Specifications
- Projected height & spread: 15–20 ft tall, 12–15 ft wide
- Growth habit: Vigorous, climbing woody vine
- Light requirements: Full sun (6+ hrs daily)
- Water requirements: Moderate; deep, regular watering during establishment
- Fertilizer requirements: Light applications of balanced organic fertilizer in spring through midsummer
Description
‘Red Flame Seedless’ is a classic, reliable table grape for East Bay gardeners who want sweet, crisp, seedless clusters in early to midsummer. This deciduous vine quickly covers trellises, arbors, and fences with lush foliage and provides excellent productivity once established. Its firm-textured red grapes are ideal for snacking fresh, adding to salads, or drying into raisins.
In San Leandro, Oakland, and Castro Valley gardens, the vine performs best in full sun and well-draining soil. Regular deep watering in the first year encourages strong root development, after which the plant becomes more drought-tolerant.
Annual winter pruning maintains vine structure and promotes quality fruit production. An organic fertilizer in early spring supports healthy growth without causing excessive leafy vigor. With proper training and seasonal care, ‘Red Flame Seedless’ becomes a dependable and attractive feature that produces abundant, flavorful fruit for many years.
Grape Growing & Care in the East Bay
Pruning (Winter)
- Prune in late December–early February while vines are fully dormant.
- Grapes fruit on one-year-old canes.
- Choose either cane pruning (1–4 canes, 8–12 buds each) or spur pruning (short 2–3 bud spurs along cordons).
Trellising & Training
- Provide a strong trellis, arbor, or fence.
- A simple two-wire horizontal trellis supports good fruiting.
- Train one strong shoot upward in Year 1; form cordons in Year 2; begin full production pruning in Year 3+.
Watering
- First 1–2 years: deep watering every 5–7 days in summer.
- Mature vines: less frequent, deep irrigation—more during heat waves.
- Avoid excess water late in the season to prevent berry splitting.
Soil & Fertilizing
- Plant in well-draining soil; amend clay-heavy areas or use raised beds.
- Apply 2–3" of organic mulch to conserve moisture.
- Feed lightly with balanced organic fertilizer in early spring; avoid heavy nitrogen.
Pest & Disease Care
- Encourage airflow and full sun to reduce mildew.
- Use neem or horticultural oil for soft-bodied insects; sulfur or potassium bicarbonate for early mildew pressure (avoid extreme heat).
- Net ripening clusters if birds become a problem.
Harvest
- Grapes do not sweeten after picking—taste test before harvest.
- Use pruners to cut clusters cleanly from the vine.
