RADIO TRANSCRIPT
February 13, 2023
Taylor Campbell

This is Taylor Campbell, horticulture extension agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center. Today’s program is on muscadines.

Muscadines are native to the Southeast and have a 400 year history of cultivation. When choosing a site for muscadines, avoid shaded areas. Muscadines will tolerate a wide variety of soils, but should not be planted where standing water is an issue. Muscadines prefer a soil pH of 6.5, so apply lime if needed. For planting, wait until the threat of sub-freezing temperatures is over. Plant in late April to early May with each plant 10 to 20 feet apart, with rows 8 feet apart. Provide a trellis for each plant. After planting, prune to one stem with 2 to 3 buds. When growth takes off, select the most vigorous shoot and prune away the others. Side shoots will begin growing from the main vine, and should be cut back to 2 to 3 buds during dormancy. To fertilize, Apply 1 lb of 10-10-10 in an 18-inch circle around each vine after planting. Repeat every 6 weeks until early July. The second year, apply in March and May at double the first year's rate. Keep the area around each vine free of weeds. Muscadines are fairly drought tolerant, so irrigation is not necessary.

The N.C. Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center is currently selling muscadines for our annual small fruit plant sale. Call us to place your order today.

This has been Taylor Campbell, horticulture extension agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension, Burke County Center. For more information, contact us at 764-9480.