When to Plant Concord Grapes

Grown for jellies and juices as well as fresh eating, Concord grapes are a well-known American grape variety that is hardy and disease-resistant. Grapes are not the easiest fruit to produce in a backyard garden, but grape vines can be highly productive with proper care and maintenance, which starts with planting at just the right time.

Time Frame

Like most grapes, Concord vines should be planted in late winter to early spring, while they are dormant. Try to plant as soon as the soil has thawed and is dry enough to work with. Fall planting is also possible in warmer areas, but fall-planted grapes are prone to injury from frozen roots and ground heaving during their first winter.


Conditions

Concord grapes should be planted in a location with good air circulation and ample sunlight. They can adapt to a variety of soils as long as they are moist and well-drained. Neutral to slightly acid soil is best, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. The soil should be fertile, but using excessive fertilizers can cause the vines to grow extremely leafy, which reduces the amount of fruit they produce.

Planting & Spacing

Plant concord grapes about 8 feet apart in rows 8 to 10 feet apart. Dig holes that are wide enough to accommodate all the roots without bending them, and avoid planting any deeper than they would naturally grow. At the time of planting, prune away any dead or broken branches and water generously. Do not fertilize at the time of planting.

Considerations

Concord grapes cannot support themselves, and they require stakes, trellises or some similar support structure. Wires strung between posts 16 to 20 feet apart are usually sufficient, with the top wire about 5 feet off the ground. Use strong wire and sturdy posts; a full yield of concord grapes is heavy.



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