How to Grow Zinfandel Grapes

Ensure that your climate can support Zinfandel grapes. This variety grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 through 10. The minimum temperature during the year should be between 0 and 40 degrees F.

Obtain a dormant Zinfandel cutting from a vineyard. A dormant cutting comes from a new cane after the vine loses its leaves in the fall and before the buds start to grow in the spring. Cuttings are typically 12 to 18 inches in length. Place the cuttings in a plastic bag with some moist paper towels. Refrigerate the cuttings and keep them moist until you plant them in the early spring.

Select a planting site. Zinfandel grapes grow best in sandy to clay loam with good drainage. The site should be in full sun and should not have frost pockets that can occur in low-lying areas.

Erect 6-foot wooden posts at 16-foot intervals in the planting site. Attach galvanized steel wires to the posts at 3 feet above the ground and 6 feet above the ground.

Apply peat moss as needed to bring the soil in the range of 5.5 to 6.0. Loosen the soil to a depth of 9 inches. Mix 1 part compost for 3 parts loose soil to ensure the cuttings grow quickly.

Plant the Zinfandel cuttings in the prepared site so that half the cuttings are below the soil. Space the cuttings in each row 8 feet apart and space the rows at least 10 feet apart. Pack the soil lightly around the cutting and water the cuttings thoroughly until the cutting starts to grow. Fertilize the cuttings with a balanced fertilizer 3 to 4 weeks after planting them.

Tie the grape vines to the trellis you erected in step four when they are tall enough. Prune all but the two strongest shoots from each cane after the first growing season. Prune the weakest of the these two shoots after the second growing season. Remove all but the two strongest canes on each length of wire after the third growing season. Prune all but 3 or 4 buds on each of these canes. Remove the weakest cane on each wire after the fourth growing season. Prune all but 6 to 10 buds from the remaining cane on each wire.