Champagne grapes have intensely sweet berries perfect for fresh eating and cooking. These miniature grapes pack more flavor than their size suggests. Gardening expert Madison Moulton explains how to grow these delightful table grapes successfully. When most people think of growing grapes, they picture large vines or pergolas draped with foliage. But there is a more adorable way to grow grapes, and eat them too. Champagne grapes have tiny clusters of intensely sweet berries that are perfect for snacking, garnishing, and cooking. Don’t let the name fool you though, as these aren’t used for making actual champagne. More on that later. The challenge with champagne grapes is that their small size makes them more delicate than standard grape varieties. They need careful handling and specific growing conditions to produce those perfect miniature clusters. Here’s everything you need to know about growing these specialty grapes in your own garden. What Is It? Champagne grapes aren’t actually a single variety but rather a term for several types of tiny grapes. These produce berries that are roughly the size of small peas, clustered tightly together in small, elegant bunches. The berries are typically dark purple to black when ripe, with an incredibly sweet, concentrated flavor that’s much more intense than larger grapes. Each berry contains tiny seeds that are barely noticeable when eating, making them perfect for fresh consumption. What makes these grapes special is their incredible sweetness and unique texture. The small size means the skin-to-flesh ratio is higher than regular grapes, giving them a more concentrated flavor that’s prized by chefs and food enthusiasts. Characteristics The most obvious characteristic you’ll notice is size. These grapes are tiny compared to standard varieties. Individual berries rarely exceed 1/4 inch in diameter, clustering together in small, tight bunches that are usually only a few inches long. The vines themselves are vigorous growers that can reach 10 feet long or more if left unpruned. They produce heart-shaped leaves typical of grape vines, with good fall color in many climates. The growth habit is similar to wine grapes, with strong woody canes that need support. Champagne grapes are typically seedless or nearly seedless, though some varieties may have very small, soft seeds. The berries have thin skins that are easy to bite through, and the flesh is incredibly sweet with a pleasant, slightly tart finish. Harvest timing is crucial because these grapes can go from perfectly ripe to overripe very quickly due to their small size and thin skins. Native Area Most champagne grape varieties originate from the Mediterranean region, particularly Greece and surrounding areas. The Black Corinth variety that’s commonly sold as champagne grapes has been cultivated in Greece for over 2,000 years. These grapes evolved in a climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The Mediterranean climate provides the long, warm growing season these grapes need to develop their characteristic sweetness, along with the dry conditions that help prevent fungal diseases. The original growing regions have rocky, well-draining soils and plenty of sunshine, which influences how these grapes perform in cultivation. Understanding this background helps explain their specific growing requirements. Planting Spring planting works best for champagne grapes in most climates. You want to get them established during the growing season so they can develop strong root systems before winter arrives. In mild climates, fall planting can work, but spring gives you the best chance of success. They need full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) and excellent air circulation to prevent disease problems. Choose a spot with well-draining soil where water doesn’t collect after rain. Plant bare-root vines in early spring while they’re still dormant. Dig holes wide enough to spread the roots comfortably, but don’t plant too deeply. Container plants can go in the ground once soil temperatures warm up. Space plants about 6 feet apart if you’re growing multiple vines. They’ll need sturdy support structures, so install trellises or posts before planting to avoid disturbing the roots later.

