Muscadine, Ruby Crisp, Bare Root

Muscadine, Ruby Crisp (Vitis rotundifolia 'Ruby Crisp')

Ruby Crisp is a unique muscadine variety, celebrated for its striking red hue, thin edible skin, and table-grape-like texture. With its delightful sweetness and mild flavor, this variety is a top choice for fresh eating. Unlike traditional muscadines, Ruby Crisp offers an exceptionally tender and juicy bite, making it a standout in any garden or orchard. While it benefits from a pollination partner, its vigorous growth and mid-season ripening ensure a rewarding harvest.

Key Characteristics

• Unique color and texture
  The deep red berries of Ruby Crisp are visually stunning, with a thin skin and crisp, juicy interior resembling a table grape. This combination makes it highly appealing for fresh eating.

• Delightful flavor profile
  Ruby Crisp is less musky than traditional muscadines, offering a sweet, mild flavor that’s popular with children and those who prefer a subtler taste.

• Mid-season harvests
  This variety ripens in late August through September, providing a reliable mid-season bounty of high-quality fruit.

• Requires a pollination partner
  While not self-fertile, Ruby Crisp performs exceptionally well when planted near a self-fertile muscadine like Lane or Triumph, ensuring abundant yields.

• Ornamental and functional growth
  The vigorous vines of Ruby Crisp are perfect for arbors, fences, or trellises, serving as an edible privacy screen or shade while producing a heavy crop of fruit.

Product Details

• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium, well-draining, slightly acidic (pH 6.0–6.5)
• Mature Height: 12–15 feet with support
• Bloom Time: Late spring (May to early June)
• Bloom Color: Inconspicuous greenish-white
• Fruit Qualities: Sweet, mild flavor, red berries with thin skin and crisp texture
• Fruit Uses: Fresh eating, snacks
• Fruit Ripening Month: Late August through September
• Pollination Requirements: Requires a pollination partner (e.g., Lane, Triumph)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7–9

Key Takeaways for Garden Success

Plant Ruby Crisp in full sun with well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Pair with a self-fertile muscadine variety to ensure successful pollination. Use a trellis or arbor for support, and prune annually for healthy fruit production.