Itasca
Also known as: MN 1285
Newer UMN release with lower acid than the Frontenac line; promising but limited track record.
Across the consideration criteria
What it makes
Aromatic family
Tasting notes
How it grows
- Cold hardiness
- -31°F
- Ripening
- Mid-season
- Vigor
- Moderate
- Disease tolerance
- Very high
- Drainage need
- Moderately Well
- Soil pH
- 6–7
- Graft requirement
- Graft Recommended
- US availability
- Widely Available
Considerations
Primary buds start to die near -31°F. Shrugs off hard continental winters.
Needs roughly 2500 growing degree-days to ripen, a mid-season variety (Winkler I-II). A mid-length season carries it most years.
Foliar-disease pressure is moderate for this variety, a regular spray program in a humid climate. Regular cover sprays through the wet months.
Susceptible to Pierce's disease. Only a threat in the warm, humid South and parts of California; cold-winter regions cure it naturally.
Moderate vigor. Easier to balance; tolerates more fertile ground.
Low heat tolerance. Bakes and loses acid on hot sites; favors cooler ground.
High water demand. Wants steady moisture; struggles on droughty soils.
Prefers soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Outside the band, lime or sulfur brings it in range.
Phylloxera-tolerant: own-rooted vines are fine.
These are intrinsic to the grape. On a real property, Folia scores each against your site; here they're shown on their own.
Grows alike
similar to growPrairie Star
Same heat band (low) · Same Winkler band (I-II)
Brianna
Same heat band (low) · Same Winkler band (I-II)
St. Pepin
Same heat band (low) · Same Winkler band (I-II)
Petite Amie
Same heat band (low) · Same Winkler band (I-II)
Adalmiina
Same heat band (low) · Same Winkler band (I-II)
La Crescent
Same heat band (low) · Same Winkler band (I-II)
Climate-adapted alternatives
more resilient picksCayuga White
Better black rot resistance · Higher heat tolerance in the same role
Aromella
Better black rot resistance · Higher heat tolerance in the same role
Louise Swenson
Better black rot resistance · Tolerates 2°F more winter cold
Savagnin
Higher heat tolerance in the same role · Same role (dry table)
Jacquère
Higher heat tolerance in the same role · Same role (dry table)
Altesse
Higher heat tolerance in the same role · Same role (dry table)
Could Itasca grow on your land?
See how Itasca scores against your specific property, with local precedent, climate, and the tradeoffs for your ground.
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