My Grape Vines Are Growing Well But Producing Little Fruit

Grapes often appear lush and healthy yet bear little fruit, frustrating gardeners and amateur viticulturists alike. There are many causes for a low yield from grape vines, from accidental planting of a non-fruiting ornamental cultivar to improper care techniques. By far, the most common cause of low fruiting is improper pruning. If you desire a good crop, you must hard prune, as grapes must concentrate their energy stores on the production of fruit instead of foliage.

Pruning saw
Arbor
Wire
Bypass pruners
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Prune the grape vine in late winter when it is dormant. Pruning at other times of the year may cause the vine to go into shock and cease fruiting completely.
- 2
  Remove all but two of the largest branches with a pruning saw. Cut approximately 75-percent of the length from the two remaining branches. The remaining branches must grow on opposite sides of the trunk. Tie them against a small arbor with wire.
- 3
  Prune away any small twigs from the main branches with bypass pruners. Leave 1 to 2-centimeter long portions instead of cutting the twigs flush against the main branch.
- 4
  Apply 10-10-10 ratio fertilizer three weeks after pruning. Apply the fertilizer to the soil at least 12 inches from the base of the trunk. Reapply the fertilizer once more in June.
- 5
  Water grape vines thoroughly and frequently. Grapes require 1 inch of water per day, or 7 inches per week. Water an additional 1 inch of water every other day during fruiting season to help the formation of the grapes.

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