Somerset Seedless Grapes

Somerset Seedless Grape Vine

Somerset Seedless is an exceptionally cold-hardy, early-ripening table grape prized for its sweet flavor, attractive pink-red color, and reliable productivity. This vigorous vine produces medium-sized clusters of small to medium seedless berries with a juicy texture and a rich, strawberry-like sweetness.

Developed for northern climates, Somerset Seedless performs well in both cold regions and moderate climates, making it a favorite among home gardeners seeking dependable, flavorful grapes.

Mature Size: Vines can grow 10–15 ft. or longer (depending on pruning and training)
Spacing: 6–8 ft. apart
Harvest Season: Early season (often late summer; timing varies by region)
Growth Habit: Vigorous, climbing vine

Growing Information

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Sun Exposure: Full sun (8+ hours daily for best fruit production)
Soil Type: Well-drained sandy loam or loam
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (ideal range 5.8–6.8)

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during the first growing season to establish a strong root system.

Once established, grapevines are moderately drought tolerant but produce best with regular moisture during flowering and fruit development. Provide about 1-2 inches of water per week during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as grapes prefer well-drained soil and do not tolerate soggy conditions.

Mulching helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds but keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

Sunlight

Full sun is essential for proper ripening, sugar development, and disease prevention. Grapes require at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best yield and fruit quality.

Fertilizing

Grapes are moderate feeders and should not be over-fertilized.

Early Spring (as buds begin to swell):
Apply a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 at a rate of about ½ cup per plant in the second year and up to 1 cup for mature vines. Spread evenly around the root zone and water thoroughly.

If vines show excessive leafy growth with little fruit, reduce nitrogen applications. Compost may be used as a natural alternative.

Support & Training

Somerset Seedless requires sturdy support such as a trellis, arbor, or fence.

Common training systems include:
• Single or double curtain
• High cordon
• Arbor or pergola training

Proper training improves airflow, sun exposure, and fruit quality while making harvest easier.

Pruning

Grapes produce fruit on current-season shoots that grow from one-year-old wood. Pruning will vary depending on what training system you use, but generally you will:

• Prune annually during late winter while vines are dormant
• Remove 80–90% of the previous season’s growth
• Leave selected healthy canes with 8–12 buds each (depending on training system)
• Remove weak, damaged, or overcrowded wood

Consistent annual pruning is essential for maintaining productivity and fruit quality.

Harvesting

Somerset Seedless is one of the earliest ripening seedless grapes.

Fruit is ready when berries turn fully pink-red and taste sweet. Unlike some fruits, grapes do not continue ripening after harvest, so flavor testing is the best indicator of readiness.

Harvest entire clusters using clean pruners. Refrigerate promptly and use fresh within 1–2 weeks for best quality.

Propagation

Grapes are easily propagated from hardwood cuttings.

Hardwood Cutting Method:

In late winter while dormant, cut healthy one-year-old canes into 8–12 inch sections with at least 3–4 buds.

Plant cuttings horizontally in well-drained soil with at least 2 buds below the soil. 

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Roots will develop as temperatures warm in spring.