Open PRAIRIE: Open Public Research Access Institutional Repository and Information Exchange
Abstract
Before choosing a grape cultivar, note the following points: • Determine how the grapes will be used, as different cultivars are recommended for juice, jam/jelly, or wine. • Select early-maturing grape cultivars that have good cold hardiness if you are a beginning producer. • Winter temperatures and other environmental factors in South Dakota limit grape production to hardy hybrid cultivars. The southern half of the state with its longer growing season and less damaging winter temperatures is more suited for grape production. • Start with a small planting and observe the cultivar\u27s characteristics and its interaction with the particular site before planting on a large scale. • Except for the cultivar “St. Pepin,” all the listed cultivars are self-fruitful. • Purchase vines and cuttings from licensed nurseries to avoid importing insect and disease problems into South Dakota. • Several of the cultivars listed are patented. If you purchase vines or cuttings from a licensed nursery the royalties have already been paid. If you are propagating your own materials, you are responsible for paying the fees; contact your horticulture Extension educator or the SDSU horticulture department for further information on royalties. • If you plan to sell the grapes to a winery, it is highly recommended that you contact the winery or wineries prior to planting, as desired cultivars change over time
