What Are Grapevines?

Varieties

• You can choose from hundreds of different grapevine cultivars depending upon the climate and their use. Most grape varieties are classified as American, European or French-American hybrids. Several European grapevines include Chardonnay and White Reisling, which are fruits used in white wine; French-American hybrids such as Seyval Blanc, Vignoles and Vidal Blanc are primarily used in wine production, while American grapes such as Catawba and Concord work well in jellies and wines. In addition, seedless table varieties such as Mars, Vanessa and Canadice are eaten fresh or used in jellies.

Cultivation

• Grapevines grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH range between 6.0 and 6.5, but they tolerate soils with a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5. Grapes vary in cold-hardiness depending upon the cultivar and require full sunlight to fruit. Fertilize your grape vines with about 8 oz. of 10-10-10 fertilizer right after planting; they need 1 lb. of the same fertilizer the second year and 1-1/2 lbs. the third year. Apply the fertilizer about a month before plants begin to sprout leaves. Although some grape vines will produce sporadic fruit, most varieties will not produce full harvests for approximately four or five years after planting.

Support and Pruning

• Grapevines require a support system and need yearly pruning. Grapes can grow on post-and-wire trellises or along fences. Some people choose to grow their grapes on arbors using arch-like structures. Arbors provide ornamental and shade benefits as well as high-quality fruit. Other growers train their grape vines to grow along walls. Pruning methods will vary depending upon the type of support. Grapes should be pruned during the winter when plants are dormant.

Pests and Diseases

• Grapevines are susceptible to a number of different pests. The eight-spotted forester, a larval moth, feeds on grape leaves, while grape leaf miners are caterpillars that chew holes in leaves. Japanese beetles eat the fruit and foliage; other pest species include grape root borers, European red mites, grape flea beetles, grape berry moths and grape phylloxera. Powdery mildew creates white fungus on leaves and blotchy red spots on canes; downy mildew creates lesions and fungal patches on leaves, and botrytis bunch rot attacks the fruit. Grapevines are also prone to black rot, phomopsis leaf and cane spot and bot canker, among many other diseases.