Are 2-Year-Old Grapevines Ready for Fruiting?

Pruning

• Pruning should begin in the vines first season. Care must be taken to prune back the growing vine to its two strongest main stems, and encourage its root system to grow. A vine that is allowed to grow without pruning for two years will likely be very bushy and unwieldy, but may not have sufficient root growth to overwinter after fruiting. If no pruning has been done whatsoever, consider waiting another season before allowing your vine to fruit.

Vine Location

• Grape bunches add significant weight to a grapevine. If your grapevine is not located on a trellis or arbor that will be able to handle the additional weight, consider pruning back your vine and training it onto a structure. The vine should be located well off the ground so grape clusters do not come in contact with the soil, and cannot easily be eaten by wildlife.

Sunlight Exposure

• Your grapevine will need sufficient sunlight to ripen its crop. If you have planted your vine in a location that does not get at least four hours of direct sunlight through the day, you may wind up with fruit that will not ripen. Pruning back and replanting your vine before it gets more established may be the best bet if your vine is located poorly. Choose a south-facing side of your house for maximum sun exposure.

Soil Quality

• Depending on soil quality, a second-year grapevine can be at varying stages of maturity. If you have not yet had to prune back your vine because it has not grown sufficiently, you may have nutrient-poor soil. Discourage your vine from fruiting this season, and spend the season fertilizing and mulching the ground around your vine. Time spent today on ensuring high-quality soil will pay dividends in grape production for years to come.