How to Keep Grapevine Prunings Alive

Grapes are generally propagated from pruned vines. The pruning is done in late fall or early spring, while the vines are dormant. The selected vines for propagation are stored until it is time to root and plant the vines once temperatures rise above freezing. It is important to care for the vines properly throughout the storage, rooting and planting to keep them alive. Select vines that are healthy and vigorous. Ideally, you should prune for propagation in early spring before any new growth begins.

Pruning shears
Plastic tub
Soil
Trowel
Watering can

Instructions

- 1
  Select a grapevine in good health with moderately vigorous growth. Trim off a section of the vine with at least three nodes with pruning shears.
- 2
  Cut off the top end of the vine at a 45-degree angle approximately 3/4 to 1 inch above the bud or node with pruning shears. Cut off the bottom end just below the bud or node at a 90-degree angle.
- 3
  Place the vine cutting in a plastic tub. Lay the cutting on its side with the top end leaning over the side edge of the tub.
- 4
  Cover the vine cutting loosely with soil. Fill the tub up enough to cover up to the middle bud or node. It should be at the soil line.
- 5
  Place the tub outside after the vine has rooted and the temperatures have risen above freezing. Gradually increase the amount of time the vine is outdoors over the course of two weeks until the vine has been hardened off. Keep the vine out of direct sunlight.
- 6
  Plant the vine in your vineyard area. Dig the soil in the selected area of the vineyard with a trowel. Make enough space in the soil for the roots on the vine. Place the vine in the dug out soil and cover over the roots with soil. Gently pack the soil down with your hands. The crown -- start of the roots -- should be at the soil line.
- 7
  Water the grapevine regularly to give the vine a strong start. Use a watering can.

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