By Kat Yares, Garden Guides Contributor
About Grapes
Grapes belong to the Vitaceae family and are found growing all
around the world. Grapes are divided into 2 subgenera: Euvitis and
Muscadinia. The grape has been cultivated for thousands of years
and, while there are some table grapes just for eating, most are
used in wine making. Most grapes grow in clusters and the world
grows approximately 144 billion pounds of grapes every year.
Wine-quality grapes produce less per acre than do grapes intended
for the table, jelly or raisins.
Site Preparation
Grapes can adapt to many different types of soil, from high pH
values to acidic and clay. Wine grapes should not be planted in
highly fertile soils as this can hinder the production of the grape
berry, which needs a more controlled environment.
Special Features
* Climbing, woody vines characterize all grapes plants.
* Grape flowers are small, usually less than 1/8 of an inch.
* Grapes are berries.
Choosing a Variety
Grape vines should be chosen by the anticipated use of the grape.
For an all-purpose grape, the muscadine or Concord grape grows well
almost anywhere. Wine grapes should be chosen based on soil
conditions and climate.
Planting
Grapes are grown from rootstock. Muscadine-type grapes are planted
in trenches 20 feet apart, while other varieties are planted
individually in rows 9 to 15 feet apart with 4 to 8 feet between
plants. All grapes need to be trellised to achieve optimum
fruit.
Care
A trellis system can be made easily using a T-post fence post and
heavy gauge wire. Grape plants should be pruned severely every
winter by removing the shoots from the previous year. After
pruning, the remaining plant is tied to the trellis wire. No
special fertilizers are needed for grape growth. Grapes should be
protected from animal predators such as deer.
Harvesting and Storage
All grapes are harvested based on ripeness and sugar content. Most
table grapes are judged by the color and size of the individual
berry. Muscadine grapes are picked individually as the grapes tend
to ripen at uneven times. Raisins are allowed to dry on the vine
before harvesting, so that the fruit reaches a sugar content
between 22 and 23 Brix. Juice grapes are mature at 15 Brix, while
the maturity of wine grapes depends upon the type of wine being
made.
Grapes have a long storage live provided they are kept cold; some
varieties of table grapes can be stored for up to 6 months in a
refrigerator.
