Species grape

grape

Vitis labrusca 'Concord'

Grape (Vitis labrusca 'Concord') is a deciduous climber, typically growing up to 10m tall and bearing heart-shaped green foliage. It produces large clusters of dark, juicy berries in autumn, each approximately 5–10mm in diameter, and ideal for wines, juices, jellies, jams, and preserves. This evergreen species is hardy to -30C and is tolerant of most soils, prefers full sun, and benefits from plenty of water, if soils are well drained. It is a low maintenance plant with a fast growth rate, and is suitable for larger gardens.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Tissue Culture,Air Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Greenish Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Fruits:

blue,purple,black Fruits Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Grape (Vitis labrusca 'Concord') plants should be watered on a regular basis. Water your grape plant deeply, about 1 inch of water each week. Water when the top 2 inches of soil begin to feel dry. Increase the amount of water as the heat and dryness of summer increases, ultimately providing the plant with up to 2 inches of water per week. Avoid overwatering as grapes do not thrive in wet, soggy soil. It is best to water your grapes early in the morning to give the leaves and stems ample time to dry, which helps prevent some fungal diseases. During winter, water your plant when the top inch of soil becomes dry.

sunlight

Grape (Vitis labrusca 'Concord') plants prefer ample sunshine and 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day is ideal. If planted in an area with partial shade, a higher total amount of indirect light is preferred. Early morning sun is important for the production of high quality fruit. The afternoon sun should not be too hot as this can cause sunburn and wound with grapes. The most beneficial time for grape plants to be exposed to sun is during the summer months when days become longer and there is more direct intense sunlight. Hotter temperatures help the plant to bear fruit. In order for Concord grapes to bloom and bear an abundant crop, they should be exposed to direct sunlight and warmth.

pruning

Grapes (Vitis labrusca 'Concord') should be pruned once or twice a year. This is done to keep the vine healthy by removing dead, diseased, or unproductive canes. Pruning also promotes flowering, fruiting, and overall vigor of the plant. Spring is the best time for pruning as this will help the plant produce more and higher quality grapes. Remove any dead, damaged, and diseased wood and any shoots that are growing too close together. Also remove any shoots that are growing from the bottom of the cane, as these will not yield fruit. For each vine, start by removing all dead, diseased, or unproductive canes. Then, to encourage regrowth, thin canes and select the best 2 or 3 of the remaining canes. These will be the main stem shoots of the plant. Prune these shoots to approximately 8-12 nodes each. Finally, to ensure adequate sunlight penetration into the canopy, prune your side shoots and any shoots growing from the main stem. These shoots should be pruned back to 2-4 nodes each. Prune all shoots that are crossing over or shading other shoots. Pruning grapes can help your plant yield more fruit and greater quality. However, you should be careful not to over-prune as this can lead to reduced yields. Be sure to monitor the health and vigor of your plants, and prune accordingly.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Vitis labrusca 'Concord' grapes typically begins in late August and continues through October.

Starts Flowering

Vitis labrusca 'Concord' typically starts flowering in late April or early May.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Vitis labrusca 'Concord' grapes typically begins in late August and continues through October.

Hardiness Map

FAQ

Is Trellising Beneficial for Grape Trees?

Trellising is definitely beneficial for grape trees. Trellising allows the vines to be better supported and keeps them off the ground, which helps to prevent rotting, disease, and pests. In addition, trellised vines can be trained into manageable and organized shapes, which promotes better air circulation. This helps to reduce disease and increases photosynthesis, contributing to healthier, more productive grape trees. Trellising also makes harvesting easier, as it keeps the grapes easily accessible. Finally, trellising can help to support the weight of the vineyard, providing stability and reducing the risk of damages. All in all, trellising is a great investment in the health and productivity of your grape trees.

Is Companion Planting Suitable for Grape Trees?

Yes, companion planting is suitable for grape trees! Companion planting is an age old technique of planting multiple plants in the same vicinity to benefit from their combination of benefits. In the case of grape trees, some other companion plants such as radish, spinach, onion, lavender and garlic have been proven to be effective in oxygenation of soil, pest control as well as overall protection of grape trees in many ways. Additionally, it enhances the overall fertility of the soil and allows for a more natural approach to gardening than chemical fertilizers typically provide.

Do Grape Trees Enhance Curb Appeal?

Yes, grape trees can make a great addition to your curb appeal. Not only do these trees bear fruits, they also create a beautiful display with their round, full shape and lush green leaves. The deep purple fruits that develop in season will add a splash of color to your outdoor space. And when the leaves happen to turn orange or red in the fall, the overall look will be even more eye-catching. Grape trees can also provide a great amount of shade, making them ideal for larger yards or yards with limited options for shade. All in all, these trees truly can boost your curb appeal and make your outdoor space look all the more inviting.

Is Organic Growing Possible for Grape Trees?

Yes, organic growing is certainly possible for grape trees. By following organic growing practices such as using integrated pest management, mulching, and using natural fertilizers, grape trees can be grown without the use of chemicals or other synthetic inputs. Additionally, organic growing supports biodiversity and encourages beneficial insects and wildlife to thrive, further supporting the health of a grape vineyard.

Are Grape Trees Affected by Frost?

Yes, grape trees can be affected by frost. Depending on the region, grapevines may be exposed to a low temperature even though they don't do well in extremely cold and frosty conditions. A grapevine can be killed from a hard frost if the temperatures drop to 28 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. When a vine is exposed to these temperatures, the sap in the vine freezes, and this can cause the rupture of cells in the vine and injure the vine. If the vine is severely injured, it may die back or be replaced in the following season. In colder climates, it is important to provide enough protection from frost to grapevines during the winter months.

Should I Use Mulch for Grape Trees?

Yes, mulching can be beneficial to grape trees. Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil, reduces weeds, and helps regulate the soil temperature. It also helps protect the grapes from cracking and splitting caused by excessive heat and drought. Additionally, it can help improve the soil's fertility and structure by providing essential nutrients to the tree. The best mulch for grape trees is wood chips, bark chips, or compost. It is important to keep the mulch away from the trunk in order to allow adequate air circulation and to ensure that it does not overheat the roots. When choosing a mulch, look for something with larger particles to prevent compaction and monitor your tree’s progress as you mulch.

Could I Grow Grape Trees in Humid Areas?

Yes, you can grow grape trees in humid areas if certain precautions are taken. The area needs to have enough sunlight, as well as good air circulation. Grapes need lots of heat and light for the best yield, and good ventilation will reduce the risk of fungal infections. Additionally, the soil type and drainage also need to be taken into consideration to ensure the vines have enough space to spread without flooding or excessive wetness. It's important to check the pH of the soil, as well, since grapes have a broad range of tolerance. If you follow these tips and take the necessary precautions, you should be able to grow grape trees successfully in humid areas.

Does Grape Trees Change Leaf Color?

Yes, grape trees can change leaf color. Depending on the variety of grape, the leaves can transition from a dark green in the spring and summer, to yellow, red, orange, or purple in the fall. While some varieties display subtle changes, other display more dramatic ones. The changing of the leaf color is caused by a decrease in levels of chlorophyll which result in the vibrancy of the other pigments, primarily carotenes and anthocyanins, becoming visible.