Vitis Itasca (Grape Vine)
Bred for use in cold climates, Vitis ‘Itasca’ produces compact clusters of golden grapes in early fall. The fruit has moderately low acidity levels and high sugar levels at maturity, producing a dry white wine that is light yellow to straw in color and has aromas of pear, quince, violet, melon, minerals, and subtle honey notes. A deciduous shrub with large, three-lobed green leaves, ‘Itasca’ exhibits excellent disease and insect resistance. This is the fifth cold-hardy wine grape released by the University of Minnesota.
Bred for use in cold climates, Vitis 'Itasca' produces compact clusters of golden grapes in early fall. The fruit has moderately low acidity levels and high sugar levels at maturity, producing a dry white wine that is light yellow to straw in color and has aromas of pear, quince, violet, melon, minerals, and subtle honey notes. A deciduous shrub with large, three-lobed green leaves, 'Itasca' exhibits excellent disease and insect resistance. This is the fifth cold-hardy wine grape released by the University of Minnesota. Easy to grow, Grape vines not only reward you with large crops of delicious fruits, they are also very decorative, providing a handsome leafy cover that clothes arbors, fences or trellises beautifully.
- Grows up to 12-15 ft. tall and wide (360-450 cm).
- Thrives in full sun in well-drained soils. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including sand or clay, but good drainage is essential. Best sited in a location sheltered from winter winds (preferably a sunny south-facing slope) and well removed from frost pockets. Needs good air circulation.
- Grape vines require sturdy support for their twining stems such as pergolas, walls or fences. Perfect in cottage gardens or Mediterranean gardens.
- May be affected by powdery mildew and botrytis
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Fruit, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Vitis – Grape Vines |
| Exposure | Full Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 12' – 15' (3.6m – 4.5m) |
| Spread | 12' – 15' (3.6m – 4.5m) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low, Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Garden Uses | Arbors, Pergolas, Trellises, Walls and Fences |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden |