Vitis 'Elvira' White Grape

Vitis 'Elvira' White Grape is a woody deciduous grapevine that's ornamental as well as productive. The vine blooms in tiny yellowish-green flowers with a sweet, musky fragrance in mid to late spring. One of the most productive varieties, 'Elvira' is a white variety of Vitis labrusca and Vitis riparia parentage that produces compact, drooping clusters of medium-sized, thin-skinned white fruits, which ripen at Concord season, early to mid-fall, and are best used as a wine grape. 'Elvira' white wine has a wonderful crisp flavor that pairs well with roast duck or other wild game.

Recommended for difficult growing areas due to its absence of cultural problems, 'Elvira' is a hardy, vigorous, and productive vine. The first year, the grapevine should be allowed to run freely, but by the second or third year, it should be posted or staked after a heavy pruning, leaving only 2 or 3 buds on the strongest stem. As it grows, keep only the most vigorous sprout to form the main stem. Regular spraying and pruning will maximize fruit production. Grapevines can be cultivated on a wire trellis, espaliered on a courtyard wall, or trained on an arbor, pergola, or fence for a striking garden feature.

Grapevines grow best in sunny locations with deep, medium moist, well-draining soil but are adaptable to a wide range of soils and do especially well in clays and loams that have been improved with organic matter, if they have good drainage. Site location should be sheltered from winter winds. Shallow cultivation and mulch are beneficial. 'Elvira' is cold hardy and mildew resistant. The vine is self-fertile and will bear fruit without any pollen from other varieties.

Grapes ship as 1-year-old plants.