You might consider growing hops instead (or in addition). They die to the
ground in winter, but can easily cover a trellis by midsummer. Big
green leaves, fragrant but non-fruiting flowers.

Stephen Levine wrote:
> I live in Eastern Long Island. I have an overhead trellis that I want to
> have filled with greenery (to shade the dining table below) in the summer
> time. Presently I have one concord type vine growing. It is old and I worry
> that it might succumb (three other of differing varieties have died???). The
> fruit is problematic. We don't really use it and my wife is allergic to bee
> stings and the bees congregate there late summer.
>
> Can someone point me to replacement varieties? Are there any sterile grapes
> out there that might do exactly what I am looking for? I do like the grape
> vine greenery.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
>

You might consider growing hops instead (or in addition). They die to the
ground in winter, but can easily cover a trellis by midsummer. Big
green leaves, fragrant but non-fruiting flowers.

Stephen Levine wrote:
> I live in Eastern Long Island. I have an overhead trellis that I want to
> have filled with greenery (to shade the dining table below) in the summer
> time. Presently I have one concord type vine growing. It is old and I worry
> that it might succumb (three other of differing varieties have died???). The
> fruit is problematic. We don't really use it and my wife is allergic to bee
> stings and the bees congregate there late summer.
>
> Can someone point me to replacement varieties? Are there any sterile grapes
> out there that might do exactly what I am looking for? I do like the grape
> vine greenery.
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
>

On Thu, 29 Jan 2004 00:10:37 GMT, ernie > wrote:

As I understand it, most "root stock" grafting varieties are male
vines that don't produce fruit but are extremely healthy and vinuous.
>>
>> Can someone point me to replacement varieties? Are there any sterile grapes
>> out there that might do exactly what I am looking for? I do like the grape
>> vine greenery.
>>
>> Thanks in advance.
>>
>>
>

Sounds like there is a possibility here, but I do not know if I understand
completely. Most grape vines, if grafted to "other" root stock are done for
the fruit, yes? Not to be argumentative - I want to believe. More important,
where do I find this animal(s)?


"Dave Webb" > wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 29 Jan 2004 00:10:37 GMT, ernie > wrote:
>
> As I understand it, most "root stock" grafting varieties are male
> vines that don't produce fruit but are extremely healthy and vinuous.
> >>
> >> Can someone point me to replacement varieties? Are there any sterile
grapes
> >> out there that might do exactly what I am looking for? I do like the
grape
> >> vine greenery.
> >>
> >> Thanks in advance.
> >>
> >>
> >
>

Stephen Levine writes "I live in Eastern Long Island. I have an overhead
trellis that I want to have filled with greenery.....Are there any sterile
grapes out there that might do exactly what I am looking for? I do like the
grape vine greenery."

Stephen - I like ernie's idea of growing hops. They are vigorous growers
and are quite interesting, perhaps a good topic for discussion when you have
guests. If your heart is set on grapes plant any type you want and prune
the blooms off every spring. You will have to do some pruning anyway and
it's just one of those spring chores grape growers live with. About two
months away from pruning my vineyard...hard to believe it will ever get warm
again with snow on the ground and temps. below freezing.

Bill Frazier
Olathe, Kansas

Stephen Levine wrote:

> I live in Eastern Long Island. I have an overhead trellis that I want to
> have filled with greenery (to shade the dining table below) in the summer
> time. Presently I have one concord type vine growing. It is old and I
> worry that it might succumb (three other of differing varieties have
> died???). The fruit is problematic. We don't really use it and my wife is
> allergic to bee stings and the bees congregate there late summer.
>
> Can someone point me to replacement varieties? Are there any sterile
> grapes out there that might do exactly what I am looking for? I do like
> the grape vine greenery.
>
> Thanks in advance.

Some grape varieties, including many vinifera, do not produce from basal
buds on each shoot. If this is the case for your variety, then all you
have to do is prune back to the basal buds and you will have foliage but no
fruit.