Grape 'Traminette' (Vitis)
Regular price $24.95Fragrant White Grapes with Floral Flavor
‘Traminette’ is a vigorous, productive grapevine with classic lobed green leaves, curling tendrils, and clusters of pale green to golden-white grapes that ripen into a beautifully aromatic harvest. The berries carry the floral, spicy character associated with their ‘Gewürztraminer’ parent, with notes often reminiscent of lychee, tropical fruit, and fragrant flowers. The vines are well suited to trellises, arbors, and other sturdy supports, where their lush growth creates an attractive edible landscape.
Developed through Cornell’s grape breeding program in New York, ‘Traminette’ was bred to combine the distinctive flavor of ‘Gewürztraminer’ with the productivity, disease resistance, and cold hardiness of American and French-American hybrid grapes. Released in 1996, it has become especially valued as a cool-climate wine grape, but its vigorous growth and fragrant fruit also make it an intriguing choice for home vineyards and edible gardens.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
‘Traminette’ has a distinctly American viticultural story, born from a cross made in 1965 and later developed at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York. Its aromatic fruit was originally bred with the goal of capturing the celebrated flavor of ‘Gewürztraminer’ while improving adaptability for shorter growing seasons and colder climates. Today, ‘Traminette’ is particularly associated with American wine regions across the Midwest and Northeast and has become the signature white wine grape of Indiana. Its intensely aromatic wines are commonly made in a semi-dry to off-dry style and are prized for floral, spicy, and fruit-forward character.
Why Grow Traminette Grape?
- Highly aromatic fruit: Produces fragrant white grapes with floral, spicy, and tropical notes.
- Excellent wine grape: Particularly prized for distinctive varietal wines with strong Gewürztraminer-like character.
- Productive vine: Known for good yields and vigorous growth once established.
- Cold hardy: More cold hardy than its Gewürztraminer parent, making it useful for gardeners in cooler growing regions.
- Disease resistance: Offers partial resistance to several fungal diseases, giving it an advantage in humid and disease-prone growing conditions.
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.
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