Emerald Ice Grape

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Vitis spp. The Emerald Ice Grape, also known as Big Green or Morden Green, is a cold-hardy variety developed in Manitoba, Canada. It thrives in prairie climates, producing large, b right green grape clusters with a high sugar content, making them ideal for fresh eating, winemaking, jams, and jellies. This vigorous and reliable grapevine is a great option for gardeners in Southwest Saskatchewan looking for hardy fruiting plants. Planting & Growing Conditions Hardiness Zone: 3b and warmer (suitable for harsh winter climates) Mature Size: 6 feet tall and wide Growth Habit: Vining, requires support Sunlight Needs: Full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day for best fruit production) Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil Tolerates loamy, sandy, or clay-based soils if drainage is adequate Avoid excessive fertilization, which promotes leafy growth over fruit production Support Structure: Best grown on a trellis, fence, or arbor Provides better airflow and easier harvesting Spacing: 6 feet apart for optimal growth and air circulation Watering & Maintenance Young Plants (First Year): Water deeply 2-3 times per week until established Mature Vines: Require regular watering during flowering and fruiting periods Reduce watering in late summer to help fruit ripen Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature Fertilization First Year: Avoid fertilizing to focus on root establishment Annual Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring Use organic compost or manure to improve soil health Avoid excessive nitrogen, which leads to excessive foliage growth Pruning & Training Best Time to Prune: Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts How to Prune: Remove dead or weak vines to encourage airflow and fruiting Train the strongest vines along a trellis or wire support system Thin out excess shoots to maximize sunlight exposure on developing grapes Fruit & Harvesting Flowering: Late spring (small, inconspicuous flowers attract pollinators) Fruit Ripening: Late summer to early fall (September) Berry Characteristics: Large, green, and sweet-tasting Firm texture, making them excellent for fresh eating, processing, and winemaking Harvest Tips: Pick when fully ripe (grapes should be uniformly green and slightly soft) Best harvested by hand or using gentle shears Pest & Disease Management Resistant to: Cold temperatures and most common grapevine diseases Common Pests: Aphids & Leafhoppers – Can damage leaves and slow vine growth Solution: Use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybugs Birds & Wildlife – Love sweet grapes and may eat them before ripening Solution: Install bird netting to protect fruit Common Diseases: Powdery Mildew – Causes white fungal coating on leaves in humid conditions Solution: Improve airflow and apply an organic fungicide if needed Botrytis Bunch Rot – Can affect clusters in wet weather Solution: Prune excess foliage to promote air circulation Winter Care Cold-Hardy, No Protection Needed in Zone 3b+ Mulching: Apply extra mulch in late fall to insulate roots in extreme cold Pruning: Cut back weak or excessive growth in early spring for a stronger structure Landscape & Uses Ideal for home gardens, edible landscapes, and small vineyardsBeautiful climbing vine for arbors, pergolas, and fencesLong-lived and productive with proper carePerfect for fresh eating, wine, juice, and preserves Additional Notes: Alternative Names: Big Green and Morden Green Availability: Can be found at specialty nurseries and prairie garden centers Lifespan: 20+ years with good maintenance Photo courtesy of prairiegardens.org Show more