Vitis ‘Fredonia’ – Blue Seeded Grape – 2-Gallon

Bred in Fredonia, NY in 1915 by F.F. Gladwin at the NYS Agricultural Experiment Station, and introduced to growers in 1927. ‘Fredonia’ has mostly native fox grape parentage (V. labrusca) with a little wine grape (V. vinifera) derived from the hybrid varieties ’Concord’ and ‘Isabella.’ It’s similar to ‘Concord’ but earlier to ripen, by about two weeks, in late August here in New York. The fruit changes from a beautiful pink to a nearly black color when ripe – flavor is very sweet with a hint of spiciness. When pink they can be eaten but will be  a little more tart. When fully ripe, the grapes are very large, quite blue, and well filled. They have a thick skin, which keeps them resistant to bunch rot and helps protect them from wasps. Good resistance to black rot, some susceptibility to mildews.