Lack of markets has been the limiting factor. At the ARS Small Fruit Research Station in Poplarville, Mississippi, horticulturist Jim Spiers and former ARS scientist William Olien developed cultural practices that help muscadine vines become established. Although mature vines grow vigorously, they can be difficult to get started. ARS scientists found that planting vines in larger holes so roots can avoid the smooth or polished inner soil surface of auger-drilled holes increased the rate of plant survival. This, along with pruning sparingly and adding peat to the soil, can produce a commercial crop in 3 years, whereas conventional practices take 5.
Muscadines grow best in fertile sandy loam and alluvial soils.
They're also resistant to pests and diseases, including Pierce's disease, which can wipe out other species of grapes. Relatively drought tolerant, the muscadine will have a long life in good sites. And, according to Magee, good management and good varietal choice give growers very high yields of 8 to 12 tons of grapes per acre. Mature vineyards of improved varieties can yield up to 18 tons per acre. F. A Health Food Muscadines are now marketed as juice, jellies, jams, preserves, syrups, and dessert toppings.