Grape 'Carlos' (Vitis rotundifolia 'Carlos')
Regular price $84.95Carlos Grapes (Vitis rotundifolia 'Carlos') are a variety of muscadine grape native to the southeastern United States. Known for their large, bronze-colored berries and sweet, aromatic flavor, Carlos Grapes are a popular choice for home gardeners and commercial vineyards alike. This vigorous, disease-resistant vine produces an abundant harvest of grapes that are perfect for fresh eating, juicing, winemaking, and preserves.
Leaves are large, glossy, and dark green with a slightly serrated edge, providing an attractive backdrop for the clusters of grapes. Flowers are small, greenish-white, and fragrant, blooming in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees.
Carlos Grapes are large, round, bronze-colored berries with a thick skin and juicy, sweet flesh. Ripening from late summer to early fall, the grapes have a high sugar content, making them ideal for a variety of uses.
This variety is cherished not only for their delicious taste but also for their versatility. They can be enjoyed fresh off the vine, used to make flavorful juices, or fermented into sweet, aromatic wines. The thick skin of the grapes is rich in antioxidants, adding a healthful boost to their culinary appeal. Additionally, Carlos Grapes are often used in making jellies, jams, and other preserves, capturing their sweet, fruity essence for year-round enjoyment.
Our trellised Carlos Grape Vines are shipped in our X-Large (3 gallon) recyclable nursery pots or plantable burlap pots when possible. Plantable pots can be planted directly in the soil, promoting strong root growth and ensuring an eco-friendly start.
Climate and Soil Requirements
- Climate: Carlos Grapes thrive in warm, humid climates typical of the southeastern United States. They are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 7-9. The vines require a long growing season with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
- Soil: Prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Amend the soil with organic matter to improve fertility and drainage if necessary.
Planting
- Location: Choose a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the site has good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
- Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by tilling and adding compost or organic matter to enhance fertility and drainage.
- Planting Time: Plant young vines in the spring after the last frost or in the fall in milder climates. Space plants 10-15 feet apart to allow adequate room for growth and air circulation.
- Trellis System: Install a trellis or arbor to support the vigorous growth of the vines. This will help improve air circulation and sunlight exposure, reducing the risk of disease.
Watering
- Establishment Phase: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the first year. Consistent moisture is crucial for young plants.
- Mature Plants: Once established, Carlos Grapes are somewhat drought-tolerant. Water deeply and less frequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Sunlight
- Full Sun: Ensure the vines receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and fruit production.
Fertilizing
- Growing Season: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Supplement with a high-potassium fertilizer during the fruiting period to enhance fruit development.
- Frequency: Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Reduce feeding in the fall and avoid fertilizing in winter.
Pruning and Maintenance
- Routine Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, diseased, or weak branches to maintain the vine's shape and improve air circulation.
- Fruit Production: Regular pruning helps encourage new growth and increased fruit production. Proper training and pruning are essential for managing the vine's vigor and maximizing yield.
Pest and Disease Management
- Common Pests: Monitor for pests such as grape berry moths, Japanese beetles, and aphids. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control infestations. Encouraging beneficial insects can also help manage pests.
- Diseases: Watch for signs of fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and black rot. Ensure proper spacing, good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risk. Apply fungicides if necessary.
Harvesting Fruit
- When to Harvest: Grapes are ready to harvest when they reach full color and are slightly soft to the touch. Taste test for sweetness before harvesting.
- How to Harvest: Use pruning shears to cut the clusters from the vine, taking care not to damage the plant. Handle the grapes gently to avoid bruising.
Quick Care Guide
| Plant Type | Perennial Fruiting Vine |
| Harvest Season | Late Summer to Early Fall |
| Mature Size | 8-20 feet long, with proper support; spread varies |
| Soil & Moisture | Well-draining soil, preferably loamy; moderate moisture, avoid waterlogged conditions |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to Fast |
| Self-fertile | Yes |
| Zone Hardiness | Outdoors 4-10 depending on variety; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Propagation | Grown from tissue culture, cuttings or grafted plants; fast-growing and capable of producing fruit within 2-3 years. Our plants in the X-Large size are capable of producing fruit now! |
Full Growing Guide
Versatile Climbers with Bountiful Harvests
Grape vines are a rewarding addition to any garden, offering a blend of aesthetic appeal and delicious fruit. Whether you're growing them for fresh table grapes, wine production, or simply for their ornamental value, grapevines are relatively easy to care for with the right conditions. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to grow and care for grape vines, ensuring they thrive and produce abundant harvests.
