Grape 'Carlos' (Vitis rotundifolia 'Carlos')
Regular price $84.95Southern Staple for Sweet Bronze Muscadine Wine and Juice
Carlos Muscadine Grape (Vitis rotundifolia 'Carlos') is a vigorous, self-fertile muscadine cultivar celebrated across the southeastern U.S. for its sweet, bronze-colored fruit that’s perfect for juice, jam, and especially winemaking. This cultivar is one of the most widely planted muscadines in the country—and for good reason: it’s productive, hardy, disease-resistant, and loaded with flavor.
The grapes are medium-sized, thick-skinned, and grow in generous clusters, ripening in late summer to early fall. Carlos vines are adapted to heat and humidity, making them ideal for southern growers and an excellent addition to food forests, trellised edible borders, and backyard arbors.
With its reliable yields and consistent quality, Carlos is the gold standard for muscadine wine production, but it also shines as a fresh snack or preserved in sweet spreads. Grow it solo or alongside other muscadine cultivars for cross-pollination and longer harvests.
Our trellised Carlos Grape Vines are shipped in our X-Large (3 gallon) recyclable nursery pots or plantable burlap pots when possible. Plantable pots can be planted directly in the soil, promoting strong root growth and ensuring an eco-friendly start.
Climate and Soil Requirements
- Climate: Carlos Grapes thrive in warm, humid climates typical of the southeastern United States. They are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 7-9. The vines require a long growing season with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
- Soil: Prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Amend the soil with organic matter to improve fertility and drainage if necessary.
Planting
- Location: Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the site has good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
- Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by tilling and adding compost or organic matter to enhance fertility and drainage.
- Planting Time: Plant young vines in the spring after the last frost or in the fall in milder climates. Space plants 10-15 feet apart to allow adequate room for growth and air circulation.
- Trellis System: Install a trellis or arbor to support the vigorous growth of the vines. This will help improve air circulation and sunlight exposure, reducing the risk of disease.
Watering
- Establishment Phase: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the first year. Consistent moisture is crucial for young plants.
- Mature Plants: Once established, Carlos Grapes are somewhat drought-tolerant. Water deeply and less frequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Sunlight
- Full Sun: Ensure the vines receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.
Fertilizing
- Growing Season: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Supplement with a high-potassium fertilizer during the fruiting period to enhance fruit development.
- Frequency: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Reduce feeding in the fall and avoid fertilizing in winter.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Routine Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, diseased, or weak branches to maintain the vine's shape and improve air circulation.
- Fruit Production: Regular pruning helps encourage new growth and increased fruit production. Proper training and pruning are essential for managing the vine's vigor and maximizing yield.
Pest and Disease Management
- Common Pests: Monitor for pests such as grape berry moths, Japanese beetles, and aphids. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations. Encouraging beneficial insects can also help manage pests.
- Diseases: Watch for signs of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and black rot. Ensure proper spacing, good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk. Apply fungicides if necessary.
Harvesting Fruit
- When to Harvest: Grapes are ready to harvest when they reach full color and are slightly soft to the touch. Taste test for sweetness before harvesting.
- How to Harvest: Use pruning shears to cut the clusters from the vine, taking care not to damage the plant. Handle the grapes gently to avoid bruising.
Quick Care Guide
| Plant Type | Perennial Fruiting Vine |
| Harvest Season | Late Summer to Early Fall |
| Mature Size | 8-20 feet long, with proper support; spread varies |
| Soil & Moisture | Well-draining soil, preferably loamy; moderate moisture, avoid waterlogged conditions |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to Fast |
| Self-fertile | Yes |
| Zone Hardiness | Outdoors 4-10 depending on variety; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Propagation | Grown from tissue culture, cuttings or grafted plants; fast-growing and capable of producing fruit within 2-3 years. Our plants in the X-Large size are capable of producing fruit now! |
Full Growing Guide
Versatile Climbers with Bountiful Harvests
Grape vines are a rewarding addition to any garden, offering a blend of aesthetic appeal and delicious fruit. Whether you're growing them for fresh table grapes, wine production, or simply for their ornamental value, grapevines are relatively easy to care for with the right conditions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to grow and care for grape vines, ensuring they thrive and produce abundant harvests.
Climate and Sunlight
Grape vines thrive in temperate climates with long, warm growing seasons. They require full sun to produce the best fruit, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Grape vines prefer regions with hot, dry summers and cool winters, but with the right care, they can adapt to a range of conditions. If you're in a cooler climate, consider choosing cold-hardy varieties and planting them in a location that maximizes sun exposure, such as against a south-facing wall.
Soil Requirements
Grapes are not overly fussy about soil types, but they perform best in well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much water, as this can lead to root rot. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can improve drainage and provide essential nutrients. If your soil is heavy, consider planting your grape vines on raised beds or mounds to enhance drainage.
Watering Needs
Grape vines require regular watering, especially during the first few years as they establish. Water deeply and consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. During dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the roots from drying out. Once established, grapevines are relatively drought-tolerant but will produce better fruit with consistent moisture. Mulching around the base of the vines can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilization
Grapevines benefit from light fertilization, particularly during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 5-10-10, applied in early spring just as new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production. You can also supplement with compost or organic fertilizers, such as bone meal or fish emulsion, to provide a steady supply of nutrients.
Pruning and Training
Proper pruning is essential for maintaining healthy grapevines and encouraging fruit production. Grapevines produce fruit on one-year-old wood, so annual pruning is necessary to remove old, unproductive wood and stimulate new growth. Prune your vines in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Training your vines on a trellis, arbor, or fence will provide support and keep the vines off the ground, reducing the risk of disease and making harvesting easier.
Pests and Diseases
Grape vines can be susceptible to pests like grape berry moths, Japanese beetles, and aphids, as well as diseases such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, and black rot. Regularly inspect your vines for signs of infestation or disease, and take action promptly if needed. Organic treatments such as neem oil or insecticidal soap can help manage pests, while proper spacing, pruning, and good air circulation can prevent many fungal diseases. In some cases, fungicides may be necessary to protect your vines from disease.
Harvesting
Grapes are typically ready for harvest in late summer to early fall, depending on the variety and climate. The best way to determine ripeness is to taste the grapes, as color alone is not always a reliable indicator. Grapes should be fully colored, plump, and flavorful before harvesting. Use sharp pruning shears to cut the entire cluster from the vine, handling them gently to avoid bruising. Harvested grapes can be eaten fresh, dried into raisins, or used for juice or wine making.
Final Tips
Grapevines are long-lived perennials that can produce fruit for decades with proper care. Patience is key, as it may take a few years before your vines start producing a significant harvest. However, once established, grapevines are relatively low-maintenance and can provide years of enjoyment and delicious fruit.
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