These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us. Ruby Crisp Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia 'Ruby Crisp') Key Characteristics Origin: 'Ruby Crisp' is a red muscadine grape cultivar developed by the University of Georgia (UGA) and released in 2019. It originated from a cross between 'Supreme' and 'Tara' made in 2008 in Tifton, GA. It was selected for its unique red color, excellent crisp texture, and good flavor, distinguishing it from traditional muscadines. Patent Status: 'Ruby Crisp' Muscadine (also known as ‘Ga. 8-1-338’) is patented under **U.S. Plant Patent PP32,111**, granted on 2020-08-25 to University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc. until it expires on 2039-11-14. This patent protects the exclusive rights to asexually reproduce and sell the variety. Berry Production: Produces high yields of large (averaging around 15 grams), round, dark red berries. A notable characteristic is its firm, crisp flesh and tender, non-slip skin, offering a texture more akin to table grapes than traditional muscadines. The flavor is sweet with relatively low muscadine aroma, which appeals to those who prefer a less pronounced muscadine taste. Ripening Time: Ripens in the **mid-season**, with the first harvest typically around late August in Georgia. The harvest season can extend into early September. Plant Size and Appearance: 'Ruby Crisp' is a vigorous vine with hermaphroditic (self-fertile) flowers, eliminating the need for a separate pollinator. Lateral canes tend to droop. Flowers: Possesses self-fertile (perfect) flowers, ensuring good fruit set without requiring a pollinizer vine. Hardiness: Recommended for USDA Zones **7 through 10b**. Limited data is available regarding its extreme cold hardiness in northern muscadine regions. Pollination: 'Ruby Crisp' is **self-fertile** and does not require a pollinator to produce fruit. Growing Conditions: Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production and quality. Soil: Prefers well-drained soils; avoid persistently wet conditions. While highly fertile soils are not essential, good drainage is crucial for best growth and yields. A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 is suitable. Watering: Requires average watering, keeping the soil consistently moist but well-drained. Fertilizing: Follow general recommendations for muscadine fertilization. Pruning: Typically spur pruned annually. Uses: Primarily recommended for: Fresh eating due to its appealing color, crisp texture, and sweet flavor. Home gardens. Pick-your-own operations. It is less suited for commercial packing due to a tendency for berries to crack with rough handling and a lower percentage of dry stem scars. Wildlife Value: Muscadine vines can provide food and shelter for wildlife. Birds may be attracted to the ripening grapes. Ornamental Value: Muscadine vines can be attractive landscape plants, especially when trained on a trellis or arbor. Disease and Pest Resistance: Muscadines are generally more disease resistant than bunch grapes. 'Ruby Crisp' has shown a level of berry rot higher than typical black cultivars but lower than bronze-colored cultivars in trials.
