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When to Plant Grapevines in Georgia?

The cooler winters and clay soils of northern Georgia favor growing European grape varieties, but native scuppernong or muscadine grapes grow well statewide, although performing a bit better in Georgia's Piedmont and coastal plain regions.
  1. Time Frame

    • The ideal time to plant grapes is when they are dormant, from late fall to very early spring. As long as the soil isn't frozen and remains moist, the newly planted grapes' roots establish and grow leading into spring, giving the grapevines an advantage.

    Geography

    • Since more winter cold occurs in the northern, mountainous counties in Georgia, planting grapes may be best in November and again in late February. In central and southern counties in the Piedmont and coastal plains, plant in November or December.

    Considerations

    • An evenly moist soil across the balance of winter helps the roots establish well before the start of the hot Georgia growing season. Supplement rainfall to ensure the root ball never dries out. Grapes, especially those grown in containers, may be planted into spring and summer, although summer is not the ideal time because of the heat.