Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Wednesday - November 11, 2015
From: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Propagation, Vines
Title: Propagation of Texas grapes
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
What is the best way to propagate wild Texas grapes?ANSWER:
Native grapes of Texas include Vitis mustangensis (Mustang grape), Vitis rotundifolia (Muscadine), Vitis aestivalis (Summer grape ) and Vitis cinerea var. helleri (Winter grape). The most widespread is Mustang grape, but it does not produce tasty fruit. I reproduce below an excerpt from a previous Mr. Smarty Plants question on the propagation of Texas grapes.
"These native grapes may be propagated vegetatively or by seed. I am going to reference How to Grow Native Plants by noted local author and landscape designer, Jill Nokes: a fall sowing outdoors or by cold moist stratification at 33 to 40 degrees for about 12 weeks should break seed dormancy for adequate germination. Select middle or basal wood from the current season's growth when propagating from hardwood cuttings; softwood cuttings may root readily under a 10 day mist-bench treatment. Plant the immature vine in sandy loam soil in partial shade; the plant will grow vigorously toward the light. Keep in mind that you will have to perform seasonal maintenance pruning to keep the growth in check.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
When will non-native Confederate Jasmine bloom in Austin
March 03, 2014 - I have 2 large Confederate Jasmine plants growing in 3 gallon pots on either side of an arbor I built for my friends wedding. The wedding is in 1 month and I'm wondering if this jasmine typically bl...
view the full question and answer
Plants to tumble over a retaining wall in OR
February 10, 2011 - Please recommend plants that I could use to plant on the ground space above a 4 foot high, 150 foot long unattractive concrete wall that would grow over and down to cover the wall. The area is very sh...
view the full question and answer
Identification of vine growing near river in New Hampshire
August 31, 2009 - I found a small vine growing near a river in NH. It has five point leaflets similar to sumac but much smaller. The flowers were pink with a deep purple/burgundy on the inside. The flowers are in clus...
view the full question and answer
Native evergreen vine for St. Paul MN
June 17, 2010 - I am looking for a native vine that will stay green, or at least keep its leaves, throughout the winter. The vine will be grown on a trellis between our house and our neighbor's, and we want to keep...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification of vine with hard brown bulb-shaped fruit
January 19, 2011 - I was given a brown hard bulb-looking ball with rough tiny dots on it and told it comes from a vine that changes to beautiful colors and these balls hang off the vine. A lady in Houston grows them a...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |