Grapevine Pruning Methods

Grapevine Structure

• The structure of a grapevine consists of fruiting spurs, permanent arms and a trunk. The trunk is the main stem of the grapevine. Permanent arms, also called cordons, are branches that no longer increase in length but continue to get larger in diameter. Fruiting spurs are attached to the cordons and require pruning to ensure the grapevine continues to produce fruit.

Pruning Season

• Prune grapevines during their dormant season. Grapevines are usually dormant between January and early March. You need to prune mature grapevines every year or they will eventually stop bearing fruit. You should tie young vines to stakes or a trellis to keep them from resting on the ground.

Cane Pruning

• When grown by home gardeners, grapevines usually bear more fruit when they are cane-pruned. Select two to four of the healthiest branches, also called canes. These should be slightly larger than a pencil in diameter. Overly thick canes do not bear well. Keep these canes and cut away everything else. Trim the remaining canes so that approximately 15 buds remain on each.

Spur Pruning

• You can also prune spur grapevines. For this method, prune each of the main canes so that two to three buds remain on each. Each of the canes should be 4 to 6 inches apart. Each grapevine should have no more than 20 to 80 buds total. Cut away any excess. Spur pruning may cause some grapevines to produce less fruit, especially in colder climates. However, spur pruning is simpler to perform than cane pruning.