subject: Guide to Growing Concord Grapes [print this page] Guide to Growing Concord Grapes Guide to Growing Concord Grapes
Concord grapes are one of the most popular and versatile varieties of grape. Many home growers decide to grow these grapes because they are easy to grow and are able to adapt in different climate conditions. Growing concord grapes isn't hard, but there are some things you need to know before growing this delicious grape variety.
Generally, concord grapes are not popular as table grapes. Though they have a wonderful aroma and are very sweet, they also have large seeds, and most people nowadays prefer eating the seedless varieties. The demand for concord grapes isn't lessened by this fact, however, as these grapes are widely used in producing grape juice, grape jelly, grape candy and even soft drinks that are grape flavored. You can also turn them into wine, where they are known for having a sweet finish. When they are ripened correctly, you can also make dry wine from these grapes.
Studies have shown that eating concord grapes or drinking juice made from them has a lot of health benefits. They have antioxidant properties that help decrease the risk of cancer. They also promote good arteries and help lower your blood pressure.
What's great about growing concord grapes is that they are not very particular in what type of soil they are planted in. Like other grape varieties, they need a healthy amount of sunlight to thrive. You also need to ensure adequate drainage so that these plants don't drown in water. Constructing a trellis system is essential as concord grapes produce heavy, large fruits that need to be supported. Training them on the trellis is easy, which is another plus. As with other grape varieties, tending the growing plant is very important. You must prune them at least twice a year as the vines grow quite aggressively. As a rule, never prune during the growing season.
Another notable aspect of growing concord grapes is how naturally adaptive they are. They grow well particularly in North American climates, and are known for being able to withstand the cold temperature and having good resistance to pests.
It was Ephraim Bull who was first credited for growing concord grapes, way back in 1849. After planting and evaluating thousands of seedlings from the vitis labrusca species, he found what he deemed as the perfect grape. In 1853, he entered this grape at the Boston Horticultural Society Exhibition and won first place. He called this grape "Concord" as it was developed in Concord, Massachusetts. In 1869, Dr. Thomas Welch used concord grapes to make the first grape juice.
Yearly, around 400,000 tons are produced in the United States alone, with Washington as the top producing state. New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Missouri are also states known for producing them. Concord grapes make up around 8% of the total grape harvest in the US.
