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 Paulk Muscadine:
Origin: 'Paulk' is a bronze-fruited, pistillate (female-flowered) muscadine grape cultivar (Vitis rotundifolia) developed by Paulk Vineyards in Wray, Georgia. It was selected in 2009 from a cross between 'Supreme' and 'Tara' made by Dr. Patrick Conner at the University of Georgia (UGA) muscadine breeding program. It was tested as Ga. 6-2-26 and released by UGA in cooperation with Paulk Vineyards in 2017. It was specifically bred for its large fruit size, excellent fruit quality, and productivity.
Patent Status: ‘Paulk’ was released by the UGA muscadine breeding program in 2017. ‘Paulk’ was selected in 2009 from a cross of ‘Supreme’ x ‘Tara’ made by Dr. Conner. ‘Paulk’ was released in the spring of 2017 and a U.S. plant patent will be requested.
Berry Production: Produces very large, round, bronze-colored berries with excellent flavor, often described as sweet and aromatic.It is known for its high yield potential. Being a pistillate variety, it requires a pollinator for fruit set.
Ripening Time: 'Paulk' is a mid-season ripening muscadine, typically maturing in late August through September in the southeastern United States.
Plant Size and Appearance:Muscadine vines are vigorous, deciduous, climbing vines. 'Paulk' will develop a thick trunk and strong, branching canes requiring a robust trellis system for support.
Flowers: Muscadine grapes have imperfect flowers. 'Paulk' is a pistillate (female) cultivar and produces only female flowers with receptive pistils but non-functional stamens (no pollen). Therefore, it requires a self-fertile (perfect-flowered) muscadine variety for pollination to produce fruit.
Hardiness: Muscadines are generally adapted to the warmer climates of the southeastern United States, typically USDA Zones 7 through 9. Cold hardiness can vary slightly among cultivars.
Pollination: 'Paulk' is a female (pistillate) variety and absolutely requires a self-fertile (perfect-flowered) muscadine cultivar for pollination to produce fruit. Suitable pollinizers that bloom around the same time include varieties like 'Lane', 'Ison', 'Nesbitt', or 'Triumph'. Planting a pollinator within approximately 50 feet is recommended.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal growth and fruit production.
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to a range of soil types common in the Southeast. Muscadines tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils (pH 6.0-6.5 is often recommended).
Watering:Young vines need regular watering to establish. Mature vines are relatively drought-tolerant but benefit from adequate moisture during fruit development.
Pruning:Requires annual pruning during the dormant season (late winter) to manage vine growth and maximize fruit production. Muscadines are typically pruned more heavily than bunch grapes.
Uses: The large, flavorful berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating
Jams, jellies, and preserves
Wine production
Juice
Wildlife Value:Muscadine grapes are a food source for various birds and wildlife.
Ornamental Value: Mature muscadine vines can be quite ornamental with their thick, twisting trunks and lush foliage, especially when trained over an arbor or strong trellis.
Disease and Pest Resistance:Muscadines are generally known for their good resistance to many pests and diseases that affect other types of grapes, particularly Pierce's disease. However, they can be susceptible to certain fungal diseases under humid conditions.
