Rowan County 4-H is offering two types of muscadines through an annual spring plant sale. The two types available are Cowart and Doreen.
Cowart produces very large, black fruit. The fruit is in large clusters with good flavor and quality. The vines are self-pollinating, disease resistant, vigorous and productive. The fruit ripens early- to mid-season.Doreen produces a medium- to large-size fruit with medium clusters. This bronze fruit ripens late in the season and is disease resistant.
Whether you prefer the bronze variety or the beautiful black cultivars with the fruity aroma and light, sweet taste, the muscadine grape is a superb choice for making jellies, pies and wines.
Muscadine plants are two years old and come in one-gallon containers. Cowart and Doreen muscadines are well adapted to the Piedmont growing conditions. The cost for muscadines is $8 each or $7 if you order five or more.
You should avoid shaded areas when planting muscadines. Muscadines require full sun and a well-drained soil with a pH around 6.5. Plant 10 to 20 feet apart after the threat of frost is past in spring. Trellising can be as simple as a single wire positioned 5-6 feet above ground, or you can choose a more elaborate and decorative format.
Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and figs are also available.
Strawberries are sold in bundles of 25 for $10, 50 for $15, and 100 for $20. Blueberries and blackberries are in one-gallon containers and cost $8 each or $7 each if you order five or more of the same variety. Figs are in three-gallon containers and cost $15 each.
Whether you order strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, muscadines or figs, you will enjoy the sweet yields for many years to come.
When you receive your order, you will also receive a brochure for further information on caring for your plants.
To order, call the Rowan County Cooperative Extension office at 704-216-8970 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The deadline to order is Feb. 29.
Not only will these plants beautify your landscape, your purchase helps support the Rowan County 4-H program and the youth who are striving to make the best better.