Seedless Grapevine Care

Cultivar Choice

• Many different cultivars, or varieties, of seedless grapes are available to choose from. Selecting one that is properly suited for your climate and region can be a difficult task. Choosing a variety that is suitable for what you intend to use your grapes for, however, is a good start. For white grape juice, the Niagara variety is popular, and Concord grapes form the basis of most red grape juices and is a popular table grape. Contact the extension for your local university, or a nearby school's horticultural program for more specific advice.

Location

• Grapevines of all varieties need large amounts of sunlight. You should choose the sunniest portion of your yard, preferably on the south side of your home. They also require well-drained soil, and do not do well in soil that has standing water, or is mostly sand. Mixing in manure before planting your vine is a good way to improve soil conditions before you introduce your new vine to your yard.

Structural Support

• A grapevine, seedless or otherwise, requires structural support in order to support its weight. A small trellis will not do, as grapevines require space to grow and plenty of room for their fruit to hang in while ripening. The high cordon system is popular with home growers, and is comprised of a pair of wires pulled taught between posts at a height of 30 and 60 inches. Grapevines are planted in the middle of the length of wire, and their branches are allowed to grow at each height, with secondary branches and fruit hanging beneath the wire. Other grape growers prefer wooden pergola or arbor structures and enjoy the shade created by a mature vine.

Pruning

• Pruning is another complex issue for a grape grower. Here, too, a local extension service will be helpful in giving you individualized instruction for your particular cultivar and region. Grapevine pruning is done to maximize fruit yield by encouraging the vine to put its energy and resources towards fruit production and not excessive foliage growth. At the end of each season, grapevines should be pruned back to their primary branches, which are the branches directly attached to the vine trunk. Dead vines should always be removed, as should any vines containing mold or mildew.