Riverdene Garden Center
Emerald Ice Grape
Emerald Ice Grape
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Vitis spp.
The Emerald Ice Grape, also known as Big Green or Morden Green, is a cold-hardy variety developed in Manitoba, Canada. It thrives in prairie climates, producing large, bright green grape clusters with a high sugar content, making them ideal for fresh eating, winemaking, jams, and jellies. This vigorous and reliable grapevine is a great option for gardeners in Southwest Saskatchewan looking for hardy fruiting plants.
Planting & Growing Conditions
- Hardiness Zone: 3b and warmer (suitable for harsh winter climates)
- Mature Size: 6 feet tall and wide
- Growth Habit: Vining, requires support
- Sunlight Needs: Full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day for best fruit production)
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Soil Requirements:
- Prefers well-drained, fertile soil
- Tolerates loamy, sandy, or clay-based soils if drainage is adequate
- Avoid excessive fertilization, which promotes leafy growth over fruit production
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Support Structure:
- Best grown on a trellis, fence, or arbor
- Provides better airflow and easier harvesting
- Spacing: 6 feet apart for optimal growth and air circulation
Watering & Maintenance
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Young Plants (First Year):
- Water deeply 2-3 times per week until established
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Mature Vines:
- Require regular watering during flowering and fruiting periods
- Reduce watering in late summer to help fruit ripen
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Mulching:
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
Fertilization
- First Year: Avoid fertilizing to focus on root establishment
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Annual Feeding:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring
- Use organic compost or manure to improve soil health
- Avoid excessive nitrogen, which leads to excessive foliage growth
Pruning & Training
- Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
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How to Prune:
- Remove dead or weak vines to encourage airflow and fruiting
- Train the strongest vines along a trellis or wire support system
- Thin out excess shoots to maximize sunlight exposure on developing grapes
Fruit & Harvesting
- Flowering: Late spring (small, inconspicuous flowers attract pollinators)
- Fruit Ripening: Late summer to early fall (September)
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Berry Characteristics:
- Large, green, and sweet-tasting
- Firm texture, making them excellent for fresh eating, processing, and winemaking
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Harvest Tips:
- Pick when fully ripe (grapes should be uniformly green and slightly soft)
- Best harvested by hand or using gentle shears
Pest & Disease Management
Resistant to: Cold temperatures and most common grapevine diseases
Common Pests:
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Aphids & Leafhoppers – Can damage leaves and slow vine growth
- Solution: Use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybugs
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Birds & Wildlife – Love sweet grapes and may eat them before ripening
- Solution: Install bird netting to protect fruit
Common Diseases:
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Powdery Mildew – Causes white fungal coating on leaves in humid conditions
- Solution: Improve airflow and apply an organic fungicide if needed
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Botrytis Bunch Rot – Can affect clusters in wet weather
- Solution: Prune excess foliage to promote air circulation
Winter Care
- Cold-Hardy, No Protection Needed in Zone 3b+
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Mulching:
- Apply extra mulch in late fall to insulate roots in extreme cold
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Pruning:
- Cut back weak or excessive growth in early spring for a stronger structure
Landscape & Uses
Ideal for home gardens, edible landscapes, and small vineyards
Beautiful climbing vine for arbors, pergolas, and fences
Long-lived and productive with proper care
Perfect for fresh eating, wine, juice, and preserves
Additional Notes:
- Alternative Names: Big Green and Morden Green
- Availability: Can be found at specialty nurseries and prairie garden centers
- Lifespan: 20+ years with good maintenance
Photo courtesy of prairiegardens.org
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