Ask The County Agent: ‘When should I prune my muscadines?’

By STEPHANIE R. BUTCHER, UGA Extension Coweta County Coordinator

QUESTION: When should I prune my muscadines? Also, what is the difference between scuppernongs and muscadines?

AGENT:  February is the perfect time to prune muscadines. It can usually be done from January through the first of March. You want to have your pruning done before the leaves come out in the spring. You will make your cut on each shoot (cane) that grew last season, leaving 2 or 3 buds on each shoot. Since muscadines grow vigorously and fruit on “new wood” (the new plant growth that will develop this year), they should be pruned every season.

You want to have the right tools when it is time to prune. High quality hand pruners work for shoots or canes that are smaller in diameter and are good for your seasonal maintenance pruning. If your vines are older or you need to remove larger limbs or old stumps, then you will want to have lopping shears and a small hand saw.

What is the difference between scuppernongs and muscadines?

A Scuppernong is simply the oldest cultivar (variety) of muscadine that was discovered along the Scuppernong River in North Carolina. They have bronze/green fruit and are not as productive as newer varieties. Sometimes you will hear people use scuppernong in place of muscadine and vice versa, but muscadines include all cultivars and scuppernong is just a type of muscadine.

Muscadines are native to the Southeast and are favorite for many people. In fact, each year my boys look forward to picking wild muscadines and making jelly from them with their grandmother. It is an annual tradition for my family. Wild muscadines are generally smaller than cultivated varieties, so it takes a lot of picking to make a little jelly.

When growing muscadines, it is best to have at least two varieties to improve pollination. This will ensure you get a good fruit set. There are bronze, purple and black varieties. When choosing a variety (also called cultivar), you might consider harvest time (early, mid, or late season) color, berry size and productivity. Some are known for qualities that make them better for fresh picking, making jelly or wine. Some good varieties include Carlos (bronze), Paulk (purple), Ison (purple), and Nesbitt (purple).

For more information about growing and pruning muscadines, contact the Coweta County Extension office at 770-254-2620 or email [email protected] and ask for the publication, “Home Grown Muscadines” and our short pruning video.

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Photo Credit: UGA Cooperative Extension