Growing Madagascar Grapes?

Question:

Does anyone have information about Madagascar Grapes? Information about the seeds, growing instructions, can it grow in Texas heat and black soil, etc.?

Hardiness Zone: 8a

Lynda from TX

Answer:

Lynda,

I'm not at all familiar with Madagascar Grapes, and despite my research I was unable to find any information on a grape variety by that name. What I will say is that in most cases, Texas heat is better suited to growing "warm climate varieties" than "cool climate varieties." That's because the temperatures cause cooler grape varieties to ripen faster than usual, which will affect their acidity and ultimately their flavor. This probably wouldn't be as big a deal if you're growing grapes for use in jellies or juices, but it might be noticeable in grapes eaten raw or used in those used for producing wines. I'm assuming that a variety named for Madagascar would be more of a warm climate variety, seeing as Madagascar's climate is tropical. Here is a link to Texas A & M University that includes some great information on growing grapes in Texas. Hopefully they can give you some better answers on the variety you're interested in.

• http://winegrapes.tamu.edu/grow/varieties.shtml

Good luck!
Ellen