Emerald Ice Grape

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