How to Grow Concordia Grapes in the Southwest

Plant grapevines just ahead of the last frost in spring. This guarantees a dormant planting and warm, nutritious start, with a full growing season at hand. Timing may range from early February to March in warm Zone 10 to late May and June in Zone 6.

Find a site where the grapevines will get full sunshine all day, with quick drainage and air movement all year. Grapevines fail in standing water or shade. Choose a south-facing slope for best sun exposure, protection and drainage.

Amend planting sites at every 8 to 10 feet in the row. Leave 8 to 10 feet between multiple rows for gardening space. Dig into the top 2 feet of soil in a 3-foot-square site for each planting to give grapevines the deep, loose soil they need. Turn 6 inches of organic compost into the tilled soil, mix well, and repeat with another 6 inches of compost. The amendment ensures consistently loose, nutritious and moisture-retentive soil for the grapevines. The addition also raises the soil level for guaranteed drainage.

Plant Concord grapevines in holes as deep and twice as wide as their roots. Spread the roots, trim away any that are damaged or dead, and fill soil carefully and slowly over them. Grapevines need good soil-to-root contact and fail with air pockets in their plantings. Water each grapevine with 1/2 gallon of water after planting, and put them on a schedule of 2 inches of water every week. Watch for drying in this region, which can get hot, and increase watering frequency if you notice the grapevines wilting.

Prune the grapevines to two to five growing nodes each, with one to two strong canes on each vine. This pruning encourages the grapevines' first spring growth.

Erect a strong trellis or fence 2 to 4 inches behind each row of Concord grapevines. These lush, heavy plants require support for sun and air circulation and fail when they grow on the ground. Tie the grapevines up to the support as they grow to train them.

Fertilize the grapevines one week after planting. Scatter 10-10-10 fertilizer in a circle around each plant, 6 to 8 inches from the base of the plant. Mix the fertilizer into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil, then water. Don't get fertilizer granules on plant matter, as they burn sensitive plants.