Vitis vinifera 'Vroege van der Laan', also known as 'Early van der Laan' or simply 'Vroege', is a popular and productive grape variety prized for its sweet, white grapes. This vigorous vine features large, deeply-lobed leaves and produces abundant clusters of juicy, golden-yellow grapes with a sweet, slightly muscat flavour. 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 'Vroege van der Laan' is an old Dutch variety, believed to have originated in the Netherlands in the early 20th century.
Light: Vitis vinifera 'Vroege van der Laan' 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 'Vroege van der Laan' 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.