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Q.Why Are My Backyard Grapes So Bitter

Zone Brooklyn, NY 11231 | Anonymous added on May 16, 2026 | Answered

I live in what was once my grandmother’s home in Brooklyn, NY. I have two grape vines in my backyard which I believe were here when my grandmother was alive, but I don’t know where they came from specifically. They grow so quickly and I get grapes throughout the summer, but they are Bitter and Inedible and I don’t know why. Not sure what type of grapes they are and I would love to find out. But why have grapes that I can’t do anything with!? How can I learn more about them. I included some current photos, but they don’t have grapes on the vines just yet.

A.Answers to this queston: Add Answer
GKH_Susan
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Answered on May 20, 2026

It looks like it could be a wild grape vine, but I've searched online photos and can't find one that looks exactly like this leaf shape. Do they climb by tendrils? If not, they are probably something other than grapevines. I also searched New York native plant vines and don't find an exact match.

Since they are inedible, though, consider replacing them if you like the idea of having grapes.

These articles should help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/grapes/different-types-of-grapes.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/grapes/growing-grapevines.htm

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