Is Concord Grape Growing Right For You?

Concord grape growing has gained popularity in the past several years. Every year, the United States commercially produces around 400,000 tons of these grapes, so you can see that the demand for them is really high. But what makes concord grape growing so popular among home growers? Read on to find out.

They are highly adaptable

Unlike some other grape varieties, the concord grape can easily adapt to different growing conditions. Many plants don't do well in cool climates, but this one does, as evidenced by many Northern American states like Washington and New York who widely produce these delicious grapes. The concord really sets itself apart from other varieties that can only flourish in warm climates. Also, this grape variety is not particular about the soil it is planted in; another reason why home growers love them.

They have lots of uses

Concord grapes are great for making wine with a sweet finish. If they are ripened correctly, you can also produce dry wine from them. They also make great table grapes, as they are very sweet and tasty. The only problem is they have large seeds, and nowadays, most people prefer seedless grapes for eating. Another reason why concord grape growing is so popular is because they're great for making grape juice. Welch is one company who reaped lots of profit due to this grape variety. They are also great for making jam, jelly and pretty much anything grape flavored like candy or even soft drinks.

They are highly resistant to diseases

This is one of the main reasons why many home growers and hobbyists choose concord grape growing-this grape variety is a hardy plant, proving itself to have good resistance to a wide variety of diseases. This results in the plant having better, healthier yields. You also end up saving money as there is less chance that you have to deal with diseases.

They are very healthy

Studies have shown that you get a lot of healthy benefits by eating or drinking products made from concord grapes. For one, they contain antioxidants that lower your risk of getting cancer. They have also been shown to decrease your blood pressure and cholesterol, which in turn lowers your risk of heart diseases and stroke.

The demand for them is high

Imagine that... 400,000 tons of concord grapes are produced in a year. This is how in demand these grapes are. Since this variety was first developed by Ephraim Bull in 1849, it continues to be widely popular in the market. No wonder Bull called it "the perfect grape."

Concord grape growing is really a great way to start your grape growing venture. You won't go wrong with growing these grapes. Remember that like other grapes, this variety needs a healthy amount of exposure to sunlight, good air circulation, good drainage, adequate soil for the root system, good row spacing, a trellis system for support, and of course, watering, weeding, pruning and pest control.