Grape Vines Found in Greenland

Frontenac

• Primarily produced as a wine grape, Frontenac grapes excel throughout the Midwestern U.S. and are approved for USDA hardiness zone 6. Its extreme cold hardiness is a product of its parentage, a combination of V. riparia 89 and Landot 4511. The breed is especially resistant to disease and will continue producing in temperatures as low as -33 degrees F. The vines produce medium to large clusters with lots of fruit. The fruit tends to be small and round with a deep purple or black color. The grapes are often used to produce wine and are ideal for rose, red and port styles. The fruit will be ripe in mid-September and the wine will have a slight taste of cherries.

Swenson Red

• Swenson Red grapes are a favorite among the "table grapes," which are grapes grown primarily as food. Their vines are often lush and green, making an ideal decorative growth for fences and trellises. The fruit is a hardy variety that is often firm with a fruity flavor. The skin is normally red but may develop a blue tint in cooler weather and green when weather is warm. The grapes may be used in wine production and make a decent rose or white variety. Unlike the Frontenac, Swenson Red vines may struggle in the first year, but, once established, will produce large numbers of grapes. To assist in the vine's overall health, growing it up a wall or trellis by 4 or 5 feet will keep the fruit safe from excessive moisture, meaning fewer illnesses and more fruit. The vine is hardy to -30 degrees F and is susceptible to a few diseases, the most serious being downy mildew.

Edelweiss

• Edelweiss vines produce a medium-size fruit that is used in wine making or as a table or dessert grape. The flavor tends to be very sweet, which creates a delicious white wine flavor. Once established, vines are extremely cold hardy and will maintain their health in as low as -30 degrees F. The fruit will ripen near the end of August and bear large fruits with good disease resistance. The vines will feature large clusters with grapes that have pale green flesh and bold summer foliage. Like other grape vines, the Edelweiss can be extremely useful as an ornamental shade producer, ground cover and may have several other decorative applications. Though it is a hardy variety, it requires soil with good drainage and adequate water. Care should be taken to avoid over watering and water puddles as these may contribute to health problems.

Potential Problems

• All the listed grape vines and a variety of others are approved for USDA hardiness zone 6, which makes them ideal for the climate in Greenland. Problems may occur in some areas as grapes require partial to full sunlight, and some require exposure to warm temperatures. Potential growers in Greenland should take extra care in researching a type prior to planting.