Grapes ripening

[zazen999]

We've got a Grapevine [no idea what type] in our courtyard; which to be honest I wasn't expecting to fruit but it has. It has about 20 trusses on it.....but with the weather I am doubtful if they will ripen this year.

Is it possible to take them off and ripen them indoors/in the greenhouse? Or do we just have to leave them and see?

The Grapes are a little smaller than supermarket ones, but aren't clearing on the vine, as I'd expect....but aren't getting any bigger either.

Any ideas?

[roitelet]

I would leave them on the vine as I think that if you take them off they will just shrivel up. Wait and see what happens. I had a vine in Devon in a green house that never ripened until November and some of the grapes were still on it in December. As yours is outside whoever planted it has probably planted an outdoor variety which if you are patient enough will ripen. Mine on a south facing wall are just begining to change colour.

Best of luck.

[zazen999]

My OH planted it - mainly for the foliage rather than the Grapes! He might have left the label in the old garage which was demolished last winter.....we'll never know!

I'm just wishing that I knew if they were white or red.....but he can't remember.

It's only in its second year.....so it has done quite well so far.

[SueA]

I'd leave them alone but if you want to help them to ripen try taking a few of the leaves off which may be shading the fruits. We have an outdoor grapevine called 'Rembrandt' which is edible & develops small red/black fruits (they're still green at the moment) but usually most of them end up being eaten by the birds as soon as they're ripe so if you want to try eating yours you might want to net them in some way too.

[OllieMartin]

I know of a Grapevine with plenty of ripe Grapes on it!

[zazen999]

OI!!!!

Cheeky.

[bobleponge]

Mine were just starting to ripen as I left home about 10 days ago.
They were smaller than usual this year, but with a good few bunches.
They are outside, on a south facing wall which really has had some sun on it this year.

I hurrrruummmpphhh the others Zazen, I would leave them on the vine until as late as possible, and then, and only then, think about cutting them and moving them to the g/h.

[zazen999]

Cheers Bob......my SIL is into making all sorts of wines and it would be grand to shove the Grapes her way and see what she can do with them...

[Alice]

I've got a vine on a south facing wall - Boskoop Glory. This is it's first year but it has little bunches of grapes. I know I should have taken them off but I haven't the heart. It's due to ripen in October but the weather has gone cool and wet. I was wondering if draping some fleece over it would help. Any thoughts ?

[bobleponge]

It probably wont do them any harm Alice, but how cool is cool?
Boskoop Glory is reputed as being the hardiest grape that you can grow, so if its due to ripen in October, I'd probably leave it and see.
If it all fails you can count this first year as an experiment for future reference.

[zazen999]

WHOOP WHOOP

They are turning - and turning PURPLE!!!

YAY

Ahem - as you were.

[bobleponge]

Nice one, I hope you've netted them.
I rarely used to get to eat any of mine for 2 reasons.

1. Vine was directly outside the bedroom window of teenage boy
2. Whatever he missed, the birds got.

Net, net and net again I say.

[smallblueplanet]

Better send for this guy then Bob?!

[bobleponge]

Thats basically what the teenaged boy did

With his hands!!!