How to Grow French Colombard Grapes

Plant French Colombard grapes in loamy soil with a fine to medium texture. This variety can produce excessive foliage in overly rich soil, but grow poorly in extremely sandy soil. French Colombard grapes are somewhat tolerant of saline soil.

Space French Colombard cuttings up to 4 feet apart and space the rows 8 feet apart in ideal soil conditions. Space the rows 7 feet apart in poor soil and up to 10 feet apart in rich soil.

Water French Colombard grapes with 1 to 2 inches of water per week while the vines are actively growing. The leaves will fall from the plant when it goes dormant.

Prune French Colombard vines in early spring, just before they begin their second year of growth. Grapevine pruning generally consists of pruning all but the strongest vines from each plant. This allows the plants to maximize their fruit production.

Tie French Colombard vines to a trellis during their second growing season. Use flexible ties to avoid cutting the vines as they grow. Training the vines to grow on a trellis keeps them off the ground, reducing the chances of a fungal infection. A trellis also facilitates the grape harvest.

Harvest French Colombard grapes in late August through September, depending on the climate. The harvest period for these grapes is later in the year for warmer climates.