How to Grow Flame Grapes

Planting

• 1

  Locate the planting site in an area that receives full sunlight. Locate the planting site against a structure that the vines can climb, such as a trellis. The soil must be well-draining and fertile. Avoid areas with clay soil.

• 2

  Space each vine planting site 8 feet apart, according to the Texas Cooperative Extension. If you are planting multiple rows of flame grapes, space the rows about 12 feet apart. This ensures that each vine receives maximum sunlight and nutrients from the soil.

• 3

  Dig a hole for each vine. The holes must be at least twice as deep and wide as the root ball. The minimum size hole for flame grapes is 2 feet wide and 2 feet deep, according to Phoenix Tropicals. Dig the holes slightly larger if you need to amend the soil.

• 4

  Amend the soil, if necessary, by working rich compost into the soil. Phoenix Tropicals recommends a ratio of 50 percent compost to 50 percent soil.

• 5

  Place each root ball into a hole and cover with an equal mix of soil and compost. Tamp the soil tightly around the roots.

• 6

  Give each vine 3 gallons of water immediately after planting.

Maintenance

• 7

  Fertilize your vines once yearly before June. Fertilizing after June may lead to damage from freezes, according to Texas Cooperative Extension. Use a general fertilizer that does not contain phosphorus. Apply only half of the amount of fertilizer recommended by the package's label.

• 8

  Water your flame grapes weekly. They need about 1 inch of water each week or more during drought conditions.

• 9

  Pinch off your vines' clusters as soon as you notice them during the first two years of growth. Leave one cluster for each shoot during the next two years. Mature flame grapes can handle no more than 20 clusters for each vine.