How to Take Starts of a Grape Vine

A grapevine in the backyard is not only a source of fresh fruit, but it is ornamental as well. The most important aspect of growing grapes is climate: to be successful requires a Mediterranean climate. Grape cuttings root readily and will provide grapes by the following season. Although green cuttings can be used, dormant wood roots easier, so take the grape start in the spring before the buds break. Then, choose a sunny spot in which to plant it.

Pruning or picking shears
Peat moss
Opaque plastic bag
Shovel
Compost

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a 12-inch section of grapevine that is no more than 3/4 inch in diameter and has several buds -- swollen bumps on the vine -- close together. Make the cut, 1 inch above the top bud and 1/4 inch below the bottom bud. Wrap the cutting in moist peat moss and place it in the plastic bag.
- 2
  Set the cutting in an area where the temperature remains between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow it to remain for three weeks, or until it has formed a callus and small roots.
- 3
  Dig up the soil to a depth of 10 inches. Add a 3-inch layer of compost and mix it into the top 6 inches of soil. Water the top 10 inches of soil.
- 4
  Plant the cutting so that at least four nodes, and half the length of the cutting is buried. If planting more than one start, space them at least 4 feet apart.
- 5
  Provide the grape cutting with 1 inch of water a week if it doesn't rain.

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