How to Grow Muscadine Grape Vines

Wait until spring and look for an outdoor planting area that receives at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day and has well-drained soil. Choose a location along a fence, wall or a trellis, since the vine needs support as it grows.

Insert a soil pH tester probe into the ground in the chosen location and ensure that the pH is close to 6.5. If needed, apply a layer of dolomitic lime to the area in the amounts specified on the packaging for your size of planting area. Till the location with a garden tiller to work the lime into the soil.

Dig a hole in the ground that is 8 inches deep and 6 to 8 inches wide. Insert the roots of the vine into the hole and ensure that it sits at the same level as it was in the pot. Fill in the hole with dirt and press down firmly on the top of the soil with your hands.

Plant additional Muscadine grape vines in the same manner, spacing each plant at least 10 feet apart.

Prune each Muscadine grape vine back to a single stem using hand pruners. Do this by locating the main stem that grows out of the ground and cuting off any stems that branch out from it. Count up two to three buds from the base of the main stem and cut it off just above the third bud.

Insert a 3- to 4-foot-long bamboo stake into the ground 4 to 5 inches behind the Muscadine vine. Wrap a piece of gardening tape around the vine and tie it in a knot behind the bamboo stake.

Spread a 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the Muscadine vine to prevent weeds from growing and to retain soil moisture.

Water the newly planted Muscadine vines well until the soil is moist but not soggy. There should be no standing water visible on top of the soil. After planting, water the soil no more than once per week, and omit watering if rainfall occurs.

Spread 1/4 lb. of a 10-10-10 granular fertilizer around the base of the vines in late April or early May. Extend the fertilizer out at least 18 inches from the base of the vine. Reapply fertilizer every six weeks through the end of July.