Grape Plant Life Cycle

Weeping

• The sap in the vine begins to pool together where the pruning took as the temperatures become warmer. Ideally, the temperature should be around 50 degrees.

Initial Growth

• The bud begins to break out after the weeping phase. If the weather is still cold, the crop could be damaged at this point.

Grape Formation

• The grapes begin to form and the planter has a good idea how much crop to expect at this stage. The grapes, however, are not sweet yet and therefore not ready to be picked.

Grape Maturation

• The grapes begin to mature and show their skin at this point. There may be incomplete development causing additional pruning.

Verasion

• This is the stage when the grape turns its final color. The grape may not be fully sweet at this stage.

Harvest

• At this stage, the grape is ready to be picked. Whether or not the time is right is determined by how sweet the grape is, as well as the level of acid.