Concord grapes are one of the most popular and versatile grape varieties. Many home growers choose to grow these grapes because they are easy to grow and can adapt to different climatic conditions. Growing concord grapes isn’t difficult, but there are a few things you need to know before growing this delicious grape variety.
Concord grapes are generally not popular as table grapes. Although they have a wonderful aroma and are very sweet, they also have large seeds, and most people today prefer to eat the seedless varieties. However, the demand for them is not diminished by this fact as these grapes are widely used to produce grape juice, grape jelly, grape candy and even grape flavored soft drinks. You can also make them into wine, where they are known to have a sweet finish. When properly matured, dry wine can also be made from these grapes.
Studies have shown that eating concord grapes or drinking juice made from them has many health benefits. They have antioxidant properties that help reduce the risk of cancer. They also promote good arteries and help lower blood pressure.
The nice thing about growing concord grapes is that they are not very particular about what type of soil they are planted in. Like other varieties, they need a good amount of sunlight to thrive. You also need to ensure proper drainage so that these plants do not drain in water. Building a trellis system is essential as Concord grapes produce large, heavy fruit that needs support. Training them on the trellis is easy, which is another plus. As with other grape varieties, taking care of the growing plant is very important. You should prune them at least twice a year as the vines grow quite aggressively. As a general rule, never prune during the growing season.
Another notable aspect of growing concord grapes is their natural adaptability. They grow particularly well in North American climates and are known to be able to withstand low temperatures and have good resistance to pests.
It was Ephraim Bull who was first credited with growing concord grapes, back in 1849. After planting and evaluating thousands of seedlings of the vitis labrusca species, he found what he considered the perfect grape. In 1853, he entered this grape into the Boston Horticultural Society Exposition and won first place. He named this grape “Concord” as it was developed in Concord, Massachusetts. In 1869, Dr. Thomas Welch used this grape to make the first grape juice.
Annually, 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 to produce them. They make up about 8% of the total grape crop in the US.
