Purple Seeded Grape

Bluebell is a vigorous, cold-hardy grape that bears medium clusters of dark-blue, slipskin berries. The fruit ripens in early to mid-September and is useful fresh or for juice and jelly. ## Fruit and growth Bluebell's berries have a juicy, fresh flavor, and its loose clusters have a pronounced shoulder. The vine has a procumbent growth habit, so give its canes room or train them along a sturdy support. The cultivar is reported as very hardy in cold-climate trials, with fruit that may crack during wet fall weather. ## Growing conditions Plant grapevines in full sun and well-drained soil. Water young vines deeply at the root zone while they establish; established vines generally need extra irrigation only during prolonged drought or in very sandy, freely draining soil. The [University of Wisconsin review of cold-climate grape cultivars](https://cropsandsoils.extension.wisc.edu/files/2023/08/A-Review-of-Cold-Climate-Grape-Cultivars.pdf) gives Bluebell's fruit, season, habit, hardiness, and use details. The [University of Minnesota grape guide](https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-grapes-home-garden) covers home planting and training. ## Maintenance Prune each year before spring growth and maintain good airflow through the canopy. Monitor fruit during wet autumn weather because cracking can occur. Remove fallen leaves and berries after harvest, and use local extension advice to identify disease problems before treating them.