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

Yes, the Lakemont grape (Vitis vinifera 'Lakemont') is a seedless variety, meaning it is naturally devoid of seeds. This characteristic makes it one of the most popular table grape varieties for gardeners, both for eating the grapes directly and for making juice or jam. The clusters ripen in late summer and display a beautiful golden-yellow color, with crisp and sweet flesh. This is not a genetic modification but an old, perfectly stabilized varietal selection.

Absolutely, the Lakemont grape grows very well in a pot on a sunny balcony or terrace. Choose a container of'at least 30 to 40 litres to ensure good root development and a satisfactory crop. Install a trellis, tension wires or a pergola to guide the shoots, which can grow several metres in a single season. Pot'watering must be more regular than'when planted in the ground, and an application of'balanced fertiliser at the start of the growing season as well as'at fruit set significantly improves the quality of the bunches. Annual pruning remains essential even when grown in a container.

Lakemont grapevines generally ripen between late August and September, depending on the region and the season's 'sunlight. The berries change from a tender green to a beautiful translucent golden yellow when ripe. To check for ripeness, taste a few berries: they should be sweet, juicy, and have easily biteable skin. It is advisable not to harvest too early, as the grapes continue to 'develop their sweetness for a few days after reaching their final color. Cut the whole bunches with clean scissors to avoid damaging the stems.

Lakemont vine shows decent resistance to the main fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, making it suitable for integrated pest management with few treatments. However, like all Vitis vinifera, it remains susceptible to downy mildew and grey rot (botrytis) in wet and cold springs. Preventive treatments based on sulfur for powdery mildew and copper for downy mildew, applied from bud break, are generally sufficient to keep the plant healthy.

The Lakemont grape requires full sun to produce generous, well-sweetened clusters. A south or southwest exposure, ideally against a wall that retains heat, is perfect for it. With less than six hours of direct sunlight per day, the plant grows well, but insufficient photosynthesis results in poorly sweetened, small grapes and delayed ripening.

The Lakemont grape vine is pruned in February or early March, 'before bud break, while the plant is still dormant. Short pruning is generally recommended: each spur (vine arm) is cut back to 2 or 3 buds, which helps concentrate the plant's reserves and 'produce a few well-developed clusters rather than 'many small ones. In summer, thinning (removing unnecessary shoots) and pinching (pinching the tips of the fruiting canes above two leaves after the last cluster) improve 'air circulation and fruit quality.

Yes, the two Lakemont grape plants provided in this set can be planted side by side to more quickly cover a trellis, pergola, or fence. Allow a distance of'at least 1.5 to 2 meters between each plant to avoid excessive root competition and to allow for good air circulation, a key factor in limiting fungal diseases. This paired configuration also helps'ensure optimal cross-pollination and'achieve dense, attractive foliage cover within two to three seasons. When grown in pots, large separate containers are preferable for each plant.