Climate and Sunlight
Grape vines thrive in temperate climates with long, warm growing seasons. They require full sun to produce the best fruit, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Grape vines prefer regions with hot, dry summers and cool winters, but with the right care, they can adapt to a range of conditions. If you're in a cooler climate, consider choosing cold-hardy varieties and planting them in a location that maximizes sun exposure, such as against a south-facing wall.
Soil Requirements
Grapes are not overly fussy about soil types, but they perform best in well-draining, loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much water, as this can lead to root rot. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, can improve drainage and provide essential nutrients. If your soil is heavy, consider planting your grape vines on raised beds or mounds to enhance drainage.
Watering Needs
Grape vines require regular watering, especially during the first few years as they establish. Water deeply and consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. During dry periods, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the roots from drying out. Once established, grapevines are relatively drought-tolerant but will produce better fruit with consistent moisture. Mulching around the base of the vines can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilization
Grapevines benefit from light fertilization, particularly during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 5-10-10, applied in early spring just as new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit production. You can also supplement with compost or organic fertilizers, such as bone meal or fish emulsion, to provide a steady supply of nutrients.
Pruning and Training
Proper pruning is essential for maintaining healthy grapevines and encouraging fruit production. Grapevines produce fruit on one-year-old wood, so annual pruning is necessary to remove old, unproductive wood and stimulate new growth. Prune your vines in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Training your vines on a trellis, arbor, or fence will provide support and keep the vines off the ground, reducing the risk of disease and making harvesting easier.
Pests and Diseases
Grape vines can be susceptible to pests like grape berry moths, Japanese beetles, and aphids, as well as diseases such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, and black rot. Regularly inspect your vines for signs of infestation or disease, and take action promptly if needed. Organic treatments such as neem oil or insecticidal soap can help manage pests, while proper spacing, pruning, and good air circulation can prevent many fungal diseases. In some cases, fungicides may be necessary to protect your vines from disease.
Harvesting
Grapes are typically ready for harvest in late summer to early fall, depending on the variety and climate. The best way to determine ripeness is to taste the grapes, as color alone is not always a reliable indicator. Grapes should be fully colored, plump, and flavorful before harvesting. Use sharp pruning shears to cut the entire cluster from the vine, handling them gently to avoid bruising. Harvested grapes can be eaten fresh, dried into raisins, or used for juice or wine making.
Final Tips
Grapevines are long-lived perennials that can produce fruit for decades with proper care. Patience is key, as it may take a few years before your vines start producing a significant harvest. However, once established, grapevines are relatively low-maintenance and can provide years of enjoyment and delicious fruit.
👉 Checkout the Full Guide Here
Curious about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Whether you’re gardening in sunny Florida or snowy Alaska, our latest blog breaks down how to find your Zone, what it really means, and why it shouldn’t limit your plant dreams! Learn how to grow tropical and subtropical plants anywhere with tips for container gardening, greenhouses, and more. 👉 Read the full blog here!
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Important Shipping Information:
Sow Exotic ships nationwide year-round to the United States. We use plant-based, plastic-free, reusable, recyclable, biodegradable, AND compostable packaging materials. All of our plants ship ready-to-grow in plantable pots (with the exception of citrus) and range in size. See the size guide on each plant page to learn more about what to expect upon arrival.
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Shipping cost is calculated at checkout based on your order weight and your distance from the nursery. Shipping is combined for multiple orders with plants, so the more you grow, the more you save!
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Live plant orders are processed at the beginning of each week and ship on Monday-Thursday via 1-3 Day USPS Priority Mail. Order processing time before shipment changes seasonally and averages from same day shipping to up to 14 days depending on season. (Spring is busiest!). Expected delivery date and lead time is shown at checkout.
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Heat Packs & Weather Holds:
Heat Packs
Shipping tropical plants to a cold climate in the middle of winter? We sell Heat Packs! If it's under 32 degrees in your area, we definitely recommend ordering a Heat Pack! Visit our Heat Packs page to learn more and purchase your heat pack.
Weather Holds
Waiting for the perfect time to plant? You can order now and request a custom weather hold until your preferred arrival date. Please email care@sowexotic.com to request a custom hold.
Local Pickup at the Nursery:
Available for all plants!
Shipping to Hawaii & Puerto Rico & Minor Outlying Islands:
We ship to Puerto Rico! Due to USDA restrictions, here's the list of a plants that we don't ship.
Plants that DO NOT ship to Puerto Rico: Coffee, Palm, Banana
Plants that DO NOT ship to Hawaii: Pineapple, Palm, Papaya, Coffee, Banana, Passion Fruit
