I have a pergola in my backyard and would like to grow grapevines along it. What are the best grapes to use for this activity? Also, is a mixture of grapevines possible. Thank you.
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
A pergola can be beautiful regardless of the type of plant. Is your intention to grow grapevines simply for the decorative benefits, or do you wish to grow edible grapes or, perhaps, make wine? This will determine those vines which could be suitable. There is a great deal of information on the web, but there are numerous opinions regarding which grapevines are best. This hinges partly on your climatic conditions: the vines which will be successful in New England may not prosper in hot, dry climes. One grapevine which seems to be mentioned often is Concord, with modest vigor, an attribute to keep in mind as well. There is quite a bit of work to plant vines and establish the canopy, and summer upkeep every year is mandatory. You'll also need to pay attention to diseases and insects as with most plants. Planting a mixture of vines will multiply the challenges, as they may have different growth cycles as well as other traits. Before you go further, I recommend you do more research into suitable grapevines for your purpose and specific conditions, both climate and soil. You may want to consult a local nursery or garden center to get reliable answers.
