The Appeal of Growing Grapes

Benefits of homegrown grapes

Growing grapes at home offers many rewards, from the satisfaction of harvesting grapes to the enjoyment of high-quality fruit. By planting grapes in early spring or fall, you can cultivate a variety of grape vines, including wine grapes like Cabernet Franc and table grapes, ensuring they are spaced feet apart and planted in warm, fertile soil.

Proper care, such as regular pruning, monitoring for fungal diseases like powdery mildew, and managing fruit ripening, enhances grape production and helps produce high-quality grape clusters. With patience and the right conditions, including full sun and disease-resistant varieties, your grapevines will thrive, providing fresh, delicious grapes for years to come.

Common misconceptions about planting seasons

One common misconception about planting grapes is that they should only be planted in early spring. In reality, planting grapes in late winter or early fall can be equally beneficial, especially for bare root vines, as it allows them to establish a strong root system before the growing season begins.

Many grape growers mistakenly believe that cold hardy varieties are unsuitable for fall planting, but with proper winter protection and a soil test to ensure fertile, well-drained soil, these vines can thrive and produce high-quality grape clusters. Whether planting in spring or fall, understanding the nuances of grape planting ensures successful fruit production and robust grapevines.

Why late-season planting is still viable

Late-season planting of grapes is still a viable option due to several key factors. By planting grape vines in early fall or late winter, you give bare root plants and young vines a head start on establishing a strong root system before the growing season.

This timing allows grape growers to take advantage of warmer soil temperatures, which promotes healthy root development and prepares the vines for successful fruit production. Additionally, with proper winter protection and a soil test to ensure optimal conditions, late-season planting can yield high-quality grape clusters and support robust grape production.

Understanding Grape Varieties

Popular Grape Varieties for Late Planting

When planting grapes late in the season, choosing the right grape varieties is crucial for success. Table grapes and wine grapes each have their own requirements, with some varieties being more suited for late planting due to their cold-hardy nature.

Cold-hardy grape varieties, such as certain European grapes, are ideal for late planting as they can withstand the challenges of colder weather and establish a strong root system before the growing season begins. For late planting, selecting grape vines that are resilient to frost and disease-resistant ensures a fruitful harvest of high-quality grape clusters.

Choosing the Right Variety for Your Climate

Choosing the right grape variety for your climate is essential for successful grape production. When planting grapes, it's important to match grape types with your regional climate—cold-hardy varieties are ideal for cooler areas, while other varieties may thrive in warmer climates.

Disease-resistant grape varieties, such as certain wine grapes and table grapes, offer added protection against common fungal diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot, ensuring a healthier crop. By selecting the appropriate grape vines and considering factors like soil types and local climate conditions, you can enhance fruit production and enjoy high-quality grape clusters.

Planting Grapes

An old world plant, grapes have been cultivated by humans for thousands of years. References to grape growing are found as far back as 1000 BC. There are several 100 year and older grape vines in established homestead gardens and vineyards. Sitting under an old grape arbor and contemplating what those thick, strong vines may have witnessed over the years offers the peace of aging wisdom.

Start your vines today for the many years of joy and sweetness they will offer you, your kids and your grandkids. Grapes are grown all over the world because they are among the most versatile and adaptable of all small fruits. When deciding where to plant your vines, choose an area that has plenty of sunlight for at least half of the day and a place where you can train the vines.

Grapes don’t take up much space as they do best trained up on fences, trellises, or on an arbor*. If you create an arbor, be sure to add that garden bench! Wine grapes have gained great popularity with home gardeners. They are of the European persuasion and require long, hot summers to mature, and good drainage. Popular red wine varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel or white wine options, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc do well in a wide range of soil types.

Determining the Best Varieties of Grapes for Your Garden

Checking with your neighbors or a local winery is a good way to determine which variety will grow well in your area. Even if your main focus is stomping the grapes, a bowl of table or fresh eating grapes will be a welcome addition to your summer meals. American varieties like Ruby or Flame Seedless and Red Globe have moderate heat requirements, but can do well in warmer areas. They are late blooming (good for those late frosts) and resistant to powdery mildew.

American grapes have soft flesh and seeds, and their skin slips off easily. European varieties, such as Muscat of Alexandri, like hot weather, but may require some preventative mildew control. This ancient old world grape has a delicious, distinctive, sweet and aromatic flavor.

