Cardinal Grape
The best time to plant and begin growing grape vines around Melbourne is during winter. In fact, most preparatory work to vines is done during this time. This includes, pruning vines, removing unwanted canes and deadwood and training of canes on a trellis, pergola or similar support setup.
While thousands of varieties of grapes exist worldwide, they are usually divided into two categories – wine grapes and table grapes. Wine grapes are perhaps the biggest family of grapes and the most widely cultivated. Wine making is big business! I will discuss table grapes in this article and I will list and describe a few of the most popular varieties of grapes to grow in Melbourne.
Growing grapes in Melbourne is not so hard provided you select suitable varieties. Listed below are some of the types you will find growing here and there in backyards all around the suburbs and surrounding areas of Melbourne
Sultana- Most common and well known of grape varieties. The sultana has a small, seedless berry which is green to yellow in colour. It is easily grown in most parts of Australia, including Melbourne.
Cardinal - These grapes are rather large with a deep purple colour. They are sweet and seeded. Can be grown in full sun position in Melbourne and like most grape vines, can be trained to grow well over a pergola.
Flame Seedless – A vigourous plant, the Flame Seedless berries are medium to large and bright red in colour. As the name suggests, these are seedless.
Red Globe -A rather extra large red grape, the Red Globe needs warmer weather to reach its best. Can be grown in Melbourne, but way not reach a high sugar content. A crisp grape and seedy.
Crimson Seedless - The most popular of red table grapes, the Crimson Seedless has a longer shelf life than other varieties. Dark red in colour with a crisp but juicy, sweet flavour. Can grow in Melbourne.
M1 Sultana (Menindee Seedless) Now here’s a grape which can grow just about anywhere. Similar to a sultana grape but with a slightly larger berry, the Menindee fruits earlier than other varieties and has less heat or sun requirements than others. Absolutely ideal for Melbourne.
These are just a few of the more popular varieties of table grapes you can grow around Melbourne. The time to plant vines is throughout the winter season and these can either be purchased as bare-rooted plants or potted.
For more information on grape growing in Melbourne, please visit us in person at Preston Markets, Preston or drop us a line via phone or email. Visit our Contact Page for more details.
If you really want a quick course on grape growing with a bountiful supply of reference material, grape variety identification, trellis making, etc., then check out this once in a lifetime offer. This offer is only available through this website, so it’s worth checking out. 
