The Power of Growing Concord Grapes

One of the most recognizable flavors in the world is the taste of the Concord grape. The aroma, as well, is easy to distinguish, and makes sitting under an arbor of ripe Concords an experience for the senses like no other! Because of its tart, robust flavor, this grape is widely used for products such as jellies, juices and candies. Although it is also used somewhat for making wine, the concord grape is primarily grown as a table grape and fresh fruit product. Other seedless varieties of grapes are becoming more popular for eating, however. Concords account for about ten percent of the nation's overall grape production, and are one of the most popular varieties of grape for home growers. And surprisingly, growing concord grapes is not as difficult as one might think.



In the Beginning

Concord grapes were developed in Concord, Massachusetts, and released to the public in 1854 by Ephraim Bull. Immediately well-received for not only the flavor, but also their hardiness in extreme climates, the business of growing concord grapes spread quickly. Shortly after its introduction, the Concord was juiced and bottled, by none other than Dr. Welch, who revolutionized fresh fruit preservation. Today, concord grapes are not only popular in commercial ventures, but also in home vineyards and gardens, providing a grape that is delicious and nutritious at the same time.

Getting started

If you intend to succeed at growing concord grapes in your own garden, you should follow some guidelines. First, plant your vines in a location that provides good drainage, ample sunshine and minimal wind. These grapes are especially susceptible to Black Leaf disease, so sun exposure and good air circulation are critical. Be sure to adhere to the steps required to attain a soil with the proper nutrient levels for the cultivar you are growing. Furthermore, be sure your support for the grape vines is sufficient, in the way of a trellis or arbor, remembering that it will take about 3 years before your plants produce a crop. But once they do start to provide grapes, you can expect many, many years of harvest. Starting from seeds is not the recommended procedure, but rather you want to get some stock already started from a vineyard, nursery or grape stock service.

Consistent maintenance

Growing concord grapes in your yard can be very enjoyable, but it also takes dedicated, consistent work, as well. Pruning, weed and pest management are the main necessities, but water, soil, sun and wind considerations factor in too. Learn the proper techniques for pruning, because it is vital to the outcome. Don't forget that it takes a few years growth on a grape-vine before any fruit is produced, so if you prune too much, the plant will have to constantly start over with shoots old enough to bear a crop. On the other hand, if you don't prune enough, the plant will be so overwhelmed, you will eventually end up with a lot of small, sour grapes. Attention to soil content, erosion, cover crops and weed control are also important. Visual inspection on a regular basis for signs of pest invasion is a good practice to establish too.

Sweet Success

The hard work and time you devote to growing concord grapes will be returned to you with a successful harvest. Be sure you wait until the fruit is fully ripe, however, before picking. The color will be done changing before the grapes have completely ripened, so the best way to determine if they are ready for picking is to taste them. If they are not ripe, they will be sour, and probably not very large. Give them some sun, water and a little more time, and you will have a harvest to enjoy very soon!



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