Catawba Grape Vine Tree

Catawba grape vine tree plant is considered to be a hybrid red grape which is native to North America. The Ohio River valley was the spring board of the tree’s success. These vines from Ohio were light, red rose in color and produced sparkling, juicy grapes. This tree plant is a vigorous, hardy, self pollinating vine which can grow up to a height of about six to twelve inches long.


The Hardy vines, as they mature, develop huge clusters of medium-sized hybrid grapes which are coppery red in color. These sweet-flavored, red slip-skin grapes are seedless. The Catawba grapes ripen during late September to October.

The Catawba grape are hardy vines which are considered to do well in USDA zones five to eight. In addition, these plant vines require moist to well drained soils. They also require moderate amount of sun in order for their grapes to mature and ripen.

In recent years, these vines have been established in countries like England, eastern sea board of U.S, areas of Midwest and in Canada. However, the Catawba grape has been successfully grown in New York and the areas surrounding the Great lakes.


The Catawba vine can be difficult to establish in vineyards. This is because, these takes too long approximately three years before they mature and have their grapes ripe. These vines require a spacing of at most four feet apart if they are to be planted for training on an arbor while those planted for training on a trellis requires a spacing of about eight feet. It is important to note that, before these vines begin developing in their second year of growth a trellis or an arbor support should be provided. The vines require training to a particular system which can involve either tying the vine to a particular support provided or pruning.


The Catawba vines provide excellent fresh edible grapes which can also be used for jams and jellies. It has been known to be the leading producer of grapes for American juices, wines and champagne.