Grapes, Red 'Vanessa' (Live Plant)

Key Characteristics

• Origin: 'Vanessa' is a red, seedless table grape cultivar developed at the **Horticultural Research Institute of Ontario (HRIO)** in Vineland Station, Canada. The cross ('Seneca' x NY 45910) was made in 1965 by O.A. Bradt, selected in 1972, and released in **1983**. It was bred to provide a hardy, high-quality seedless red grape for the Ontario growing conditions.
• Patent Status: 'Vanessa' Red Grapes are **not patented**. As a cultivar released by a public research institution in Canada prior to the 1990 Plant Breeders' Rights Act, it is considered to be in the public domain and can be freely propagated.
• Berry Production: Produces medium-sized (2-3 grams), oval, firm, deep-red berries with a sweet, fine, and mildly fruity flavor, often compared to 'Seneca', one of its parent varieties. The berries have adherent skins and a crisp, melting texture. Clusters are medium-sized (around 0.44 lbs or 200g) and well-filled, sometimes with a small shoulder. Storage potential is reported to be good. While seedless, they may have small, soft vestigial seeds that are usually not noticeable.
• Ripening Time: Ripens in the **early to mid-season**, typically around mid-September in Vineland, Ontario, just after 'Fredonia'. In other regions, it may ripen in late summer to early fall (August-September). It is considered an early-ripening seedless red grape.
• Plant Size and Appearance: 'Vanessa' is a moderately vigorous grapevine with an open growth habit. Young vines and vines on fertile soil can be very vigorous with long internodes and may benefit from cane training to manage growth and ensure adequate fruit set. It is a deciduous, woody vine that requires a trellis or other support for upward growth.
• Flowers: Produces typical, inconspicuous grapevine flowers in early summer. It is self-pollinating.
• Hardiness: Considered to be among the hardiest of the seedless grape varieties, with good winter hardiness, reportedly hardy to -15°F to -20°F (USDA Zones 5-9 are often cited). It is generally considered suitable for regions where 'Concord' and 'Niagara' grapes thrive.
• Pollination: 'Vanessa' is **self-fertile** and does not require another grape variety for 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 consistent moisture, especially during the growing season and fruit development. Grapes are drought-resistant once established.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to excessive vegetative growth.
  • Pruning: Requires regular pruning during the dormant season to establish the vine structure and maintain productivity. Specific pruning methods (cane vs. spur pruning) may be used depending on the grower's preference and vine vigor.
• Uses: Primarily grown as a high-quality **table grape** for:
  • Fresh eating due to its appealing red color, seedless nature, firm texture, and sweet flavor.
  • Raisins.
  • Juice production.
• Wildlife Value: Grapevines can provide shelter and food for various wildlife, particularly birds that may consume the grapes.
• Ornamental Value: Grapevines can be attractive when trained on arbors, pergolas, or fences, providing shade and visual interest. The foliage turns yellow in the fall.
• Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Vanessa' is reported to have moderate resistance to phylloxera. However, it is **not resistant to powdery mildew** and may require appropriate management strategies in regions prone to this fungal disease. It is also reported to have good resistance to rain cracking at ripening.