Concord Grape (Vitis labrusca Concord)

Concord Grape

Vitis labrusca Concord

Clusters of deep purple grapes hold sweet, jammy flavor. Deciduous fruiting vine; common name: Concord grape.

Full sun
1–2/week
Moderate
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Requires full sun for optimal fruit production; tolerates partial shade for foliage growth
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Watering Water deeply when the top 5 cm of soil dries out; avoid standing water to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to -12°C; thrives in 18–28°C during growing season; protect young vines from extreme frost
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Heart-shaped with serrated margins; fuzzy, pale green underside; turns yellow in autumn
  • Flower: Small, greenish-white clustered inflorescences with subtle fragrance
  • Fruit: Deep purple, round slipskin grapes with sweet, aromatic flesh
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during fruit development

Fertilization

Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer every 2 weeks. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season to prevent excessive foliage growth

Banana peel compost tea:Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to support fruiting
Pruning
  • Prune dormant vines in late winter to remove dead wood and shape fruiting canes
  • Thin excess new growth in spring to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration
  • Trim suckers at the base to direct energy to main fruiting vines
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion can cause acute kidney failure

Humans: Edible ripe fruit and foliage (in small amounts) pose no toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: Symbolizes homegrown sweetness and small-scale agricultural heritage

Usage: Edible fruit for jams, juices, and fresh consumption; ornamental vining foliage