Propagating Catawba Grapes

Prepare a container for the catawba grape cuttings before propagating them. Fill a plastic, 2-gallon nursery container with sand. Use prewashed sharp sand for propagating catawba grapes since it will provide the best drainage.

Locate a thick, healthy cane on the catawba vine with a diameter of 1/4 inch, or approximately the thickness of a standard pencil. Measure down past three leaf nodes from the tip of the cane.

Sever the catawba cane using pruning shears. Make the cut straight across. Trim off the top end of the cane at a 45-degree angle approximately 3/4 to 1 inch above the top leaf node.

Pot the catawba cutting in the 2-gallon nursery container as soon as possible after gathering it. Bury the cutting upright in the sand with the second leaf node at surface-level. Cover the second leaf node with a very scant layer of sand.

Place the nursery container in a sheltered spot with dappled sunlight and some protection from frost. Water it regularly using a garden hose with a misting nozzle, or expose the cutting to normal rainfall. Maintain light, even moisture in the sand at all times.

Watch for signs of leaf growth two to three weeks after the last frost. Keep the catawba cutting away from strong direct sunlight for the first few weeks after the leaves emerge. Slowly acclimate the vine to direct sunlight over the course of three weeks.

Plant the catawba grape vine against a trellis in late spring. Keep it well watered during its first summer. Prune it, as needed, to control the growth and encourage a pleasing shape.