Concord Grape (Vitis labrusca)

The Concord grape is a cultivar which is from the grape species Vitis labrusca. The tree is native to northeastern areas of the United States. The tree is also known as the fox grape. It is considered to be the oldest cultivated grape in America which is still popularly grown. It has been established in some parts of Missouri, Lake Erie, finger lake areas of New York, Yakima Valley of Washington and Southwest Michigan.

The Concord grape skin is typically dark purple or blue. Its shaggy, twisted branching and trunking is usually witnessed in winter spells. It is usually covered with a 'bloom’ which has a lighter color and can easily be rubbed off. This grape tree has a skin which can be easily separated from its fruit. It is highly aromatic and their fruits, which ripen in late September to early October, have large seeds.

The Concord grape can do well in USDA zones of four to nine. It requires moist to well-drained soils and in full sun. However, it can tolerate in a variety of soil conditions with good drainage. High temperatures are needed in order to have the grapes ripe.

In order to establish the grape plant, it requires having good support systems which can include the use of trellises, fences, walls, or arbors. It also requires to have its stronger canes trained to a particular system either by tying its two five to six feet tall canes to a support structure or by pruning the bases of the plant’s canes.

The Concord grape plant produces high quality blue-black grapes which are medium to large in size. These grapes are delicious and edible to both humans and birds. It can be eaten direct from the grape tree. It is known to be great for home gardens. This is because it is a fast grower and a reliable producer. It can also be used to make juices, jams, jelly sandwiches and peanut butter.