Grape - Kay Gray

Grapes are primarily grown for fruit production in home fruit gardens where they provide good ornamental value: bold summer foliage, showy fruit, some fall color and shaggy, twisted trunking and branching often best seen in winter. Grapes need full sunlight and high temperatures to ripen, so plant on southern slopes, the south side of windbreaks, or the south sides of buildings. Flavor varies with climate, ranging from a rather ordinary labrusca to a pleasant fruity flavor, depending on where it is grown. Kay Gray was developed by the Wisconsin grape breeder Elmer Swenson in 1980 and is named after a family friend. Its virtues include early ripening, low acid levels, disease resistance, and good winter hardiness. This grape tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, but must have good drainage. Grapes need a good support system like fences, walls, trellises, arbors or other structures. The grape vines can be quite attractive year-round and can provide good cover, screening, or shade to areas around the home. It ripens in early September. The Kay Gray Grape, Vitis 'Kay Gray', has medium to large berries that are produced in small clusters on productive vines. The best part of this variety is the vine. In addition to the good resistance to disease, the vine has withstood -42 degrees without damage. It produces fine hardy white grapes, has a white slipskin, and is suited for fresh eating and wine making. Considered to be a good grape for juices and jellies. Birds love grapes, so be sure to plant some to share. ... additional info