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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Sultana does best with regular, moderate watering. A light spring feed is usually enough to maintain steady growth. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Sultana after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Expect a moderate maintenance care workload once it is established.
Using Sultana in the garden
Sultana earns its place for edible harvests and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For easier irrigation and care, group Sultana with species that also favour regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out.
Buying Sultana
Plant Sale lists Sultana as bare-root stock, advanced specimens and potted plants. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
