What Do Grapevines Need?

Site Qualities

• Growing beds that receive full sunlight with protection from strong winds provide the optimum site for grapevines. Grapes also need soil that drains well, as soggy soil or standing water suffocates the roots and causes the vines to die. Grapevines require soils that warm up quickly in spring so the plants can begin putting on new growth early in the season. Southern slopes or the south sides of buildings or windbreaks are recommended locations.

Irrigation

• Grapes withstand dry conditions once established, but it takes the vines approximately three years to establish a root system resistant to drought. Regular irrigation that keeps the top 8 inches of soil moist but not soggy during the early years encourages healthy vine and root growth. Once established, grapes only require irrigation during extended dry periods in summer to prevent the ground from drying out completely.

Fertilization

• Yearly fertilization with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as a 10-6-4 analysis blend, provides all the nutrients grapevines need for healthy growth. The first application should occur two weeks after planting then reoccur yearly in spring as new growth begins to emerge. Grapevines require approximately 1 lb. of this fertilizer blend per plant in most beds, though a yearly soil test better indicates the nutrition needs for grapevines in your garden beds.

Pruning

• Grapevines need support for the vines. Most grape trellises consist of two heavy wires strung between two posts. The grapevines drape over the wires. Trellised grapes require pruning in late winter or early spring so the vines branch laterally from a single trunk. Once the trunk reaches the first wire, allow vines to grow from the trunk so they drape over the wire. The trunk continues to grow up to the height of the second wire and then should be pruned so the top branches into more vines that drape over this second wire.