Vitis vinifera

The common grape is a member of the grape family (Vitaceae) native to Europe and central Asia. It is a woody, deciduous vine and is the most common kind of grape sold as fresh fruit in grocery stores. The genus name is Latin for the old world vineyard grape, while the specific epithet means “wine-bearing.” 

The common grape prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It should be grown in a location where it is protected from winter winds and frost. A healthy plant needs good circulation. The hot and humid summers of the southern states negatively affect fruit production. To get the most out of this plant, support and training for the climbing structure should be provided. A regular spraying and pruning routine should be followed. 

The flowers, leaves and fruit can be eaten. A fully ripened fruit is delicious, being both sweet and juicy. It can be concentrated and used as a sweetener. Wine is also made from the fruit, as well as being dried as raisins or currants. An oil similar to sunflower oil may be made from the seeds.   

Besides wine production, the common grape may also be grown as a specimen plant, on a pergola to provide shade for a patio, as a privacy screen or barrier, and used in an edible garden. The exposed vine with peeling bark in winter makes it an attractive addition to a winter garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant is particularly susceptible to grape phylloxera. This insect damages roots and disrupts water and nutrient intake which results in loss of leaf surface area, yield reduction and total demise of the plant over a period of 4 to 7 years. Diseases include gray mold, crown gall, botrytis bunch rot, black rot, downy mildew and powdery mildew. Other insect problems can include mealybugs, flea beetles, leaf hopper, leaf roller, Japanese beetle and grape berry moth.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Nuts" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.