Are you looking for an easy-to-grow and diverse flower to plant this year? Campanula flowers (bellflowers) are beginner-friendly and produce adorable bell-shaped flowers that come in several colors. In this article, horticulture expert Matt Dursum covers how to plant, grow, and care for these eye-catching bloomers. Campanula flowers, also known as bellflowers, are gorgeous spring and summer bloomers. They put on majestic little tubular to bell-shaped flowers that bloom in striking hues of blues, purples, pinks, whites, and violets. Bellflowers grow low to the ground or tall and upright. Some species have a beautiful trailing growing habit, while others form big clumps of flowers. They’ll quickly form beautiful patches of color in flower beds, cut beds, or garden barriers. These stunning bloomers are easy to plant and care for, making them perfect for beginner flower gardeners. Let’s dive into how to plant, grow, and care for these compact and colorful plants. What Is Campanula (Bellflower)? There are over 300 species of Campanulas to choose from, each one with its own growing habit, color profile, and shape. Depending on your climate zone, you can find annual, perennial, and biennial varieties to plant. Today, these flowers are some of the most widely planted ornamental plants in the US. They thrive in a variety of climates and soil types. They spread quickly and form large clusters or areas of creeping foliage. Some species are considered invasive because of their easy-growing and fast-propagating nature. Others, such as the fairy bellflower (Campanula persicifolia), are easier to control because of their upright nature. One of the best traits of Campanula flowers is their ability to attract beneficial pollinators. Once these tiny flowers bloom, hummingbirds, bees, and other insects will swarm around them. Characteristics Bellflowers come in a huge variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some species grow upright while others form a trailing or clumping structure. The flowers usually have a bell or tubular shape. Some species appear to have star-shaped blooms. They come in many colors, including violet, white, blue, purple, and pink. The foliage is light to dark green and beautiful. Some species stay low-lying and barely reach 6 inches tall. Others can reach heights of over 3 feet in the right growing conditions. Many species, such as the creeping bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides), are invasive in many parts of the US. Because of this, it’s best to stick to non-invasive campanula species, such as the American bellflower and the Dalmatian bellflower. Native Area Bellflowers are native to Europe, Asia, and North America, where they grow in meadows, forest margins, and forests. They adapted to multiple habitats and climates, producing over 300 species. Some species are edible and were consumed regularly in medicinal teas and as foraged food. These edible flowers also became choice ornamentals in many regions of Europe and Asia because of their easy-growing nature. In the 18th and 19th centuries, European gardeners brought them to North America. The plants quickly naturalized in many parts of the US. Today, several species are seen as invasive and grow wild. Planting Bellflowers are easy to grow from seed. Plant them as colorful ground covers or in garden borders. Many gardeners plant them along rock walls or hillsides for a dramatic effect. I enjoy planting taller annual varieties along the borders of my cut gardens. They frame taller flowers nicely and contrast with deeper and darker colored flowers. Be aware that some perennial varieties grow quickly and can become invasive in some locations. Because of their vigorous growing habits, it’s best to stick to annuals unless you’re ready for consistent pruning and upkeep. Some trailing varieties grow well in hanging planters. You can hang these containers on porches and decks that get direct sunlight.

California fuchsias bring an easy-to-grow and drought-tolerant pop of color to your garden. Find out how to grow these beautiful perennials in your garden by reading our expert guide below. Nothing beats California fuchsia for a touch of red in your garden in the late summer and early fall. These drought and pest-tolerant perennials are easy to grow and attract garden-friendly critters like bees and hummingbirds. The small to mid-sized perennials are perfect for dryer climates where rainfall is unpredictable. Besides their beautiful red to scarlet trumpet-shaped flowers, many gardeners love their fuzzy foliage for a touch of gray in their garden. Below, we’ll cover how to plant your California Fuchsia. We’ll also cover how to keep them healthy throughout the year. What Is It? The California fuchsia, Epilobium canum, is native to the American Southwest, including California, Arizona, and New Mexico. They thrive throughout California and Southern Oregon and grow wild on coastlines and near creeks in drier areas. The plant is a perennial that loves full sun to partial shade. The healthiest plants can grow to two feet high and three feet wide. They have fuzzy leaves that are light gray or green, depending on the cultivar. Its flowers are typically bright red to scarlet. If vivid reds in your garden aren’t your thing, don’t worry. Some cultivars have pink or even white flowers. The California fuchsia is also known as the hummingbird trumpet or hummingbird flower. This is because the plant attracts several species of hummingbirds and even bees. These animals feed on the sweet nectar inside its trumpet-like flowers. Most nurseries across the West Coast and Southwest sell the seeds. There are many cultivars and three subspecies with different sizes, flowers, and leaf colors to choose from. You can also find a related native fuchsia species called the Humboldt County fuchsia (Epilobium septentrionale). The plant is low-growing with trumpet-shaped flowers, thin stems, and silvery leaves. Planting California fuchsia is one of the easiest flowers to plant in gardens throughout the West Coast and Southwest. To propagate, you can choose between planting seeds, stem cuttings, or simply planting a runner from another plant. To propagate by seed, sow seeds barely covered in flats with drainage holes or a seed starting tray. Use a premium potting soil mix containing coarse perlite, vermiculite, sand, and peat moss. Place the trays in the refrigerator for a few weeks or leave them outdoors for natural stratification. After sowing, keep the soil moist during the plant’s stratification and germination phases. Keep your seedlings in a shade house until they’re ready to plant. Once your plants develop their cotyledons and the first leaves emerge, transplant your plants into 5” Cube Pots with the same soil you used during sowing. As your seedlings grow, you can add a small amount of all-purpose vegetable fertilizer to stimulate growth before planting. When your seedlings are mature, they are ready to be transplanted in your garden. Plant California fuchsias 24” to 36” apart in the late spring or early summer. You can expect to see their brightly colored flowers appear in July and last until mid to late fall. Some gardeners have reported seeing flowers hanging on until January!