'Vanessa' grapevine (Vitis vinifera) – table grape – 15 cm pot – 50 cm tall – pack of 2

The 'Vanessa' Grape Vine (Vitis vinifera 'Vanessa') produces its bunches of blue grapes from late summer onwards, generally between mid-August and early October depending on the climate and sunshine in your region. The discreet flowering takes place in May-June with small, lightly scented white flowers, which are essential for fruit set. The warmer and sunnier the summer, the faster the ripening and the more concentrated the grapes are in sugar. In the mild-climate regions of southern France, harvesting can take place as early as late August; in the north, allow more for September-October to reach optimal maturity.

The goblet pruning of the Vitis vinifera 'Vanessa' is carried out every year at the end of winter, between February and early March, before the buds break. We keep 4 to 6 permanent arms coming from the central trunk and shorten each year's cane to 2-3 buds: these short shoots, called spurs, will bear the season's clusters. Remove any dead or misplaced wood at the same time to aerate the framework.

Yes, the 'Vanessa' grape vine (Vitis vinifera 'Vanessa') is very well suited to growing in a pot or container on a terrace or balcony, provided that a few essential rules are followed. Choose a container of at least 30 to 40 litres to allow the roots to develop properly and to ensure a satisfactory fruit yield. Use a well-draining fruit-growing compost, enriched with sand or pumice, to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged. Provide a sturdy support (trellis, netting, or stake) to guide the shoots.

The Vitis vinifera 'Vanessa' prefers well-drained, slightly poor, stony or sandy soils rather than heavy, clayey soils that retain too much moisture. Soil that is too rich in nitrogen promotes foliage growth at the expense of the fruit. The vines naturally thrive in poor, limestone or siliceous soils, which force the roots to grow deep to find water and minerals, thus concentrating the aromas in the clusters.

The 'Vanessa' grape vine (Vitis vinifera 'Vanessa') is a fully hardy vine, capable of withstanding temperatures of around -15 °C to -20 °C in the ground when well established, making it suitable for the vast majority of French territory. In the ground, the woody stock spends the winter without any particular protection in temperate regions. However, the young shoots that emerge in spring remain vulnerable to late frosts after bud burst: a protective fleece or a light cover in the event of a predicted night frost is enough to protect them.

The 'Vanessa' Grapevine (Vitis vinifera 'Vanessa') is as visually appealing as it is useful in the garden. On a pergola or arbor, it quickly creates a natural and attractive summer shade structure, while allowing winter light to filter through once the leaves have fallen. Its lobed green leaves take on flamboyant orange, red, and golden hues in autumn, a spectacle not to be missed. It pairs beautifully with climbing roses, clematis, or wisteria, which share the same sun requirements and offer complementary blooms.

The main difference between the 'Vanessa' grape vine (Vitis vinifera 'Vanessa') and an ornamental vine such as the Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus) lies primarily in fruit production and cultural requirements. 'Vanessa' is a fruit grape selected to produce edible, flavorful, and juicy blue grapes, perfect for fresh tasting or for making juice and small batches of homemade wine. It requires full sun and precise annual pruning to fruit properly.