How to Plant Merlot Grapevines

Planting Preparation

• 1

  Place an order for dormant merlot rooted cuttings about a year before planting. Buy certified merlot vines to ensure they are free of pests and viruses. Select grafted vines, also known as rootstock, for their hardiness and pest resistance.

• 2

  Test your soil to determine its pH and the existing soil nutrients. Dig a few holes 6 to 8 feet deep to find out if you have a hard pan.

• 3

  Take care of any weed problems in the soil in the fall before planting your merlot vines. Consider herbicide treatment for bindweed, alfalfa or other persistent perennials growing on your plot.

• 4

  Add soil amendments in the fall as well. Then, rip or slip plow your future merlot vineyard.

• 5

  Sketch a diagram of your proposed vineyard. Position rows with a north-south orientation to intercept maximum sunlight. Plan for 9 to 10 feet between rows with 6 to 7 feet per plant. You may dig the grape vine holes in the fall if you like, using a shovel or an auger.

Planting Merlot Vines

• 6

  Plant the vines in spring after the danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm. Unpack the vines when you get them, and begin planting. Keep the roots damp until you have them in the ground.

• 7

  Prune the vines as you plant them. Prune so you have one cane with two buds remaining.

• 8

  Set the plants just a bit deeper than they were growing in the nursery. Make sure the holes are wide enough so that the roots are not crowded. Position the vine's graft union slightly above ground.

• 9

  Firm the soil around the vine. Water each plant with 2 to 4 gallons of water. Then, place a vine stake next to the vine. A stake is essential for proper training of the vine as it grows.

• 10

  Fertilize merlot vines seven days after planting. Use a 10-10-10 fertilizer, applying at a rate of 8 oz. per plant.