Search

What are some good grape varieties for Iowa?

Answer: 

Several varieties of grapes can be grown successfully in Iowa.  The best cultivars to plant depend on where in Iowa you live, what you intend to use the grapes for (wine, fresh, etc.), and what color of fruit you want (red, white).  

Below is a list of cultivars well-suited for Iowa sorted by use and color. 

Not all varieties are reliably cold-hardy in all parts of the state.  Varieites are denoted as well suited for "South" (the southern third of the state) "Central" (the middle third of the state), or "All" (hardy in all parts, including northern Iowa).  Nearly all cultivars are susceptible to 2,4-D drift so grapes should always be planted in areas protected from herbicide drift.

* Key: S = small, M = Medium, L = Large, R = Red, W = White
AN = Anthracnose; DM = downy mildew; PM = powdery mildew; BR = black rot; BUN = bunch rot; PH= phomopsis; Cu = copper; S = sulfur

Growing Grapes in Iowa

Home gardeners can successfully grow grapes in Iowa. When grown in a backyard garden, they have several special care and management requirements that must be considered to get a high-quality grape harvest. 

grapesThe following are several resources and frequently asked questions (faq) about growing grapes in the home garden.

How to Harvest Grapes in the Home Garden

When it comes to cultivating cold-hardy hybrid grapes, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a unique path. Unlike European grape varieties, official recommendations on how to grow these grapes and determine the right harvesting parameters can be scarce. Fortunately, institutions like Iowa State University have taken up the mantle of research, providing valuable insights into the world of wine parameters and grape cultivation for these unique hybrids.

Authors: 

Winter Garden Tasks

While winter is often considered a slow time in the garden, there are still several things that can be done from December through February to prepare for spring and keep yourself active in the garden even when there is snow on the ground!  Below is a list of tasks to do for perennials, annuals, trees & shrubs, vegetables, lawns, and houseplants.

Authors: 

Apple Varieties and Their Uses

Select the best apples to grow in your yard or pick from an orchard by using the table below.  It lists the characteristics and uses of some apple varieties that may grow well in your yard or can be found in Iowa orchards and markets.

Authors: 

New Plant Hardiness Zone Map Released from the USDA

News Article

In November 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released an updated version of its popular Plant Hardiness Zone Map. 
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a standard guide to a plant’s cold tolerance.  Overall, much of Iowa is now in Hardiness Zone 5.  Learn more about the new map and how to best use it below.

How to Harvest, Crack, and Store Black Walnuts

The black walnut (Juglans nigra) is one of the most valuable timber trees in Iowa. It is also a valuable nut tree.

Harvesting, hulling, cleaning, and cracking black walnuts requires considerable labor and patience. Those efforts, however, are rewarded when fudge, brownies, candies, and cakes are made from Iowa-grown black walnuts.

Authors: 

Harvesting Grapes at Home

News Article

When it comes to cultivating cold-hardy hybrid grapes, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a unique path. Unlike European grape varieties, official recommendations on how to grow these grapes and determine the right harvesting parameters can be scarce. Fortunately, institutions like Iowa State University have taken up the mantle of research, providing valuable insights into the world of wine parameters and grape cultivation for these unique hybrids.

Pages