Do Grapes Grow Best in a Cool Climate?

Growing Season

• Grapes grow and produce fruit from spring to fall, and require a long frost-free season for efficient growth and production. Purdue University recommends at least 150 to 180 days of frost-free growing for grapes. Few grape cultivars survive short, cool summers or harsh winters.

Planting Time

• Choose grape cultivars appropriate to your growing region to ensure survival through frost and winter storms. Although many grape cultivars survive through winter, all grapevines require warm-weather starts and summer establishment. Plant your vineyard after the frost lifts in spring to protect new plants from frost damage.

Site and Sun

• Grapes require full, bright sunshine all day to grow and produce fruit, with quick site drainage and good air circulation. Purdue University recommends planting grapes in rows that run north to south, to maximize sun exposure. Planting on sloped land encourages quick, efficient drainage and good air movement.

Soil, Trellis and Mulch

• Warm and nourish the top 12 to 16 inches of soil in each planting site with 5 to 6 inches of organic compost. Grapes fail in cold, wet or tight soil. Give grapevines a trellis system to encourage better air and sun exposure, and use organic mulch on the soil to keep grapevines moist and warm.