Planting Grape Vines - Sour Grapes?

by mr robert howes

Hi,

I have two grape vines one black and one green, 5 years
old facing south in heavy clay soil.I have fruit on the
two vines which i have left on, but the fruit is small
and sour how can i improve the fruit for next season.


Hi Robert,

the quality of the fruit depends on several factors.
First is the variety or type of grape vine that you chose. Some varieties just don't have sweet flavor and if that is the case there is not much you can do about it. Do you still know the name of the varieties?
The other reason for sour grapes could be that the plant simply set too much fruit. The grape vine plant produces the sugar through the photosynthesis process. If there is too much fruit the plant won't be able to produce enough sugar and the grapes reamain sour.
Thinning out the fruit will solve this problem. Just remove about half to a third of the fruits.
Sometimes removing some foliage that shades the grapes can also help.

Comments for Planting Grape Vines - Sour Grapes?

Average Rating starstarstarstarstar

Click here to add your own comments

Feb 12, 2018
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		sour grapes
by: christine

we have just moved into this house so we have got this grape vine don't know the name of it has got alot of fruit but very sour [this is the black grape] would pruning it back after fruiting will this do a turnaround to the taste if not what can be done with the fruit if not eaten
Sep 27, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Sour Grapes
by: Joseph Q

I had a vine that fruited this year. I'm wondering why the fruit has the consistency of a muscadine than a table grape.

I say muscadine consistency because the skin is a little tough. The flesh between the skin and pit is almost non-existent but they are sweet. The pit/center that encloses the seeds is really really sour and slightly chewy.

Is this normal for first time fruiting?

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Gardening Problems FAQs.

Want to learn how to grow your own food from seed?

Grab the cheat sheet and learn how to avoid the 7 most common seed starting mistakes!

    We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

    Powered By ConvertKit

    Back to top


    Recent Articles

    1. 8 Organic Slug Control Tips - Get Rid Of Slugs With Natural Methods

      Use Organic Slug Control methods to protect your plants. Get rid of garden slugs with natural ways like coffee ground, egg shells, predators or ducks.

    2. Growing Pumpkins - How To Grow The Biggest Pumpkins

      Did You think about Growing Pumpkins for Halloween? These growing tips will help you to grow delicious pumpkins. Learn about planting pumpkin seeds, varieties and how to keep your plants healthy

    3. Beginners Tips For Growing Lettuce

      Growing Lettuce is quite easy and quick. Learn how to grow lettuce from seed in pots, window boxes or the vegetable garden.