Preparing to Plant Grapes Late in the Season

Assessing Soil and Site Conditions

When preparing to plant grapes late in the season, assessing soil and site conditions is crucial for successful growth. Ensuring well-drained soil, such as sandy soil, is essential for preventing waterlogging and promoting healthy root development in both bare root vines and young grapevines.

Additionally, selecting a location with ample sunlight is vital, as grape vines require full sun to thrive, ripen fruit, and produce high-quality grapes. Ideal vineyard locations should have highly fertile soil and be protected from excessive spring frost to support the growth and maturation of your grapevines.

Soil Conditions

Grapes will tolerate poor soils, even alkaline soils, but they grow best in well-drained loamy or sandy soils. Heavy clay soil tends to hold water around the roots, which has the same effect as over watering. Grapes hate to have their feet wet, so be sure proper drainage exists. If you plant them where there is too much water, even for part of the growing season, they will eventually succumb to root rot and die. They grow best in a deep soil with a pH between 5.5 to 7.0.

Sourcing Quality Grape Vines

When preparing to plant grapes late in the season, it’s essential to source quality bare root vines from reputable suppliers like local nurseries or online stores that specialize in growing grapes. You can find a selection of bare root grape vines for sale here.

Grapevines can be own-rooted or grafted onto rootstock, with each having its advantages depending on your soil type and climate. Plant vines in warm soil and ensure the soil surface is well-prepared. When planting, remove all canes except the strongest to promote healthy current season's growth and protect against issues like downy mildew and black rot.

Planting grape vines is a lot like planting tree seedlings

You must prepare a hole that is large enough for the root system. For some two or three year old seedlings, this may mean digging a hole that is a foot or more wide. Don't crowd the roots or try to cram them into the hole you have dug. Grapes should be planted 1" deeper than they were planted at the nursery and spaced 5' to 8’ apart for maximum performance. The hole should be wide enough to spread out the roots. Insert a support stake, 2”–4” from the stem and as tall as you plan for the head. Break up the soil well; it should be free of large clumps. Add a little sand and peat moss if you have a lot of clay in your soil.

Pruning grape vines

At planting, grapes should be pruned back to two buds. As the vine begins to grow, select the strongest cane and train it up the arbor post. All side canes should be tipped to stimulate the trunk. During the second and third year, allow one trunk to develop, with all the side canes pruned off. A single cane should be selected to grow across the arbor to form the cordon. Soil should have regular watering the first year after planting, but grapes will withstand short dry periods in following years. Soaker hoses or drip tape can work well. Grapes have deep root systems, so once they are established, water deeply once or twice a month, depending on weather and soil type. Fertilize lightly at planting, amending your soil to your soil test results or area needs.

Soil tests and nutrition for growth

Conduct a soil test to make sure phosphorus and potassium levels are adequate for proper fruit production. Unless the soil is particularly poor, grapevines need little feeding. For all soils, fertilize lightly the second year. Apply no more than 1/4 pound of a balanced fertilizer, such as All Purpose Plant Food or high quality compost, in a circle up to 4' away from each vine. In following years when the vines are established, apply about a pound up to 8' away from the base, especially if growth was slow or foliage color poor the previous season. Apply fertilizer only when the buds start to swell in the spring; later fertilizing may cause extensive growth in late summer, making the plant more vulnerable to winter injury. Adding compost in a ring around the trunk each year is a good idea. Homegrown grapes are not likely to be as large as those found in grocery stores. Commercial growers treat their grape crops with gibberellic acid, a growth hormone that causes the cells to grow larger and longer than normal. No forms of this hormone are registered for homeowner use.

If you want larger grapes, keep more buds at pruning and thin out one cluster of every three just before spring bloom. If your grapes are of mature size but fail to ripen on the vine in the fall, the leaves may be shading the grapes, which inhibits ripening. Try pinching foliage-bearing side shoots back to one leaf, which will bring more sunlight and warmth to the clusters.

Caring for Your Grapes

Watering and Irrigation

To care for your grape vines, establishing a consistent watering routine is crucial for healthy growth and optimal fruit production. Early spring is an excellent time for spring planting; ensure that the soil surface is well-prepared and that vines planted in warm soil receive adequate moisture.

