Red Flame Grapes Plant Description
The Red Flame grape (Vitis vinifera 'Flame Seedless') is a popular seedless table grape variety, known for its sweet flavor, attractive color, and firm texture. Here's a detailed description of the plant:
🌿 General Characteristics:
Type: Deciduous, perennial vine
Growth Habit: Vigorous climbing vine with tendrils; needs support such as a trellis or arbor
Lifespan: Can live and produce fruit for decades with proper care
🍇 Fruit Characteristics:
Color: Bright red to crimson when ripe
Shape: Medium to large oval berries
Seed: Seedless (occasional trace seeds may appear)
Texture: Firm and crisp skin with juicy flesh
Flavor: Sweet, mildly tart, and pleasant
Harvest Time: Typically mid to late summer (July–September depending on climate)
🌞 Growing Requirements:
Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil; pH 5.5–7.0
Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established but needs consistent moisture during fruit development
Climate: Thrives in warm, dry regions; USDA Zones 7–10
✂️ Care & Maintenance:
Pruning: Annual winter pruning is essential to encourage fruiting and maintain vine shape
Fertilization: Light feeding in early spring; avoid high nitrogen to prevent excessive foliage growth
Pests/Diseases: Watch for powdery mildew, aphids, and birds; good air circulation and proper spacing help prevent disease
🌿 Uses:
Primarily grown for fresh eating
Also used in salads, juices, and desserts
Can be dried into raisins, though not the most common variety for that