The Vitis rotundifolia, also known as the muscadine, is a member of the grape family. It is native to much of North America and grows wild in roadsides and forests. According to Floridata.com some muscadine vineyards can have a harvest of up to 15 tons per acre planted. For best growth, the vines should be on a trellis so that the weight of the length of the vine can be supported.
Vitis rotundifolia Description
This plant grows up to 100 feet long with stems up to 6 inches wide. There are green deciduous leaves that are triangular in shape. Fruits are dark purple, bronze, or black skinned and are berries. They will be grown in clusters like the grapes that they are related to. The vines are clingy.
Fruits can be eaten as jams or jellies, and some prefer them fresh from the vine. Muscadines can make for a juice drink as well.
Growing a Muscadine
Grow Vitis rotundifolia by cuttings or seed in rows that are 10 feet apart with at least 15 feet between plants. Some say they will need 20 feet for best growth conditions. Mulching will help their growth. Grow in full sun, although they can be ok growing under some intermittent shade from taller trees and plants. While the plant is drought tolerant, it will need moisture if you are growing it for an ample fruit production. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 6 through 10. Other propagation methods include layering.
Muscadine Jam Recipe
For this jam recipe, you’ll need 2 gallons of muscadines, a teaspoon of butter, 8 cups of sugar, and 2 Sure Jell pectin packages. Cut the muscadines in half while taking out the seed. Put all the halved muscadines in a pan of water and simmer for 20 minutes. There should be no more water in the pan than is needed to simmer the fruits. As they cook, mash them up a bit. After 20 minutes of cook time, add in the butter and the sugar until they are both dissolved well. If there is any foam, skim it off. Add the pectin and boil 60 seconds while you are stirring. Remove from the heat and skim again if it is needed. If not, pour into jars and allow an entire day’s cooling.
Muscadines are fabulous to grow and provide an interesting food source for those that want more out of their gardens than pretty flowers.
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
