How to Grow Blue Concord Grapes

After cultivating and experimenting for years, Ephraim Bull developed the Concord grape around 1850 in Concord, Massachusetts. The parent plant of all Concord grapes still grows at his home site today. The blue Concord grape (Vitis labrusca "Concord"), flavorful and juicy, is one of the most popular American grapes. It is a major source of commercial grape juice. Blue Concord grapes are easy to grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. The vines are cold-tolerant and easier to grow than many European grape varieties. The homeowner who wants to grow Concord grapes does not need much land. Grapes can be planted next to fences, trellises and arbors. The grape vines are decorative, and can serve as a privacy screen in summer. Concord grapes are great eaten fresh, or made into juice, jams, jellies or wine.

Growing Concord Grapes from Seed

Concord grapes are a native American variety and grow true to seed. However, they require cold stratification to germinate successfully. In cold areas with at least three to four months of soil temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, this is accomplished by planting seeds in the fall. In warmer climates, prepare the seeds in the fall for spring planting. Concord grapes are also easily propagated by grafting or by cuttings.

Things You'll Need
Vine-ripe concord grapes
Refrigerator with freezer
Paper towels
Diluted fungicide solution
Plastic bag
Small containers
Starter mix
Greenhouse or cold frame

Weather Grapevine - Is It Necessary?

The grapevine is always associated with a great look and feel. If you are thinking to change the look of your outdoor area of your garden then you can build a weathered grapevine on a Trellis and make it look beautiful. You would be able to present a great look to your home and would be able to bring home the beautiful grapevine. The grapevines grow on such structures where it is easier for them to attach. This is why usually the fences, trellises and trees or walls are considered to be best for growing them.

There is a great art associated with growing the weather grapevine on the frameworks. These grapevines keep on attaching themselves to the fences and they would become long and huge in few days. The weathered grapevine is best for your home as they would be there for all seasons. The grapevines would not be spoilt no matter what the season is. You would be able to grow the grapevines at your home on these fences and as they are the weather protected grapevine no change in weather would be able to harm that.

History Of Grapevines

The first documentation of grapevines growing in the Americas was discovered in researching the logbook of navigator Giovanni de Verazzano, who reported in 1504 that a large "white grape" was vigorously growing at Cape Fear, North Carolina. The English explorer of the New World, Sir Walter Raleigh, confirmed in a letter to Arthur Barlowe in 1585, the discovery of a white grape (scuppernong), when he landed in coastal North Carolina.

The 1500's ancient discovery of native grapevines growing in America was followed by numerous Spanish settlements along the coast of the United States where introduced old world grapevines were planted alongside the native American grapevines. That interplanting resulted in natural crosses of hybrid grapevines, a blending of the characteristics of both types.

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.

Important Factors in Deciding on Your Wine Making Grape

Today, you will learn about different varieties of wine making grape, how to assess their suitability for your vineyard climate and soil type, and the best trellis structures for them. The most common commercial wine grape variety in the world is the Vitis vinifera species. In North America, the V. labrusca is widely cultivated and to a lesser extent, the V. rotundifolia.

The V. vinifera is a fairly hardy species that likes mild winters and long, hot growing seasons. This species requires soil pH of about 6.5. Well-known varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling.

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.

Essentials for Growing Concord Grapes

Growing concord grapes is not as hard as you may think, and finding the seeds can be found just about anywhere. It's named after a city in Massachusetts called Concord, and this type of grape does require some care and pruning. They can also be seen growing in the wild. These grapes have a tart taste to them, and make an excellent grape juice that is known to be great for the heart. When growing a concord grape, it can be rather easy. Here are a few things to keep in mind when growing them, and a few simple things to do to grow them.