Fry Seedless Muscadine Grapes

Muscadinia rotundifolia ‘Fry Seedless’

Characteristics

Culture

Fry Seedless Muscadine grapes are a vigorous, semi self-fertile variety; and it is highly recommended that it be planted with another self-fertile cultivar. The red fruit is small to medium in size but packs a great big taste and flavor; the skin is edible. Grow in full sun; fruit set and production will be reduced if the vines are shaded.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Fry Seedless Muscadine was developed in 1988 by William G. Ison of Ison Nursery and Vineyard in Brooks, Georgia (US patent 7296). It is a cross between the female variety Farrer and the pollen parent variety Redgate to produce the first seedless red Muscadine grape. 

Problems

• Erratic fruit yields – some years will bear a huge crop and others much smaller.
• As a cultivar of a native plant, it is resistant to Pierce’s Disease. If affected, PD causes marginal leaf burn but typically does not kill vines.
• Muscadine grapes are drought tolerant. Water during dry periods the first two years, then the vines can usually obtain adequate water from the soil even during dry periods.
• Muscadine grapes have a relatively high requirement for magnesium; and a shortage shows up as yellowing between the veins of older leaves. Premature fruit fall may also result. To prevent or correct magnesium deficiency, apply Epsom salts at the rate of 2 to 4 ounces for 1 and 2 year-old vines. For older vines, apply 4 to 6 ounces. Be sure to broadcast Epsom salts evenly over a 3 to 6 foot area and water it into the soil well.

Uses

Fry Seedless Muscadine grapes are excellent for fresh eating.