Doctor Schar's Grapes : The Anatoly and the Maya

I decided to grow grapes and found it challenging. The European grape, Vitis vinifera, just does not like the humid summers in the mid-atlantic region. Especially not here in the DC metropolitan area. 

I ordered 12 varieties of North American hybrids thinking they would do better. I had 12 100 foot rows of grapes and basically, none of them performed. By the time the grass were ripening, fungus would move in and mummify all the grapes. All different hybrids. The only one that did reasonably was the Norton grape, Vitis aestivates. The rest just were not the time of day. 

I take a hike in the National Forest near my house every day. On one of these walks I came across a Vitis Labrusca, growing in the swamp. Literally it was growing in a marshy wet humid mess. And it was loaded with fruit. I mean just loaded. As Fungus was eating my grapes alive, this grape growing right by the river was doing just fine. I came back later and collected as many grapes as I could and planted them in pots at home. 

On another walk, I came across a Vitis Aestivalis, again, just loaded with fruit growing near the river. Same environment, humid as hell, and the grapes were just hanging, full and healthy. Again I collected the grapes and planted them in pots. 

Over the years I have selected the best seedlings and I am offering two for sale. The best of the Labrusca seedlings is called the Maya. The best of the aestivates seedlings is called the Anatoly. 

If you are looking for an easy grape to grow, which will grow in the mid-atlantic, and produce fruit, you found two good options. 

The Maya is an abundant fruiter. When I say abundant I mean you better use some heavy wire because it will way an arbor down. The fruit is sweet and with a great balance of acid. It's good to eat out of hand or makes a fab grape juice. 

The Anatoly is a black as night inkberry that is very very sweet. It lacks the grapes flavor of most North American grapes. It's super sweet but has enough acid to make it tasty. The seeds are small enough you can actually eat the whole grape without spitting out the seeds. Again, you will need a heavy arbor because the vine really produces a lot of grapes. 

If you want to give these new grapes a try, you can click below and you will be taken to my Ebay store. 

The cuttings are easy to root. You just fill a five gallon bucket with potting soil, push the cuttings all the way down so only two inches of vine are above ground, and keep them in a cool place, watering occasionally. In the spring, bring the pot outside and put in partial shade, water, and the vines will bud up and grow!