Do Grape Vines Flower?

Grapevine Flowers

• The flowers of the common grape grow in dense panicles of numerous flowers. Panicles constitute stem- or cone-shaped clusters of flowers. Despite the prolificacy of these flowers, grapevine flower petals measure a diminutive 5 millimeters, or approximately 2/10 inch in length. Grapevine flowers are so small that in some cases the human eye finds it difficult to see them. Because the fruit of grapevines is larger than the flowers, it often obscures flowers.

Grapevine Flower Problems

• Grapevine flowers prove susceptible to a handful of problems. According to University of Minnesota horticulturalists Emily Hoover and Peter Hemstad birds target grapevines; pesky avian garden inhabitants eat the fruit and destroy the flowers of vines. The common chemical control for dandelions, 2,4-D, causes deformity in grape leaves and destroys grape flowers. The insecticide Sevin kills insects that commonly pollinate grape species, and may infiltrate grape flowers and destroy fertilize seeds, thus prevent plant propagation.

Growing Grapevines

• Grapevines do not possess the strength for self-support. Clemson University horticulturalists Marjan Kluepfel and Bob Polomski recommend using trellises for grapevine support in the garden. Optimal trellis placement provides grapevines with full or partial sun exposure. A net covering protects vines from birds while allowing sunlight to penetrate. There are over 8000 cultivars of Vitis vinifera, as well as of the American bunch grape (Vitis labrusca). According to Nan K. Chase, grapevine species and cultivars possess tolerance of areas ranging from an average annual minimum temperature of minus 40 Fahrenheit to those warm enough to be free of frost.

More About Grapevine Flowers

• Grapevine flowers are hermaphroditic; a single flower possesses the capability to create fertile seeds. This makes the task of propagation easier for wild and garden specimen. Pruning flowers, leaves and old woody growth promotes new growth and a bountiful fruit harvest by channeling all of a vine's energy into fruit growth. In her book "Eat Your Yard!" Chase recommends pruning all but two buds from a vine at the end of the growing season.