How to Plant Scuppernong Seed
Scuppernong grapes, commonly called Muscadines, are native to the Southeastern United States and have been popular for over 400 years. Early knowledge of their use dates back to 1565, when Spanish settlers in Florida made them into wine. The first scuppernong cultivar was a bronze variety also called the Big White Grape. Many versions of this grape have been bred in the past 100 years. The seeds of heirloom varieties will reproduce true to type, but hybrids will not. Harvest seeds, dry them and then plant them in your garden to enjoy this fruit.
Harvest the hard, oblong seeds from scuppernong grapes. Eat the fruit and remove the seeds or cut the grapes open and scoop them out with a spoon or knife. Rinse the seeds in clear water and use a soft brush, such as a toothbrush, to remove all pulp that adheres to the seeds.
- Scuppernong grapes, commonly called Muscadines, are native to the Southeastern United States and have been popular for over 400 years.
Scatter your washed seeds on a screen in a warm, dark, dry, well-ventilated place such as your garage. Prop the screen on bricks or boards to ensure air circulation all around the seeds as they dry. Allow seeds to dry for about two weeks.
Fill small nursery pots with a standard potting soil and soak them thoroughly. Allow the water to drain out the pot holes and wait until it stops dripping before you plant your seeds.
Make three to four holes ½ inch deep and 1 inch apart in each pot. Nick or cut the seedcoat with a knife to speed germination. Drop one seed into each hole and place your pots in a sunny area protected from frost. Keep pots well-watered by soaking them thoroughly every three days or whenever the soil surface feels dry to the touch.
- Scatter your washed seeds on a screen in a warm, dark, dry, well-ventilated place such as your garage.
- Prop the screen on bricks or boards to ensure air circulation all around the seeds as they dry.
Plant young scuppernong grape vines in a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained, slightly acidic soil when they are about 6 inches tall. Wait until after your final spring frost before you plant them outdoors.
Tip
The most common, and effective, method of propagating scuppernong grapes is by asexual reproduction, where cuttings are rooted in moist soil. This ensures that the new plant is the same as its parent.
Warning
When you propagate scuppernong grapes from seeds, chances are you will end up with a plant that differs from its parent plant.
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References
Tips
- The most common, and effective, method of propagating scuppernong grapes is by asexual reproduction, where cuttings are rooted in moist soil. This ensures that the new plant is the same as its parent.
Warnings
- When you propagate scuppernong grapes from seeds, chances are you will end up with a plant that differs from its parent plant.
Writer Bio
Barbara Fahs lives on Hawaii island, where she has created Hi'iaka's Healing Herb Garden. Fahs wrote "Super Simple Guide to Creating Hawaiian Gardens" and has been a professional writer since 1984. She contributes to "Big Island Weekly," "Ke Ola" magazine and various websites. She earned her Bachelor of Arts at University of California, Santa Barbara and her Master of Arts from San Jose State University.
