Rapid Propagation Of Grape Planting Stock

Rapid Propagation Of Grape Planting Stock

For growing grapes in containers, choose a large and sturdy container that can support this vigorous vine.  The trellis design should maximize light penetration inside the canopy, exposing the buds, leaves and fruit clusters, especially in the latter part of the growing season, to as much sunlight as possible. I am going to Europe mid July and I'd like to get some cuttings from my grandmother's very old grape vine and bring them with me here in Florida. If the flooding doesn't happen often we suggest that you start with a few grape plants and see how they survive.

Grapes prefer well-drained, deep, fertile soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. If soils are cold, wet and slow to drain, plants will not develop deep roots and vine development and fruit maturation will be slowed. We planted a couple of grape vines when we first went to our old house, and trained them on wires along one side of a vegetable plot. Another thing to keep in mind is to find an appropriate place to grow your grapevine.

Lower than normal winter temperatures during the first two years after establishment provided the opportunity to rate the grape cultivars for susceptibility to winter injury. Although they are hardy, vines will ripen their crop most successfully in areas where the summers are long and warm. Young vines with shallow root systems are particularly vulnerable to floods, drought and fertility. If the young vines are to be planted immediately upon arrival, unpack them and keep the roots damp until they are set.

Allow the vine to grow freely in its first season, without removing any of its canes. The best way with wire is to run it horizontally along the wall and to tuck the new growth behind the first wire so the vine can start to climb up it. Try to spread out all the new growth as this will assist better air circulation and help to prevent any build up of fungal disease. At this stage it is important to be able to give the vine a sturdy support to grow up. If your vine is planted against a wall than a trellis can look good Although a simple network of wire is acceptable. Timing of pruning during the dormant season may also affect the time the vines start budding.

After young vines have been pruned at planting, they are not pruned again until the following spring. If you are not planting your grapes along a fence or other structure, construct or buy a trellis for them to grow along. Most growers who thin do it to increase cluster size or to prevent young vines from overbearing. When the grape seeds are dark and the sugar level is right, go ahead and harvest. Concord is the most important commercial and home grape cultivar grown in the eastern United States.