The classic seedless white grape grown for fresh eating, sultanas and drying, with sweet pale-green fruit on a vigorous vine. Self-fertile and deciduous, it needs a sunny wall, fence or pergola and winter pruning.
At a glance
- Plant type: Climber
- Mature size: 6 m H × 3 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Sultana
Botanically, Vitis vinifera 'Thompson Seedless' is a fast-growing climber in the Vitaceae family. It reaches around 6 m tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with deciduous and rich in autumn colour foliage. Cream green flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Sultana
Sultana suits warm-temperate, Mediterranean and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Sultana does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Sultana is regular, moderate watering. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Sultana after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Sultana in the garden
Sultana earns its place for edible harvests and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Sultana with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Buying Sultana
Plant Sale lists Sultana as bare-root stock, advanced specimens and potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.