Grapes

General Information

Recent trends indicate a rapidly increasing interest in production of both wine and table grapes in New England. Throughout most of New England, special cultural care must be taken to overwinter European (V. vinifera) varieties, which are very sensitive to cold temperatures. Native American varieties including V. labrusca varieties, such as Concord and Niagara, are hardier and more resistant to endemic disease problems. French-American hybrids vary in their cold hardiness, and several can perform well on warmer sites throughout New England.

Site selection is critical to success with grapes. Ideal sites seldom experience winter temperatures below -5˚F, are unlikely to experience late spring frosts, and offers a frost-free growing season of at least 165 to 180 days. Grapes will do best on a well drained loam soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Potassium, manganese, and iron deficiency problems may develop if the soil pH is above 6.5.

There are many training system options for grapes; but whatever system is used, sufficient light exposure on selected canes and the proper severity of pruning (generally determined using the balanced pruning formula for each specific variety) are the keys to maximizing productivity and fruit quality.

In New England, the use of multiple trunks (and systematic trunk renewal) is highly recommended to minimize the risk of severe low temperature injury and the development of Eutypa dieback disease and crown gall. Overcropping also significantly increases the risk of winter injury.