How to Grow Merlot Grapes

A deeply colored fruit, Merlot grapes create a full-bodied wine. These grapes, grown in several countries, ripen early in the season. Most often used alone to make Merlot wine, they will often be combined with cherries, blackberries and other fruits to create a wide variety of flavorful red wines, compatible with many different of foods. Merlot grapes grow best in a cool climate versus a hot, dry climate. When grown in a cooler climate, Merlot grapes tend to feature vegetable-like flavors.

Merlot grape vines
Spade
Pruning shears
Vine stakes
Hammer
Water
10-10-10 fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Plant your Merlot grape vines in the spring. Wait until the soil has warmed up and any dangers of frost have passed. As you plant the vines, prune them, leaving two buds on each one.
- 2
  Dig holes wide enough to prevent overcrowding of the roots. Place the vine into the ground so that the graft union sits slightly higher than the ground. Carefully pack the soil around the vine and water the plant.
- 3
  Hammer a vine stake into the ground. Place the stake in the ground close to the vine without damaging the vine. The stake is necessary to ensure proper training of the growing vine.
- 4
  Fertilize the grape vines one week after planting. For best results choose a 10-10-10 fertilizer.

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