How to Grow Lake Emerald Grapes

Plant Lake Emerald grapevines in mid-spring to give them a warm start and long growing season. Fall plantings lead to winter failure in most areas of the country, while spring plantings give the grapevines a long season for establishment.

Prepare a vineyard of 15 to 20 square feet for multiple plantings. Place the vineyard in an elevated site with full sunshine, quick drainage and good air circulation. Lake Emerald grapevines produce their best harvests in bright sunshine.

Amend soil in individual planting sites at every 3 feet in the row, with 10 to 12 feet between rows. Prepare sites 2 feet in diameter to encourage adequate in-soil drainage for the grapevines. Dig 3 to 4 inches of organic compost into the top 10 inches of soil for rich, crumbly and loose soil. Grapevines in loose soil develop deep, strong root systems for better growth.

Plant grapevines so that their root balls sit just below soil surface, with graft unions 1 to 2 inches above the soil, to give the roots access to warmth, air and water. Prune each cane down to two to five buds after planting for better initial growth.

Put a trellis system behind or above each row of Lake Emerald grapevines at planting. These vines need support during growth to keep them up off the soil, and give them better access to sun and air. Use soft ties to secure the main canes and vines to the trellis as they grow.

Give each Lake Emerald grapevines 8 ounces of 10-10-10 granular fertilizer the week after planting. Increase feedings to 1 lb. of fertilizer per grapevine in the second year and 1 1/2 lbs. of fertilizer every year thereafter.

Water the grapevines after every feeding, and with 2 inches of water a week. Lake Emerald grapevines do best with moist, welcoming soil, and fail in dry or tight soil. Lay 2 inches of organic mulch over the soil in a 2-foot circle around each grapevine to keep the base warm and moist, and eliminate weed growth.