Hunt Muscadine Grapes

Muscadinia rotundifolia ‘Hunt’

Characteristics

Culture

The Hunt Muscadine vine grows vigorously and produces medium-large sized black grapes with a good taste and medium-tough skin. A Female variety that must be planted within 50 feet of a self-fertile variety. Note that 1 self-fertile Muscadine will pollinate up to 3 female vines. Hunt muscadine is resistant to drought, insects, diseases, and heat.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Hunt is one of the best all-purpose Muscadine varieties on the market. The Hunt muscadine grape was developed as an experiment in Georgia in 1920.

Problems

• Muscadines have a high degree of tolerance to pests and diseases. As a cultivar of a native plant, it is resistant or tolerant to Pierce’s Disease (PD). 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

The Hunt Muscadine grape is good for fresh eating and excellent for making wine, jam, jelly, and juice.  It is highly recommended for both home and commercial use.