Grapes Himrod White

Vitis ‘Himrod’

Characteristics

Culture

Himrod White Grapes are best grown in deep, loamy, humus-rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. The more sun the sweeter the fruit. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including average garden soils, but must have good drainage. Best sited in a location sheltered from winter winds (preferably a southern facing slope) and well removed from frost pockets. Young growth may be damaged in spring by late frosts. This grape is self-pollinating. For quality fruit production, it needs a support system, training, regular spraying and regular pruning to maximize fruit production. It can withstand the somewhat severe weather conditions — cold winters followed by hot and humid summers – better than many other types of grape. Spreads by self-seeding. A number of wild animals and birds eat the fruits and help distribute the seeds to new locations.

Noteworthy Characteristics

‘Himrod’ is a seedless American grape variety. It is a woody, deciduous, tendril climbing vine which typically will grow 15-20′ long unless pruned shorter. Panicles of fragrant, greenish flowers in spring are followed by clusters of white seedless grapes (maturing golden yellow) which ripen in early season. Considered to be a good for fresh eating and for drying as raisins. Large, shallowly-three-lobed, green foliage. Flowers are attractive to bees. Ripe fruit is attractive to some hornets and wasps.

Problems

Grapes grown for fruit production are high maintenance plants that require regular chemical spraying and pruning. Grapes are susceptible to a large number of diseases, particularly in humid summer climates such as East Texas, including anthracnose, black rot, downy and powdery mildew, gray mold, crown gall and botrytis bunch rot. Insect pests include phylloxera, grape berry moth, Japanese beetle, leaf hopper, leaf roller, mealy bugs, spotted wing drosophila and flea beetles.

Uses

Grapes are primarily grown for fruit production in home fruit gardens where ornamental interest is not a concern. However, grapes do in fact have good ornamental value: bold summer foliage, some fall color, showy fruit and shaggy, twisted trunking and branching often best seen in winter. When grown on fences, walls, trellises, arbors or other structures, grapes can be quite attractive year-round and can provide good cover, screening, or shade to areas around the home.

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Courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden