Delaware 
G rapes are about the easiest fruits that a home-owner can grow. The vines need 
little space and thrive almost anywhere. In a small yard they can be trained 
over a trellis, on the back porch, or even along a fence. In field-planting, train 
them to wires stretched between posts. Prune in midwinter to prevent “bleed¬ 
ing,” cultivate carefully, and feed well, are the three general rules for success. Scupper- 
nongs need no pruning, but if demanded because of space, do the work in late fall or 
late spring after growth is well started. 
For field-culture. Grapes should have well-drained land of good quality. Prepare 
lands by plowing, fertilize with rotted cotton-seed or cotton-seed meal, which stir well 
into soil, set the vine on this, and fill in. Cut back to within 2 inches of the main stem. 
The first year’s growth can run on the ground. The following winter, stakes or a wire 
trellis should be provided. The second year, cut off all vines to within 2 inches of the 
previous year’s growth, leaving only stubs; as vines grow out, rub off all but two or three 
of the strongest shoots; keep these tied up as they grow. 
The third year cut the canes back to 2 to 3 feet; wrap these around stake or wire until 
you hear the bark crack, fasten to wire with strong twine, or if you have each vine staked, 
fasten ends of canes to stake with wire or staples. In wrapping the canes some tension 
is necessary, as otherwise the sap will go mostly to the top buds. This work must be done 
in winter before buds swell; otherwise many will be broken, and vines will bleed. The 
third year will give you a fine crop of Grapes. After this, pruning is a matter of taste. 
Some cut back the whole vine except two or three canes, which are treated same as third 
year, which is called “renewal” pruning; others clip off each branch, leaving two to four 
eyes clear of main stem, which is called “spur” pruning. Both plans are good. 
CATAWBA. Last of July and early August. 
Red. One of the best old reliable red 
Grapes. Fruits of unexcelled quality and 
flavor. 
CONCORD. July 20 to 30. Black. Bunch 
and berries very large; skin thick, blue- 
black, with bloom; flesh sweet, pulpy, 
tender; quality good. Prolific and a good 
grower. The most reliable and profitable 
variety. 
MOORE’S EARLY. July 5 to 15. Black. 
Bunch medium size; berry large, covered 
with blue bloom; quality good. Among 
the best of the early Grapes. 
DELAWARE. Light red. Bunch compact; 
berry medium size, of best quality. Vine a 
moderate grower, but prolific, healthy, and 
more free from disease than any other 
variety. May be considered the standard 
red bunch Grape for the South. 
NIAGARA. July 15 to 25. White. Bunches 
and berries large. An early and abundant 
bearer. Excellent quality. The best and 
most popular of the white Grapes. 
SCUPPERNONG. August and September. 
White. Bunches small; berries large and 
round; skin thick; flesh pulpy, juicy, of 
splendid flavor. 
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