Vitis thunbergii
Vitis thunbergii
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Pl. 35BA — Vitis thunbergii
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IOverview
Overview
Vitis thunbergii, commonly known as the Japanese grape or Manchurian grape, is a deciduous vine native to regions including China North-Central and Southeast, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Primorye, Taiwan, and Vietnam. This plant is valued for its edible fruit and leaves, making it both an ornamental and culinary choice in gardens. It thrives in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH range of 5 to 6.5, and can tolerate hardiness zones 5-9. One distinctive feature is its ability to grow up to 5 meters in height, while another notable characteristic is its preference for dry to moist conditions.
Quick answers
What is Vitis thunbergii?
Vitis thunbergii, commonly known as the Japanese grape or Manchurian grape, is a deciduous vine native to regions including China North-Central and Southeast, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Primorye, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Vitis thunbergii thrives in temperate regions and prefers light to medium soil with a pH between 5 and 6.5. It can tolerate dry to moist conditions but benefits from well-drained soils. This vine requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth, though it can handle various lighting conditions. Hardy in zones 5-9, Vitis thunbergii grows up to 5 meters tall. For propagation, use cuttings or layering methods. Ensure the soil is rich and fertile for best fruit and leaf production.
Light
7/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Vine
Mature size
5.0 m tall
Soil pH
5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Vitis thunbergii for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance vine that can thrive in various conditions.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young vines, potting soil, containers if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Vitis thunbergii in spring after the last frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 5 and 6.5, ensuring containers are at least 10 inches wide.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors about 8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors once danger of frost is past.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide support for vines to climb and prune occasionally to maintain shape. Water deeply once a week, depending on weather.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune vines in late winter before new growth starts to encourage healthy fruiting.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: The fruit and leaves of Vitis thunbergii are edible. The fruit can be eaten raw or used in various preparations such as jams and jellies. Leaves may also be consumed, though their culinary use is less common. Both parts are typically harvested from the vine, which grows up to 5 meters tall.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
8 native · 22 introduced
Distribution
8 native · 22 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 8 native· 22 introduced
Europe4 regions
introduced (4)AlbaniaBelgiumBulgariaSpain
Asia5 regions
native (5)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanVietnam
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Burundi
Broader regions
native:Primorye
introduced:Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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