How to Grow Muscadine or Mustang Grapes

Muscadine or Mustang grapes are some of the hardiest varieties you can grow. Native to North America they have been hybridized over the last 200 years into some amazing varieties, from wine grapes to edible seedless.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Area with good soil and ample sunlight
• Trellis
• Grape Vines

1. First determine what you would like the grapes for, eating, wine or jellies and jams. Locate an online retailer of Muscadine grape root stock (called Mustang in some parts of the US). Wintertime is the ideal time to plant. Consult the nursery you are buying for for ideal times for your area. Muscadine grapes like sandy loam but can grow and thrive in a variety of soil types.
2. Dig a hole approximately two feet across and 3 feet deep. Fill half way with high quality potting soil, mixed with dirt that you took out of the hole.
3. Take the wrapping off of the root ball and place into the hole. Gently rake soil and potting mix into the hole. Bury the root ball but not any of the vine. Soak the hole at first then water sparingly over the next few weeks. In the spring as the vines begin to crawl, train a couple to follow a wire between two metal posts in opposite directions from each other, about three feet off the ground. You will usually have to wait a couple of years to get your first crop.

Tips & Warnings

• Muscadine grape vines are generally very hardy and resistant to Pierces disease and root rot, some varieties more than others so consult the nursery to see which ones are best for your area.
• Protect the vines from Deer. They like the young tender vines best and the young plants are less able to survive a deer attack than older, woody vines.