How Can I Grow Sweeter Concord Grapes?
Native to North America, Concord grapes were first commercially grown in 1849 by Ephraim Wales Bull. According to the Concord Grape Association, Dr. Thomas Welch and his wife processed the first fresh Concord grape juice at their kitchen table in 1869. Concord grapes are still grown throughout New England. They're rarely used as a table grape, because they are thick-skinned and have seeds. They're valued for their hardy vines and aromatic, full-bodied flavor in jellies and juice.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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Water less. Grapes only need water about every two weeks during a typical growing season. Concord grapes grown in New England may receive enough rain water that they never need to be irrigated. Too much water slows ripening and causes yellow leaves.
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2
Prune and stake vines. Concord grape vines have a drooping habit. If left to their own devices, they'll soon become an overgrown tangle of vines, and they won't ripen well. Train the vines high on your trellis and allow them to hang downward. In the early spring, prune back any vines and leaves, except the main branches, with hand pruning shears.
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3
Harvest later. The main reason Concord grapes aren't sweet enough is because you've picked them too early. Concord grapes turn dark purple weeks before they're actually ripe. Taste them to determine if they are sweet enough. If not, let them ripen for a few more weeks.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Concord grapes need long, warm summers to adequately ripen. Plant them on a southern slope or next to south-facing buildings. Don't plant them in low areas or northern slopes. They won't receive enough sunlight.
Apply a 10-6-4 nitrogen fertilizer in early spring before the grapes start growing. Use 10 pounds of fertilizer per 100-foot row.
