Vitis Brant

Vitis Brant

Why Buy Me?

• Large bunches of grapes
• Interesting autumn foliage

Growing Conditions

Light:
Full sun. Requires at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production. Performs poorly in shade.

Soil:
Prefers well-drained, fertile soils. Thrives in loamy or sandy soils with neutral to slightly acidic pH. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils to prevent root diseases.

Exposure:
Best grown in sheltered to semi-exposed locations. Needs good air circulation to reduce fungal disease risk. Suitable for trellises, pergolas, fences, and arbours.

Drought Tolerance:
Moderate. Requires regular watering during dry periods, especially when young or in fruit. Established vines tolerate occasional dry spells but benefit from consistent moisture.

Cultivation & Care

Planting Time:
Plant in early spring after the last frost or in autumn in mild climates to establish roots before extreme temperatures.

Spacing:
Space vines 2–3 m (6–10 ft) apart to allow adequate air flow and room for growth. Trained on sturdy supports due to vigorous climbing habit.

Watering & Fertilization:
Water regularly during establishment and fruiting seasons. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer. Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent overly vigorous leaf growth at the expense of fruit.

Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch annually in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Pruning:
Prune annually in winter when the vine is dormant. Remove dead or weak wood, and train new shoots to maintain shape and encourage fruit production. Generally pruned to one or two main canes.

Propagation:
Propagate by hardwood cuttings in winter or layering. Grafting is common for commercial production.

Seasonal Interest

Spring:
Bud break occurs with fresh shoots and leaves emerging. Flower clusters form in late spring.

Summer:
Flowering and fruit set occur in early summer. Grapes develop and mature through summer, with fruit ripening in late summer to early autumn.

Autumn:
Harvest grapes when fully ripe, usually late August to October depending on climate. Leaves turn yellow or red before dropping.

Winter:
Deciduous. Vines go dormant with bare wood until spring pruning.

Wildlife & Garden Use

Wildlife:
Attracts bees and other pollinators during flowering. Birds may feed on ripe grapes.

Garden Use:
Excellent for trellises, pergolas, fences, or arbours, providing both ornamental foliage and edible fruit. Suitable for home gardens and small vineyards. Offers seasonal shade and beautiful autumn leaf colour.

Companion Plants:
Grows well alongside herbs like oregano and basil, which may help deter pests. Underplant with shade-tolerant perennials to cover the base.

Don’t miss out on the exceptional quality of the Vitis Brant. It’s just a few clicks away when you order online, or you can stop by your nearest Thompson's Branch to pick one up and chat with our knowledgeable team.