inch), round, dark red to almost black berries when fully mature. The berries grow in large, tight clusters. It is known for its very high and consistent yields. While suitable for fresh eating, it's primarily favored for processing. It has a wet stem scar, which limits its suitability for the fresh market.
Ripening Time: Ripens in the mid-season, typically in September in many growing regions. The ripening is generally uniform within the clusters.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Noble' is a vigorous, climbing, deciduous vine that requires a trellis or arbor for support. It can reach considerable lengths if not pruned. It has typical Muscadine foliage.
Flowers: Features self-fertile flowers, meaning it does not require a separate pollinator vine for fruit set.
Hardiness: Generally adapted to USDA Zones 7 through 10, showing good heat tolerance and some cold hardiness. Requires a relatively low number of chill hours.
Pollination: 'Noble' is self-fertile and does not need another Muscadine variety for pollination. It can also act as a pollinator for female-flowered Muscadine varieties.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production and quality.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.8-6.5) is best.
Watering: Needs consistent moisture, especially during establishment and fruit development.
Fertilizing: Benefits from balanced fertilization in early spring. Follow recommendations for Muscadine grapes in your region.
Pruning: Requires annual pruning during the dormant season to manage growth and maintain productivity.
Uses: Primarily grown for:
Red wine production: 'Noble' is the most popular red Muscadine grape for making premium red wine. It produces a wine with good color stability.
Juice production: It yields a good quality, deeply colored juice.
Jellies and preserves.
While edible fresh, its smaller size and wet stem scar make it less ideal for the fresh market compared to some other varieties.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the grapes are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Ornamental Value: The vigorous vines can provide shade and beauty on a trellis or arbor.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Noble' is known for good disease resistance, making it a relatively reliable cultivar. It shows good resistance to Pierce's Disease and has good vigor.
