The Summer Grape is a native grape vine that has small, dark purple fruits. It is native to eastern North America from Canada to Florida and west to Oklahoma. It grows in dry woods and thickets. It prefers upland areas. It is the official grape vine of the state of Missouri. There are several cultivars of the summer grape. Hardy in zones 5-9.
Growing Instructions for the Summer Grape
The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat. The seeds can be sanded with sandpaper, a nail file or an emery board. 2. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for 2-3 months. 3. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet. 4. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. 5. Water the container and leave it to drain. 6. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area. 7. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet. 8. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.