How to Grow Scuppernong Grapes

Prepare the soil in a location where the Scuppernong grape plant will get full sunlight. Work amendments into the soil to bring it to a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. Add the amendments well in advance of planting the new plant since it takes a few months to actually change the pH effectively. Kill off any surface weeds and cover the bare soil with 3 to 4 inches of bark mulch.

Install a sturdy trellis system. Plan on 6 feet of space between plants and 10 feet between rows. Run the rows from north to south so the Scuppernong vines will get the maximum amount of sunlight.

Soak the grape vines in a bucket of water while you dig a planting hole in the early spring. Pull back the mulch and remove enough soil to create a cavity deep enough for the roots. Set the plant in the hole, keeping the same soil line as in the nursery. Firm the soil around the roots and push the mulch back in place.

Plant a self-pollinating variety of grape close by to act as a pollinator for your Scuppernong grapes or you will not get any fruit.

Water the newly planted Scuppernong grapes immediately after planting and then only as necessary to keep the soil moist until new growth appears.

Prune the new vine back to one single stem about 8 to 12 inches high after planting. Let the plant grow for the first two years without much pruning so the leaf canopy will collect enough energy to develop a good root system. Prune hard yearly to keep the vine in check.

Fertilize the Scuppernong grape vine once a year with a balanced fertilizer, at the rate of 1 lb. per year of growth up to 4 lbs. Water the vines in July with 4 oz. of Epsom salt solution, made by mixing 1 tbsp. per gallon of water, to replace magnesium in the soil.