Grapes for the Home Vineyard

About the Topic

Growing fruit in your garden can provide a continuous harvest from late summer into winter. Apples and pears are among the easiest fruits to grow in the area. For winter color, consider adding primroses, pansies, and witch hazels, which bloom in the middle of winter with fragrant yellow or red flowers.

Raspberries, blackberries, loganberries, boysenberries, and blueberries are available for early planting. Fruit trees can be pruned this month, and classes are offered for those unsure how to proceed.

Grapes for the Home Vineyard

Grapes have been cultivated for over 6000 years and are popular for fresh eating, juice, jelly, or wine. They are recognized for their health benefits and the production of fine wines. There are over 600 kinds of grapes, but only about 60 varieties are suited for fine wine production. The rest are table grapes, which are increasingly popular among home gardeners.

Types of Grapes

There are two basic types of grapes: American and European.

• European Grapes (Vitis vinifera): These include familiar table grapes and most wine grapes. They have thin skins that adhere closely to their flesh and seeds that can be easily removed.
• American Grapes (Vitis labrusca): Known as slip-skin grapes, their skins separate readily from the flesh, and their seeds are tightly embedded in the pulp. The most familiar variety is the Concord grape.

Grapes Suited to the Area

The local climate is suited to American grapes and selected European varieties with lower heat requirements. Below are some recommended varieties:

New Cultivars (Released in 1999)

• Princess: A large green grape with excellent eating quality and a satisfying crunch, rivaling Thompson Seedless.
• Summer Royal: Medium-sized, blue-black seedless grapes with a sweet flavor, ideal for snacks and salads.
• Summer Muscat: Green, seedless muscat-flavored berries, excellent for dry-on-the-vine raisins.

Early-Season American Grapes (Seedless Varieties)

• Himrod: Golden yellow grape with large clusters of crisp, sweet fruit.
• Canadice: Rose-colored grape with a sweet, spicy flavor.
• Interlaken: Pale green berries that are sweet and crisp.
• Suffolk Red: Seedless grape with pink to red berries and a spicy-sweet flavor.
• Golden Muscat: Pale golden berries with a muscat flavor, large juicy clusters.
• Concord: The best-known purple grape with a distinctive "foxy" flavor, widely used for juice and jelly.

European Grapes for the Area

• Perlette: Pale green grape that is sweet and juicy.
• Black Monukka: Deep purplish-black skin, very sweet and rich flavored, excellent for fresh use and raisins.
• Flame: Crisp, sweet red grape, excellent for fresh use and raisins.

Tips for Growing Grapes

Grapes are abundant and easy to grow, making them a great addition to any family vineyard. Plant several varieties to enjoy distinct flavors and extend the harvest season.