Q. We
had a nice sized crop of Concord grapes this past summer. The grapes were still
a bit small compared to what I’m used to. They are more sweet than tart but I’m
not sure how much longer to leave them on the vine. Any thoughts?
had a nice sized crop of Concord grapes this past summer. The grapes were still
a bit small compared to what I’m used to. They are more sweet than tart but I’m
not sure how much longer to leave them on the vine. Any thoughts?
A. Grapes
no longer develop sugar once they are picked. Other examples of fruit that
don’t ripen after picking are cherries and figs. Leave them on the vine as long
as you can.
no longer develop sugar once they are picked. Other examples of fruit that
don’t ripen after picking are cherries and figs. Leave them on the vine as long
as you can.
 |
| This is what Concorde grape should look like |
Some
fruits like peaches and plums continue to develop sugars and become sweeter after
they have been harvested. When you pick grapes, figs and cherries, what you
pick is what you get.
fruits like peaches and plums continue to develop sugars and become sweeter after
they have been harvested. When you pick grapes, figs and cherries, what you
pick is what you get.
Bunches
of grapes as well as the berries themselves ripen at different times. Usually a
good time to harvest is when there is a small percentage of the berries that
are overripe and beginning to shrivel.
of grapes as well as the berries themselves ripen at different times. Usually a
good time to harvest is when there is a small percentage of the berries that
are overripe and beginning to shrivel.
 |
| Concord grape grown in the desert doesn’t seem to develop the same color or sweetness that it does in New England. |
Don’t
harvest grapes all at once. Harvest bunches which are ripe and delay harvesting
those that are not quite ready. You may harvest 2 to 3 times a week depending
on how hot it is.
harvest grapes all at once. Harvest bunches which are ripe and delay harvesting
those that are not quite ready. You may harvest 2 to 3 times a week depending
on how hot it is.
The
hotter it is, the faster they ripen. As grapes ripen, sugar content increases
about 1% every 2 to 3 days. The best indicator is to taste them. If they taste
good, they are ready to harvest.
hotter it is, the faster they ripen. As grapes ripen, sugar content increases
about 1% every 2 to 3 days. The best indicator is to taste them. If they taste
good, they are ready to harvest.
Next
year, remove smaller bunches so that remaining bunches are spaced about every
10 to 12 inches apart. Cut about one third off of the bottom of the remaining
bunches. Do this when the berries are about the size of a small pea.
year, remove smaller bunches so that remaining bunches are spaced about every
10 to 12 inches apart. Cut about one third off of the bottom of the remaining
bunches. Do this when the berries are about the size of a small pea.
As
long as the vines are getting plenty of water during fruit development and
their thinned, you will get larger berries and bunches.
Just a note. Concord grape is a New England grape and will not perform the same in the hot desert climates.
long as the vines are getting plenty of water during fruit development and
their thinned, you will get larger berries and bunches.
Just a note. Concord grape is a New England grape and will not perform the same in the hot desert climates.