Overwatering can lead to issues such as broken roots or downy mildew, while underwatering may stunt young grapes and affect the ripening fruit. Observe signs like excessively long roots or dry, brittle vines to adjust your watering strategy and help your grapevines grow strong and produce fruit effectively throughout the current season's growth.

Fertilization Strategies

For late-planted grapes, selecting the best fertilizers is essential to support healthy growth and future fruit production. Use a balanced fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus to promote strong root development and flower clusters, especially when planting bare root vines in warm soil during early spring.

Apply fertilizer according to the specific needs of the types of grapes you're growing, ideally when grapevines begin their growth in the current season. Timing and application methods should ensure that young grapes receive adequate nutrients without exacerbating issues like black rot or downy mildew; regular monitoring and adjustments can help optimize the health and productivity of your vines.

Training and Pruning Late-Planted Vines

For successful training and pruning of late-planted vines, begin by supporting young grapevines with a trellis or stake to guide their growth and ensure they grow upright. During early spring, when grapevines are establishing, focus on pruning tips that encourage healthy growth, such as removing all canes except the strongest to promote the development of robust fruiting canes.

This initial training is crucial for the vines planted in warm soil, as it helps manage excess growth and prevents issues like black rot and downy mildew. As the vines mature and growth begins, regular annual pruning and careful fruit thinning will support a better yield and quality of grapes, leading to a more successful harvest.

Pest and Disease Management

When managing pests and diseases in late-planted grapes, it’s essential to address common issues like downy mildew and black rot, which can affect young grapes and impact overall fruit quality. Early spring planting and proper soil surface preparation can help reduce the risk, but regular monitoring is key.

Organic control options include using neem oil and sulfur sprays, while chemical options involve fungicides and insecticides recommended by local nurseries. As grapevines mature and growth begins, maintaining a vigilant approach and employing both organic and chemical controls can help ensure a healthy crop and a successful harvest.

Preparing Vines for Winter

Preparing your vines for winter is crucial for ensuring their health and productivity in the next growing season. For late-planted grapes, winterizing techniques include mulching around the base to protect the roots from frost and ensuring that vines are pruned properly to reduce stress.

In early spring, inspect your vines, which may have been affected by harsh winter conditions, and remove any damaged canes to encourage strong new growth. Adequate winter protection, such as covering young plants with burlap or using stakes to prevent excessive movement, can help shield them from severe cold and ensure that your grapevines are ready for the next season’s growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planting and caring for grapes, whether in early spring or late fall, offers a rewarding experience for gardeners seeking to enjoy fresh, high-quality fruit.

By understanding the nuances of soil preparation, variety selection, and seasonal care, you can successfully grow and harvest grapes. Regular pruning, effective pest management, and proper winterizing will ensure your vines thrive and produce bountiful clusters for years to come. Embrace the opportunity to cultivate these versatile plants and savor the fruits of your labor with each delicious harvest. To explore our selection of grapes for sale, visit here.

FAQs: It's Not Too Late to Plant Grapes!

• Can I still plant grapevines if it’s past early spring?

  • Yes, it’s not too late to plant vines! While early spring is ideal, bare root vines can still be planted successfully in warm soil. Just ensure the soil surface is well-prepared and free of weeds.

• Will late planting affect the growth of grapevines?

  • Late planting can delay current season's growth, but grape vines grow well as long as they are planted in highly fertile soil or sandy soil with good drainage. Proper care, like pruning grapevines and fruit thinning, will help your vines mature and produce fruit.

• What should I do if the roots are broken or too long?

  • If you encounter broken roots or excessively long roots when planting, trim them back to healthy sections before planting. This helps the young plants establish themselves better.

• How do I ensure good fruit production when planting late in the season?

  • To promote ripening fruit, make sure to plant vines in a spot with plenty of sunlight and practice annual pruning to focus energy on strong fruiting canes. Proper care will help you harvest grapes even with late-season planting.

• What are the risks of planting grapevines late in the season?

  • Late planting can expose young grapes to risks like spring frost or diseases such as downy mildew and black rot. However, with proper planting techniques—like removing all but the strongest canes—and regular maintenance, these risks can be minimized.

References:

Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply Growing Guide, Grapes Essential Garden Guide National Gardening Association Spur and Cane Pruning Grape Vines