Vitis vinifera 'Boskoop Glory', also known as 'Glory of Boskoop', is a vigorous and productive grape variety known for its large, flavourful, blue-black grapes. This vine features large, deeply-lobed leaves and produces abundant clusters of juicy grapes with a rich, sweet flavour and a slightly muscat aroma. It's a hardy and reliable variety, well-suited to growing in gardens and allotments across the UK. It belongs to the Vitaceae family (the grape family).
Origin: Vitis vinifera 'Boskoop Glory' is an old Dutch variety, believed to have originated in the Netherlands in the late 19th century.
Light: Vitis vinifera 'Boskoop Glory' thrives in full sun. It prefers a warm, sheltered location with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to encourage optimal growth and fruit ripening. A south-facing wall or fence is ideal.
Water: Water regularly, especially during dry periods and the first year after planting. Grape vines prefer consistently moist soil, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Soil: Vitis vinifera 'Boskoop Glory' prefers well-drained, fertile soil. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but thrives in loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Support: Grape vines need support to climb. Provide a sturdy trellis, pergola, or wires for the vine to grow on.
Pruning: Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and productivity of your grape vine. Prune in winter while the vine is dormant, removing any dead or diseased wood and shaping the vine to the desired form. Summer pruning can also be done to remove any excess growth or suckers.
Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for common grape vine pests and diseases, such as powdery mildew, downy mildew, and grapevine moth.
Harvesting: The grapes typically ripen in late summer or early autumn. Harvest the grapes when they are fully ripe and have a sweet, rich flavour.
Uses: The grapes are delicious eaten fresh or can be used to make juice, jam, or even wine.
Toxicity: While grapes are generally considered safe for humans, they can be toxic to dogs and cats. Grapes and raisins (dried grapes) can cause kidney failure in dogs, and potentially in cats as well. It's best to keep grapes and grape vines, including Vitis vinifera 'Boskoop Glory', out of reach of pets and to contact a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant.