Can Flame Seedless Grapes Grow in West Virginia?

Geography

• On the whole, European grapes are more difficult to grow and maintain over multiple years in West Virginia, especially since the plants sustain severe damage or die-back during the winters. Lower elevations with a sunny, southern exposure may provide better growing conditions for a few years of productivity.

Considerations

• Wineries in West Virginia do manage to grow European grape varieties, but with considerable resources and care. Site a Flame Seedless grape on a hillside oriented to the southeast in a full sun exposure. Remove vines from the trellis in late fall and bury in soil or thick, dry mulch as insulation to better overwinter.

Alternatives

• While West Virginia University Extension doesn't recommend Flame Seedless, other red seedless grapes better suited to the state include the American or hybrid grape varieties Canadice and Early Suffolk.