Hello everybody, I want to plant a grape vine to provide leaves for my tortoises and grapes for my chickens. I live in Eastern Washington, there are gazillions of wineries around here so I know groups grow here but I didn't know if it mattered what type of grape leaf you fed your tortoises. I have Russian tortoises. So any suggestions on what kind of grape vine to grow would be greatly appreciated.
Best type of grape vine
- Thread starter leigti
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I've tried a bunch of different types.
Mine don't like the concord grape leaves as much. They are kind of white and fuzzy underneath. They eat all the other leaves from all the other types with equal relish. I have some wine grape vines, Thompson seedless, Flames and a few others that I can't remember.
Mine don't like the concord grape leaves as much. They are kind of white and fuzzy underneath. They eat all the other leaves from all the other types with equal relish. I have some wine grape vines, Thompson seedless, Flames and a few others that I can't remember.
I planted 4 different ones in their enclosure last spring, think Concord was one of them... oh well
They still eat the leaves. And the grapes have a great flavor too. Reminds me of the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches I ate when I was a kid and Welches grape juice too.I planted 4 different ones in their enclosure last spring, think Concord was one of them... oh well
Concords are my favorite. I have a bunch of table grapes and sweeter wine grapes for eating. They're still young so I'm a little stingy with the tortoises. Never had a problem with any of them. They have turned their heads at older, rougher leaves, but never to a fresh, young leaf.
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- Jul 16, 2014
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- South Eastern Florida (U.S.A.)/Rock Hill S.C.
I have a ton of Muscadine grapes I carried here from a property I have in South Carolina.
They are very similar to Concord.
The grapes taste great.
At first, all of my tortoises ate all of the leaves.
Then after a few years, most of my tortoises would only eat the new, dark green leaves.
Now, NONE of my tortoises will eat any part of the plant.
I cut them back every summer, and there is a lot of new growth. But somehow, the plant(s) is no longer appealing to them.
I have no idea why.
The group of Muscadines, actually five vines, is now over 9 years old.
They are very similar to Concord.
The grapes taste great.
At first, all of my tortoises ate all of the leaves.
Then after a few years, most of my tortoises would only eat the new, dark green leaves.
Now, NONE of my tortoises will eat any part of the plant.
I cut them back every summer, and there is a lot of new growth. But somehow, the plant(s) is no longer appealing to them.
I have no idea why.
The group of Muscadines, actually five vines, is now over 9 years old.
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I would guess they have enough other stuff to eat in FL. Everything here dries up and dies in May or June, so its all grape leaves, mulberry leaves and cactus pads all summer long.
On a related note, does anyone know why some grape vines take off and grow into tree trunks in a couple of years, while others seem to just barely survive in seemingly identical planting conditions?
I would also like to know the answer to this!
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- Jul 16, 2014
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- South Eastern Florida (U.S.A.)/Rock Hill S.C.
As far as mine are concerned. Maybe it's soil.
In South Carolina these are found almost entirely near creek beds. Good growing soil.
Here in Florida they are (mine are)planted in our low quality and high PH sand.
I have never used fertilizers and haven't watered any of it since it was tiny.
The main stems at about 9 years old are no thicker than two inches wide.
In South Carolina these are found almost entirely near creek beds. Good growing soil.
Here in Florida they are (mine are)planted in our low quality and high PH sand.
I have never used fertilizers and haven't watered any of it since it was tiny.
The main stems at about 9 years old are no thicker than two inches wide.
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- Location (City and/or State)
- South Eastern Florida (U.S.A.)/Rock Hill S.C.
The Florida native Fox grape also stays very slender with small leaves and tiny fruit.
Gopher tortoises and iguanas eat it.
Gopher tortoises and iguanas eat it.
Different varietals have been developed over the centuries to fit the varying climate, exposure and soils of all the different regions growing grapes. Some are best in cooler areas, others on south facing slopes, some for elevation over 2000 ft, some for rocky vs sandy soils, etc etc. best to match the type grape vine you choose to your own conditions. One will thrive while others will struggle
That's why you see the areas like Paso Robles producing great Zins but not so good cabs. Sierra foothills growing great barberras and Napa with their great Cabs.
I like Thompson seedless where I am as a vigorous growing vine that puts out lots of growth for a long period of the year. Of course I'm more after leaf production than grape production.
I tried to grow a vine from a cutting from my neighbors grape plant. Didn't work. I do not have a green thumb. I'm not sure what kind it is that he has, the grapes are small and light green. Very sweet. The tortoises do you like the leaves.
The area I live in has a lot of vineyards. They almost all grow grapes for red wine.
As long as it doesn't really matter what kind of leaves, I will just figure out what grows well here in this climate. I want something with nice big leaves. Of course they grow so much maybe I will just ask my neighbor if I can just pick some of his leaves. That's what I did last year. Although it would be nice to get something going on my side of the fence also. I only have two tortoises for gosh sake's. but my chicken population seems to be growing
The area I live in has a lot of vineyards. They almost all grow grapes for red wine.
As long as it doesn't really matter what kind of leaves, I will just figure out what grows well here in this climate. I want something with nice big leaves. Of course they grow so much maybe I will just ask my neighbor if I can just pick some of his leaves. That's what I did last year. Although it would be nice to get something going on my side of the fence also. I only have two tortoises for gosh sake's. but my chicken population seems to be growing
Meet latte mocha and Brevi.
Gopherus Guy
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I have Concords and my DT loves the leaves. They have seeds so I stay away from the fruit.
Omg! Omg!!!! Precious!!!!!
I like Thompson seedless and Flame. Both are table grapes and are very vigorous vines that do well most everywhere. They also put out more growth and leaves than most types. The Concord is not as vigorous a grower and tends to stay smallerI tried to grow a vine from a cutting from my neighbors grape plant. Didn't work. I do not have a green thumb. I'm not sure what kind it is that he has, the grapes are small and light green. Very sweet. The tortoises do you like the leaves.
The area I live in has a lot of vineyards. They almost all grow grapes for red wine.
As long as it doesn't really matter what kind of leaves, I will just figure out what grows well here in this climate. I want something with nice big leaves. Of course they grow so much maybe I will just ask my neighbor if I can just pick some of his leaves. That's what I did last year. Although it would be nice to get something going on my side of the fence also. I only have two tortoises for gosh sake's. but my chicken population seems to be growing
I saw this a couple of days ago. Its about that time…
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