Grape Growing Facts

Climate

• Grapes grow best in full sun in areas with mild winter temperatures and protection from frost and harsh winds. Ideally, grapes need 150 to 200 days free of frost to produce the best grapes. Some varieties are more cold-hardy than others. Find out know when the first and last frosts occur in your area and the average lowest winter temperatures so you can choose grape varieties that will thrive in your home vineyard.

Soil

• Plant grapes in well-drained soil to avoid rotting the vines' roots. Choose a site that allows the vines to face southeast or southwest for maximum sun exposure. Plant in loose, aerated soil with moderate, rather than rich fertility. Test your soil before planting to determine whether your site needs soil amendments. Grapes like slightly acid soils.

Site Selection

• You may have seen photos of grapevines draped like necklaces across rolling hillsides. This method helps regulate the temperature of the air around the vines, because cold air sinks and warm air rises. Slope planting virtually guarantees good moisture drainage.

Air Circulation

• Proper air circulation around grapevines allows the foliage to dry faster after rain. Plant vines 6 to 8 feet apart. If you have more than one row of vines, plant the rows at least 9 feet apart to maintain air circulation between the plants.

Flower Thinning

• Remove some flower clusters from shoots to strengthen weak vines and to keep strong vines from producing too many grape clusters. For best results, thin the flowers as soon as they appear.

Pruning

• A comprehensive pruning program is essential to keep air circulating throughout the vines, keep the vines balanced and to allow sunlight to penetrate deep into the cane structure. Pruning can be complicated, but in general, keep pencil-sized canes that are about a year old. Bearing canes are generally close to the vine's main stem. Prune older wood to give the bearing stems more freedom to grow. Prune vines in late winter or before new growth appears in spring, but not until the danger of frost has passed.

Training

• Grapevines require support and training. A variety of support and training systems are available commercially, including trellises, Kniffins and umbrella systems. Some grape varieties, like Concord, are heavy producers and vigorous vines, so they need sturdy support systems and meticulous training. Other varieties may do well with a simple trellis. Choose the system that best fits the grape variety you intend to grow.