Having Trouble Choosing the Variety of Grapes to Grow in Your Backyard? Consider These Facts

When you have decided to grow grapes at home, you need to learn some important information to help you have a very successful vineyard. To start with, the most common grape varieties in the United States are Concord grapes or they come from the common grape vine family - vitis vinifera.

Both varieties can be found in the US. Which variety is most common in your area depends on whether you live east or west of the Rocky Mountains. In the East, Concord varieties are more common and widespread. In the West, particularly along the Pacific Coast, you will find that the vinifera varieties are the most popular.



Grape growing is a long process. Time, energy, and patience are required in learning how to grow grapes successfully. In choosing the type of grape to grow you need to know how you are going to use your grapes - for eating fresh or dried, for making juice/wine or for selling at a local farmer's market. Different grape varieties can be used for the same overall purpose but give different results. Probably the best example of this is the wide varieties of juices and wines that are on the market because each grape variety delivers its own distinctive taste.

You also need to consider the grape growing climate and soil conditions in your area. Your area may have its own unique grape disease challenges based on your humidity or other factors. The slope of your proposed planting area needs to be considered to insure adequate drainage. How many hours of sunlight your vines will get during the growing season is also a consideration as northern slopes have less sunlight than southern slopes for example.

Grape varieties also differ in how vigorous their growth patterns are. This trait decides the distance between vines when you are planting. Slower growing and smaller vines can be planted closer to each other while fast growing and larger vines will need more space. Large, aggressive growing grape varieties that are planted too close to each other will crowd each other and compete for sunlight and nutrients. On the other hand, low vigorous growing vines planted too far apart will give you gaps that will not fill in.

Grape varieties also ripen differently. Some varieties ripen early; and knowing which one can be valuable if you live in an area with a short growing season. Some varieties take time to fully develop their flavor and even their color. You will want to select the varieties that match your growing conditions. Your local nursery should be able to help you.