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Riverdene Garden Center

Emerald Ice Grape

Emerald Ice Grape

Regular price $24.99 CAD
Regular price Sale price $24.99 CAD
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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)
  • 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
  • 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

  • Young Plants (First Year):
    • Water deeply 2-3 times per week until established
  • Mature Vines:
    • Require regular watering during flowering and fruiting periods
    • Reduce watering in late summer to help fruit ripen
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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)
  • Berry Characteristics:
    • Large, green, and sweet-tasting
    • Firm texture, making them excellent for fresh eating, processing, and winemaking
  • 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:

  • Aphids & Leafhoppers – Can damage leaves and slow vine growth
    • Solution: Use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybugs
  • Birds & Wildlife – Love sweet grapes and may eat them before ripening
    • Solution: Install bird netting to protect fruit

Common Diseases:

  • Powdery Mildew – Causes white fungal coating on leaves in humid conditions
    • Solution: Improve airflow and apply an organic fungicide if needed
  • 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+
  • Mulching:
    • Apply extra mulch in late fall to insulate roots in extreme cold
  • 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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