‘Himrod’ grapevine (Vitis vinifera) – table grape – 15 cm pot – 50 cm tall – pack of 2

Yes, the Himrod grape (Vitis vinifera 'Himrod') is a seedless variety, meaning its grapes are naturally free of seeds. This characteristic is genetic and stable from year to year. The bunches produce golden, thin-skinned berries that are highly prized for eating fresh directly from the bunch. This is a considerable advantage for children and for use in desserts, fruit salads, or homemade jams. The flavor is mild and sweet, with a slight musky note characteristic of this type of grape.

Himrod is an early-maturing grape variety whose bunches are generally ready to harvest between mid-August and mid-September, depending on the climate and 'exposure. In Mediterranean regions or very sunny conditions, harvesting can even begin in late July. The grapes are ripe when their skins take on a translucent golden hue and the pulp is well-sweetened. It is advisable to taste a few berries before cutting the entire bunch. A south-facing exposure and a warm summer promote an early and abundant harvest for Himrod.

The Himrod grape is a fast-growing vine, capable of producing several meters of shoots in a single growing season. From the second or third year after planting, it begins to bear fruit significantly. Its vigor allows it to quickly cover a pergola, trellis, or espalier. This sustained growth requires rigorous annual pruning in late winter to control development and direct the plant's energy toward the production of quality clusters rather than excessive vegetative growth.

The Himrod grape vine shows decent resistance to varying weather conditions, but like all Vitis vinifera varieties, it remains susceptible to the main fungal diseases affecting grapevines: downy mildew and powdery mildew. To reduce these risks, choose a very sunny location and ensure good air circulation around the plant with careful pruning. Avoid excessive moisture at the base and around the foliage. Preventive treatments using Bordeaux mixture or sulfur in spring and summer can effectively protect the Himrod grape vine without resorting to synthetic products.

Yes, the Himrod vine grows very well in a pot on a sunny balcony or terrace, provided that a few essential conditions are met. Choose a large container o'f at least 30 to 40 liters with good drainage, filled w'ith a general-purpose potting mix lightened with sand. Install a trellis or sturdy support to which the shoots can c'limb. I'n summer, watering must be regular because pots dry out quickly. In winter, protect the pot from severe frosts b'y insulating it or by bringing it into a frost-free area, especially during the first few years, until the plant is well established.

Himrod grapevines are pruned in late w'inter, ideally from January to early March, before the sap begins to flow. The most common method for a fruiting cordon-trained vine is the Royat goblet or cordon: retain a main cordon and shorten the short shoots (coursons) to two or three buds. The long canes from the p'revious year can be pruned into long shoots to increase production. Systematically remove deadwood, weak shoots, and those that i'ntertwine. Precise annual pruning is the secret to a healthy, well-ventilated, and highly productive Himrod vine.

Himrod grape is a hardy variety that easily withstands the mild winters of most French regions. When planted in the ground and well established, it can tolerate significant sub-zero temperatures without damaging the mature wood. The soft green shoots produced at the end of the season may be affected by early frosts, but the rootstock and old wood remain intact. In regions with very cold winters, a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant is generally sufficient to protect it. Potted plants are more vulnerable and should be overwintered in a frost-free area during the first few years of'acclimatization.