How Much of a Root System Do Grapes Have?

Young Plants

• Young plants are often sold in the spring as bare root plants. This means the soil has been removed from the roots. The roots are then trimmed to 6 to 8 inches and wrapped in moist peat moss or burlap. Before planting bare root grapevines, trim away any straggly or mangled roots, and soak the roots in a bucket of water for one hour.

Mature Plants

• A healthy grapevine spreads 8 to 10 feet across a fence or trellis. Below ground, the roots spread an equal distance. When planting grapevines, it is important to loosen the soil and amend it with compost throughout the planting area and not just in the individual holes. Planting grapevines is an investment in the future because they live for 30 years or more.

Fertilizing and Watering Grapes

• In order to help your young grape plants establish their root system, water frequently the first summer after planting. Water mature grapevines every other week or so during hot weather. Apply 10-6-4 fertilizer at a rate of 10 lbs. per 100 feet of soil two weeks after planting and annually thereafter in the spring. Broadcast the fertilizer so that it covers the entire planting area 8 feet around the plants to reach the broad-spreading roots.

Considerations

• Don't plant grapevines near trees where the roots will compete for water and nutrients. If the grapevines are planted near a lawn, avoid using herbicide-fertilizer products within 8 feet of the plants because the roots might absorb it and be injured. Plant grapevines in full sun in an area protected from strong winds. Prune and train them to a sturdy support.