Backyard Niagara Grapes

Niagara grapes are a green, seeded, slipskin variety used for fresh eating, juicing, wine production and cooking. They have a sweet, tangy flavour and distinct aroma when ripe. The bunches have densely packed, medium to large grape clusters of green grapes. The skin has a thin film and slight yellowing when ripe, allowing you to see the seed through the skin.

Clusters of green grapes
Ripe Niagara grapes on a two-year-old vine with green fruits are less conspicuous and are spared by the birds.
Niagara grape vine with fruits
The grapes will be ready for harvest in four to six weeks. The more developed grape clusters are further from the roots with better exposure to the sun.

Advantages of Niagara Grape Vines

 The grapevine is ideal in the subtropics because it is drought-tolerant and relatively low-maintenance. It appears unaffected by root-knot nematodes. The grapevine bears a good yield within a couple of years. It is fast-growing and not particular about appropriate pruning to produce high yields. The vines easily grow along fences and other simple backyard supports.

Growth Habit

Even after winter trimming, the vines grow to more than twelve meters. They thrive in semi-shade conditions, with each plant producing about 50 bunches of grapes. The variety is not suitable for growing in pots. The longer vines produce fruits at different stages, extending the harvesting period by four to six weeks, which is perfect for backyards.

Summer Maintenance Tips

This season’s care tips include weekly watering, compost application and mulching. In addition, younger vines may require fruit thinning to allow for bigger grape bunches.

Prolific Niagara grape vine with fruits
The grape vines resist the recommended pruning methods because of the rapid rebound growth after pruning. In addition, the fences and deciduous trees provide additional vine support to prevent branches from breaking.

Potential pests

This season’s threats include mildew and other fungal infections, so avoid planting the grape vines near mango trees and allow good aeration. Otherwise, it is an ideal variety for beginners in backyard gardens.

Small clusters of young grapes on a branch
Fruit thinning is necessary when there are too many clusters on the small branches. The yields will continue to increase as the grape vines get older. The flavour and quality of the grapes also improve with age.

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