Carlos Scuppernong Grape Vine

Reasons to Buy:

1. Wine Production Excellence: The Carlos Muscadine Grape stands as a testament to its unrivaled wine-making qualities. If you aspire to produce exquisite wines or delicious juices, this grape variety is your ideal companion. Its grapes are celebrated for their unique flavor profile, making them highly sought-after by wine connoisseurs and amateur winemakers alike.

2. Aesthetically Pleasing: Beyond its culinary and viticultural merits, the Carlos Muscadine Grapevine is a visual delight. Clusters of perfectly round, metallic bronze grapes contrast beautifully against glossy, deep green leaves. Your garden or vineyard will be adorned with a natural work of art.

3. Abundant Yields: The Carlos Muscadine Grapevine is a prolific fruit producer. In North Carolina, where it reigns supreme, more than 90 percent of all muscadine grapes cultivated are of the Carlos variety. Expect bountiful harvests that will satisfy your culinary and winemaking aspirations.

4. Low Maintenance, Fast Growth: Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, you'll appreciate the ease of caring for Carlos Muscadine Grapes. These vines are low maintenance and grow rapidly, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a hassle-free gardening experience.

Planting and Care Instructions:

Location:

Selecting the right location for planting your Carlos Muscadine Grapes is crucial for their success. These grapevines thrive in regions within USDA hardiness zones 7-9. To ensure optimal growth and fruit production, here are some key considerations:

• Sunlight: Choose a sunny location that receives full sunlight for most of the day. Muscadine grapes thrive in direct sunlight, which is essential for their fruit development and ripening.
• Well-Draining Soil: The soil should be well-draining to prevent waterlogged roots, which can harm the vines. Avoid areas prone to standing water.
• Trellis or Support: Muscadine grapevines are climbing plants that require support for proper growth. Install a trellis or provide suitable support structures to help the vines grow vertically.

Planting Steps:

• Prepare the Soil: Dig a hole that is three times wider and slightly shallower than the root ball of your Carlos Muscadine vine. Loosen the soil in and around the hole to facilitate root penetration.
• Position the Vine: Gently separate the roots of your Carlos Muscadine vine and position them downward in the hole. Ensure that the top of the root flare (where the roots meet the trunk) is approximately one inch above the surrounding soil.
• Backfill and Tamp: Carefully backfill the hole with soil while tamping it down as you go to eliminate air pockets.
• Water and Mulch: Water the newly planted vine thoroughly to settle the soil and remove any remaining air pockets. Apply mulch around the base of the vine to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.

Watering:

Proper watering is essential, especially during the establishment phase of your Carlos Muscadine Grapevine. Follow these guidelines to ensure your vine's health:

• First Year: Water your vine regularly during its first year, providing approximately one inch of water (equivalent to 1-2 gallons) per week. Directly moisten the roots, but avoid spraying or misting the grapes.
• Established Vines: As the vines become more established, their water requirements will decrease. Be attentive to the soil moisture, and water only when necessary. Overwatering can be detrimental to the plant.
• Watch for Leaf Drop: Be watchful for signs of leaf drop, as it can indicate overwatering. Adjust your watering routine accordingly to maintain proper soil moisture levels.

Pollination:

While Carlos Muscadine Grapes are self-fertile, planting in pairs is recommended for several reasons:

• Improved Pollination: Having multiple vines increases the chances of successful pollination and fruit set.
• Variety Selection: Planting different muscadine grape varieties alongside your Carlos vines can enhance the overall flavor and complexity of your harvest.

Fertilizing:

Fertilizing your Carlos Muscadine Grapevine is essential to ensure vigorous growth and fruitful harvests. Follow these fertilization guidelines:

• First Year: In the first year of growth, apply a 1/4 pound of a balanced fertilizer such as 12-12-12 or 10-10-10 in an 18-inch circle around each vine in April. Reapply every six weeks until July.
• Second Year and Beyond: In the second year, adjust your fertilizer regimen. Apply fertilizer in March, May, and July, increasing the dose to 1/2 pound per vine. Ensure that the fertilizer is applied at least 21 inches away from the trunk to avoid direct contact.

Pruning:

Pruning plays a crucial role in maintaining the health, form, and productivity of your Carlos Muscadine Grapevine. Follow these guidelines for effective pruning:

• Timing: Prune your vine when it is dormant in late winter or early spring. Avoid pruning during periods of frost risk, as new growth can be brittle and susceptible to damage.
• Balanced Pruning: The goal of pruning is to maintain the vine's shape, size, vigor, and the development of next season's fruiting wood. While multiple shoots may grow during the first growing season, consider pruning them back to just one or two shoots. Alternatively, you can allow them to grow and choose the best ones for pruning during the following winter.
• Exposing Fruit to Sunlight: To enhance fruit ripening in a short growing season, consider removing foliage around the grape clusters to expose the fruit to sunlight.

Harvesting:

Determining the right time to harvest your Carlos Muscadine Grapes is crucial for achieving the best flavor and quality. Here are some tips for harvesting:

• Taste Testing: Taste is the ultimate indicator of ripeness. Once the grapes appear, pick a few from different areas of the vine and taste them. Harvest when the grapes are sweet and ready to enjoy.
• Ripeness Sign: While the bronze coloration of the grapes is a sign of ripeness, it's not the sole indicator. Focus on taste rather than color or size when determining readiness for harvest.
• Avoid Premature Picking: Grapes do not continue to ripen after picking, so ensure they are fully mature and sweet before harvesting.

Additional Tips:

• Storage: After harvesting, store your Carlos Muscadine Grapes in a cool, dry place. Consume them promptly or use them for winemaking, jams, or preserves.
• Ripening: Unlike some fruits, grapes do not continue to ripen after picking. It's essential to pick them at their peak of ripeness for the best flavor.

Incorporating the Carlos Muscadine Grape (Vitis Rotundifolia Carlos) into your garden or vineyard is an endeavor that promises not only a bountiful harvest but also a visually stunning addition to your landscape. This exceptional grapevine, celebrated as the most popular wine-producing grape variety in North Carolina, has so much to offer.

From its unrivaled wine-making qualities that tantalize the taste buds to the visual appeal of perfectly round, metallic bronze grapes set against glossy, deep green leaves, the Carlos Muscadine Grape is a treasure for both the palate and the eye.

With its prolific fruit production, low maintenance requirements, and ease of care, the Carlos Muscadine Grapevine is an excellent choice for gardeners and winemakers of all levels of experience. Whether you dream of crafting exquisite wines, indulging in delicious grape treats, or simply enhancing the beauty of your outdoor space, the Carlos Muscadine Grape is your perfect companion.

Follow our comprehensive planting and care instructions, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying the sweet fruits of your labor. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a grape lover, or a gardening enthusiast, the Carlos Muscadine Grapevine is sure to delight your senses and enrich your outdoor experience. Start your journey with this remarkable grapevine today and savor the rewards it will bring for years to come. Happy growing and harvesting!