Vitis 'BOSKOOP GLORY' grape wine

Boskoop Glory grape vine is one of the most demanded varieties with dark blue fruit. Irrespective of its Dutch name it is supposed to come from the USA and years of cultivation proved it is a hardy and healthy sort. The globules are mid-sized and cannot be compared to large grapes from Italy but they are very sweet and aromatic. They can be eaten fresh or used for making wine. The fruit has seeds and ripens from end September until early October.

Grape vine has to be pruned every year in warmer days of January or at the end of winter after the danger of the worst frosts. Cut back side branches to 2-3 buds – 2-years-old wood bears fruit. Treat it against mite before buds open. When it sets fruit cut off the new shoots a few centimeters above the grape and do not let it grow again. From midsummer you can start removing leaves from above the grapes to allow direct sunlight. Get some wasp-trap as they could ruin your fruit and may get dangerous.

Grow grape vine in sunny and airy (not windy) locations. It is not suitable for damp sites and shady pergolas where it can easily be affected by diseases. Provide a good support. The best results are on slopes – because of the angle of sun rays. The soil has to be permeable, humus-rich and deep. Extra watering is desired by end spring and later only if the summer is dry, and always directly in the soil, never water the whole plant. In autumn remove fallen leaves from under the plants as they might contain diseases and mites. Fertilizing is good if adequate, otherwise the plant will grow wild and set too much fruit of inferior quality. Hardy to min. -24°C.

Last update 03-01-2011