The Emerald Ice Grape, also known as Big Green or Morden Green, is a cold-hardy variety developed in Manitoba, Canada. It thrives in prairie climates, producing large, bright green grape clusters with a high sugar content, making them ideal for fresh eating, winemaking, jams, and jellies. This vigorous and reliable grapevine is a great option for gardeners in Southwest Saskatchewan looking for hardy fruiting plants.
Planting & Growing Conditions
Hardiness Zone:3b and warmer (suitable for harsh winter climates)
Mature Size:6 feet tall and wide
Growth Habit:Vining, requires support
Sunlight Needs:Full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day for best fruit production)
Soil Requirements:
Prefers well-drained, fertile soil
Tolerates loamy, sandy, or clay-based soils if drainage is adequate
Avoid excessive fertilization, which promotes leafy growth over fruit production
Support Structure:
Best grown on a trellis, fence, or arbor
Provides better airflow and easier harvesting
Spacing:6 feet apart for optimal growth and air circulation
Watering & Maintenance
Young Plants (First Year):
Water deeply 2-3 times per week until established
Mature Vines:
Require regular watering during flowering and fruiting periods
Reduce watering in late summer to help fruit ripen
Mulching:
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
Fertilization
First Year: Avoid fertilizing to focus on root establishment
Annual Feeding:
Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring
Use organic compost or manure to improve soil health
Avoid excessive nitrogen, which leads to excessive foliage growth
Pruning & Training
Best Time to Prune:Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
How to Prune:
Remove dead or weak vines to encourage airflow and fruiting
Train the strongest vines along a trellis or wire support system
Thin out excess shoots to maximize sunlight exposure on developing grapes
Fruit & Harvesting
Flowering:Late spring (small, inconspicuous flowers attract pollinators)
Fruit Ripening:Late summer to early fall (September)
Berry Characteristics:
Large, green, and sweet-tasting
Firm texture, making them excellent for fresh eating, processing, and winemaking
Harvest Tips:
Pick when fully ripe (grapes should be uniformly green and slightly soft)
Best harvested by hand or using gentle shears
Pest & Disease Management
Resistant to:Cold temperatures and most common grapevine diseases
Common Pests:
Aphids & Leafhoppers Can damage leaves and slow vine growth
Solution: Use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybugs
Birds & Wildlife Love sweet grapes and may eat them before ripening
Solution: Install bird netting to protect fruit
Common Diseases:
Powdery Mildew Causes white fungal coating on leaves in humid conditions
Solution: Improve airflow and apply an organic fungicide if needed
Botrytis Bunch Rot Can affect clusters in wet weather
Solution: Prune excess foliage to promote air circulation
Winter Care
Cold-Hardy, No Protection Needed in Zone 3b+
Mulching:
Apply extra mulch in late fall to insulate roots in extreme cold
Pruning:
Cut back weak or excessive growth in early spring for a stronger structure
Landscape & Uses
Ideal for home gardens, edible landscapes, and small vineyards Beautiful climbing vine for arbors, pergolas, and fences Long-lived and productive with proper care Perfect for fresh eating, wine, juice, and preserves
Additional Notes:
Alternative Names:Big Green and Morden Green
Availability: Can be found at specialty nurseries and prairie garden centers
Lifespan:20+ years with good maintenance
Photo courtesy of prairiegardens.org
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