Specifications

• Projected height & spread: Vines typically reach 20–25 ft
  
  
• Growth habit: Trailing or climbing deciduous vine
  
  
• Light requirements: Prefers full sun; tolerates partial shade
  
  
• Water requirements: Deep watering during establishment; moderate thereafter
  
  
• Fertilizer requirements: Light spring feeding; avoid excess nitrogen
  
  

Description
‘Concord Eastern’ is a well-loved American grape known for its deep purple fruit and the classic, aromatic “grape juice” flavor. It’s a vigorous, hardy vine that performs well in East Bay backyards when given full sun and support from a trellis, fence, or arbor. Clusters ripen in late summer and are excellent for fresh eating, juicing, jelly-making, and traditional recipes. Concord grapes begin producing within a few years, and annual cane pruning encourages good fruiting wood. The vine prefers deep, infrequent watering once established, with more frequent irrigation during hot spells. In local gardens with clay soils, improved drainage or raised beds help roots perform their best. A light application of fertilizer in early spring maintains steady growth without pushing excessive leafiness. The vine’s flowers attract beneficial insects, and its trailing habit makes it both productive and ornamental. ‘Concord Eastern’ is a dependable, flavorful choice for gardeners who want a traditional grape variety with distinctive taste.

Grape Growing & Care in the East Bay

Pruning (Winter)

• Prune in late December–early February while vines are fully dormant.
  
  
• Grapes fruit on one-year-old canes.
  
  
• Choose either cane pruning (1–4 canes, 8–12 buds each) or spur pruning (short 2–3 bud spurs along cordons).
  
  

Trellising & Training

• Provide a strong trellis, arbor, or fence.
  
  
• A simple two-wire horizontal trellis supports good fruiting.
  
  
• Train one strong shoot upward in Year 1; form cordons in Year 2; begin full production pruning in Year 3+.
  
  

Watering

• First 1–2 years: deep watering every 5–7 days in summer.
  
  
• Mature vines: less frequent, deep irrigation—more during heat waves.
  
  
• Avoid excess water late in the season to prevent berry splitting.
  
  

Soil & Fertilizing

• Plant in well-draining soil; amend clay-heavy areas or use raised beds.
  
  
• Apply 2–3" of organic mulch to conserve moisture.
  
  
• Feed lightly with balanced organic fertilizer in early spring; avoid heavy nitrogen.
  
  

Pest & Disease Care

• Encourage airflow and full sun to reduce mildew.
  
  
• Use neem or horticultural oil for soft-bodied insects; sulfur or potassium bicarbonate for early mildew pressure (avoid extreme heat).
  
  
• Net ripening clusters if birds become a problem.
  
  

Harvest

• Grapes do not sweeten after picking—taste test before harvest.
  
  
• Use pruners to cut clusters cleanly from the vine.