Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_40.gif)
Monday - September 01, 2008
From: Montreal, QC
Region: Canada
Topic: Edible Plants, Vines
Title: Niagara and Concord grape crop failure
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Hi, I have been growing niagara grapes and concord grapes for 3 years now and this year I found myself without any fruits. The plant itself if full of leaves and is healthy. I was wondering why this was happening. Just to help you answer me I did plant berries behind it, the grapes hang on 3 wire that is about 12 feet long. Please help for I love my grapes.ANSWER:
Both of your cultivars of the northeastern native species, Vitis glabrusca, are generally well-adapted to your area. We cannot say for sure what caused your grapes' crop failure this year, but can list some of the common causes. The most frequent cause would be a late spring freeze just at the time your grapes were flowering or beginning to set fruit. Lack of pollinators when the vines are flowering is a more frequent cause nowadays. Honey bees are the most common pollinators for grapes. Other common causes are water stress - too much or too little at critical times. High soil nitrogen caused by too much fertilizer. Finally, disease and insect predation are possible, though less likely, causes.
The bad news is that this year's crop is a loss. The good news is that your vines had an entire growth season to build up plant strength for next year's crop. Watch your vines closely next year beginning at the time they flower and continue monitoring them through the growth of your grape crop. You may then find the answer to your question.
Here is link to an online article, Growing Grapes for Home Use from the University of Minnesota Extension Service.
More Vines Questions
Identification of vine in North Carolina
November 11, 2010 - How can I send a picture to you of a vine that I can't seem to identify?
view the full question and answer
Problems with morning glory in Tennessee.
June 09, 2009 - I recently moved to Tennessee from Michigan. On my property I have a perennial morning glory. This year the leaves are all bubbly, the stems have white hard stuff on them and there is a brown hard t...
view the full question and answer
Need an evergreen flowering vine to cover a fence in Houston, TX.
May 28, 2012 - Looking for an evergreen flowering vine to cover my fence. caveat? one part of the fence is within 5 feet from the air conditioning unit which blows a lot of hot air, the area takes a day or two to dr...
view the full question and answer
Failure to thrive of passion flower in Tunbridge Wells England
April 08, 2013 - I planted my passion plant 3 years ago and I have really looked after it. I think this winter has killed it, it looks so dead. I hope it can be saved; there isn't one part of it that is looking healt...
view the full question and answer
Native evergreen vine for St. Paul MN
June 17, 2010 - I am looking for a native vine that will stay green, or at least keep its leaves, throughout the winter. The vine will be grown on a trellis between our house and our neighbor's, and we want to keep...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |