Headlight Grape

Promising New Fruits 1903
from USDA by William A. Taylor,
Pomologist in Charge of Field Investigations

One of the things long desired by Southern fruit growers is a good table grape, sufficiently resistant to leaf and fruit diseases to endure the climatic conditions of their section. Many varieties have been brought forward from time to time; but of the older sorts especially adapted to table use not one, either foreign or native, has yet proved successful over any large area. One of the most promising recent introductions in this field is the Headlight, which was originated by Prof. T.V. Munson, of Denison, TX, in 1895. It is reported by the originator to be a seedling of Moyer, the result of a cross of Brilliant upon the former variety. Its desirable qualities of vigorous growth, disease-resistant foliage, productiveness, and early ripening render it worthy of thorough testing throughout the South.

…It was first disseminated commercially by the originator in 1901-1902.

DESCRIPTION

Cluster cylindrical, small to medium, averaging about equal to Delaware, very compact and usually shouldered; berry small to medium, round, adhering firmly to pedicel; color dark red, covered with bluish bloom; skin moderately thick and tough, enduring handling without injury; pulp translucent, green, tender, juicy; seeds few, small to medium; flavor very pleasant, sprightly and vinous, without foxiness; quality very good; season very early, ripening with Champion, and hanging long on the vine without deterioration in attractiveness or quality. lt is also considered promising as a wine grape for the South.

The vine is vigorous, short jointed, and very productive, and so far has tested distinctly resistant to cold, having endured -15 F at Denison, TX, without injury.