Vitis 'Somerset' - 'Somerset' Seedless Grape Vine

Let yourself be charmed by the 'Somerset' Grape Vine, a seedless variety that will provide you with early harvests of exceptionally sweet grapes! Very hardy and easy to grow, this vigorous vine produces beautiful clusters of reddish-pink berries, bursting with a distinct fruity flavour. Ideal for fresh eating, 'Somerset' is a spectacular and delicious addition to your trellis, pergola, or fence, transforming your space into a gourmet haven.

Harvest: Production & Flavours

The 'Somerset' Grape Vine stands out for its early ripening and generosity, allowing you to enjoy its seedless grapes from late summer. Its unique flavour makes it a highly appreciated table grape.

• Harvest Period: Late August - Early September
• Visual Description: Large clusters of round grapes, vibrant reddish-pink in colour, translucent, and well-formed. Seedless.
• Flavour Profile: Very sweet, with a pronounced and refreshing fruity flavour, sometimes reminiscent of strawberry or lychee notes. The flesh is juicy and tender.
• Culinary Uses: Excellent fresh as a snack or dessert, perfect for fruit salads, juices, or accompanying cheeses.

Planting Guide

To ensure the success of your 'Somerset' Grape Vine, follow these key steps:

1. Ideal Location: Plant your 'Somerset' in full sun for optimal production and sweeter grapes. A sheltered spot from strong winds is also beneficial. A sturdy support is essential from planting.
2. Soil Preparation: This grape vine prefers well-drained, deep, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0 to 7.0). Generously amend with compost before planting.
3. Planting: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill with your amended soil mix and gently tamp down. Space plants approximately 1.8 to 2.5 metres (6 to 8 feet) apart, depending on the type of support and desired growth.
4. Pollination:
   • Type: Self-fertile. The 'Somerset' Grape Vine does not need another grape variety to produce fruit.
   • Suggested Partners: No partners are necessary.

Care Guide

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year of establishment and during fruit formation. Once established, it tolerates short dry periods better, but regular watering promotes better production.
• Fertilization: In early spring, apply a balanced fertilizer or one specific to grape vines. An annual application of compost around the base of the plants is also very beneficial.
• Pruning: Rigorous annual pruning is essential for production and shape maintenance. Perform dormant pruning (late winter/early spring) to structure the plant and encourage fruiting on new growth. Summer pruning can be done to control vigour and expose clusters to the sun.
• Protection:
  • Against Birds: Grapes are highly appealing to birds; bird netting is strongly recommended as harvest approaches to protect your clusters.
  • Winter Protection: Thanks to its good hardiness (Zone 4), the 'Somerset' Grape Vine generally does not require additional winter protection for established plants. In colder areas, a thick mulch at the base or laying down and covering the canes can be beneficial.