Cultivars
Following are some of the most popular varieties of grape for the home gardener:
‘Calmeria’: Green, late maturing, prefers a warm to hot climate. Tolerates rain better than other varieties.
‘Cardinal’: Red, early maturing, prefers a dry and hot climate. Rampant grower.
‘Concord’: Black, mid-late maturing, prefers cooler areas. Good when eaten fresh.
‘Himrod’: Green, early-mid maturing, prefers cooler areas. Almost seedless fruit.
‘Muscat’: Black, matures mid-season, adaptable grower. Excellent for home gardens.
‘Sultana’: White, mid-early maturing, prefers a warm and dry climate. Seedless and excellent fresh or dried.
‘Waltham Cross’: Green, mid-late maturing, prefers a mild to warm climate. Vigorous grower, large fruit.
Plant Health
The fruit matures in the late summer and autumn, and may be attacked by botrytis if the weather is wet. Birds are fond of grapes, and measures may have to be taken to discourage them.
Caterpillars can attack the foliage, as can mildew, which needs a regular spraying for control. In dry summer areas, mildew is not a major problem, and most varieties will do well. In humid coastal gardens, a mildew resistant variety like ‘Isabella’ (better for jam than eating fresh) is the best choice.