Southern Sensation Seedless grape named newest Texas Superstar

Southern Sensation Seedless grapes’ toughness and disease resistance have made it a table grape option worthy of being called a Texas Superstar plant, said Larry Stein, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service horticulture specialist and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences, Uvalde.

Southern Sensation Seedless grapes are a collaboration between AgriLife Extension and the University of Arkansas and represent a breakthrough in table grape cultivation for the southern U.S. This new variety stands out for its remarkable resistance to Pierce’s disease – a key limiting factor for grape production in warm climates. Pierce’s disease is a bacterial pathogen that stunts grapevine growth and can kill plants.

To be designated a Texas Superstar, a plant must perform well for growers throughout the state. Texas Superstars must also be easy to propagate, ensuring the plants are widely available and reasonably priced.

Over a 34-year testing period, Southern Sensation Seedless grapes have thrived under extreme Pierce’s disease pressure, outperforming traditional varieties like Flame Seedless, Blush Seedless and Beauty Seedless, which failed to survive.

“This is really the best Pierce’s disease-tolerant table grape available,” Stein said. “There is no doubt, and it doesn’t have seed remnants or tough skin and has a good taste profile. It’s the clear seedless grape option for people who want to expand their fruit selection.”

Vigor, disease tolerance and superior fruit quality

Southern Sensation Seedless grapes exhibit strong vine vigor, growing well on their own roots with a semi-erect growth habit, Stein said. It can be trained either upright or downward, providing versatility for growers.

“This variety’s vigor and vegetative nature is particularly strong,” Stein said. “Even without fertilization, it does well.”

Vines produce high-quality, attractive grape clusters with exceptional taste and texture. Clusters range from half a pound to 1.5 pounds, with well-filled berries measuring one-half to three-quarters of an inch in length. Unlike many seedless varieties, this grape has minimal to no seed remnants, delivering a smooth, mild flavor reminiscent of Thompson Seedless grapes.

In Texas trials, no berry cracking was observed, ensuring a consistent and reliable harvest, Stein said.

Availability and growing recommendations

Southern Sensation Seedless grapes are ideal for fresh-market sales, Stein said. They are recommended for U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7b and warmer. Plants perform well in a range of soils, including high pH levels, and in those that are not as well drained. 

While vines demonstrate good overall disease tolerance, occasional fungicide applications may be necessary in excessively wet conditions, Stein said.

Vine stocks are available from Double A Vineyards in New York, with limited spring stock at select local nurseries. Plants are typically shipped as bare root plants, Stein said. If purchasing a container plant, make sure it is well-rooted into the container before transplanting.

“Growing table grapes is a labor of love,” Stein said. “But for homeowners who want to add grapes to their fruit options or small growers who are serving fresh food markets, Southern Sensation Seedless is the one.”

Texas Superstar is a registered trademark owned by Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Plants are designated by the Texas Superstar executive board, which comprises horticulturists from AgriLife Research, AgriLife Extension and Texas Tech University in Lubbock.