Growing Concord Grapes Is Easier Because They Are Hardier

In growing concord grapes you need to follow the basic rules of growing any other type of grapevine. The beauty of this vine, however, is that its very resilient and robust. It derived its name from the town of Concord which lies in the state of Massachusetts in America. A delicious table grape it has become so popular that its now grown in almost entire state in the USA.

This marble-sized, exquisitely sweet and succulent grape comes in a variety of colors from a beautifully plush purple to green, red and black. Popular for its look, perfect size, shape and taste and the ultimate decoration to any dinner table, the Concord grape manages to grow well even during droughts and hot sunshine.


Should this grape be grown in a Mediterranean climate, it will do just as well as its counterparts. However, simply being planted at the top of a sloping incline to provide drainage and given sufficient watering and sunshine means that it is being grown successfully in almost every state of America where this cultivar is thriving and being used mainly for the table.

This hardy grapevine is not too choosy about the condition of the soil it grows in, nevertheless it would be wise to provide it with the same benefits of any other sapling or vine when planting. Prepare the soil by breaking it up finely and adding compost to it. Keep the young shoots well watered while they send out their roots underground.

Like any other grapevine, the Concord vine will also need to be sprayed frequently to keep caterpillars and beetles at bay. When the grapes start appearing, they will be of interest to every bird in the area; so a good netting system put in place over the vineyard will provide the grapes with the protection they need.

This vine looks great over a garden trellis or in a pot in the courtyard but out in the vineyard, it is usually planted to enable climbing up and outwards from T-shaped forms, usually towering twelve foot high. Surrounding areas should be kept clean and eradicated of weeds and from litter blowing in, so as not to attract bugs. As much as a vine-covered trellis produces shade and beauty to a garden setting, so do these T-shaped vines covered in rich deep-green leaves add beauty across the vineyards.

From the time of planting of the young sapling vine to fruition, it takes four years for grapes to appear. This requires patience but is certainly well rewarded with no less than forty long years of productivity and an abundance of grapes weighing in at approximately twenty pounds per year. Pruning must be done to enhance the quality of the vines and is best handled by a specialist in this field to be performed when leaves drop off the vines. The cuttings can be used for propagating new plants.

In growing Concord grapes, you will know when the grape is ready for picking just by tasting it. It should be succulent and sweet. If is still a bit hard or sour, it is best left on the vine to complete its maturity as grapes do not continue to ripen once picked. Stop watering the vines approximately two weeks before harvesting and you should be rewarded with exquisite bunches of gorgeous tasty grapes.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5147115