How to Grow Autumn Royal Seedless Grapes

Plant Autumn Royal and other table grape varieties in the spring of the year soon after the frost has left the ground. Space the rows of grapes about 10 feet apart with the plants spaced about 8 feet apart. The plants tolerate a wide variety of soil and ground conditions. The spacing of the rows can be modified depending on the types of trellis system used.

Spread a fertilizer containing 16 percent of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus at a rate that provides 1 ounce of nitrogen for each Autumn Royal grape plant. This type of fertilizer is commonly referred to as 16-16-16 fertilizer. The fertilizer is commonly spread in a 1-foot perimeter around each plant although the fertilizer should not touch the plant.

Provide artificial irrigation, if needed, to keep the root zone of the grape plant moist. Carefully probe the soil and note the moisture conditions. Adjust the irrigation so the soil is moist to the touch. Drip irrigation systems concentrate the moisture at the root system without adding moisture to the canopy of the plant that can increase fungus problems within the plant.

Prune the Autumn Royal grape to a single strong stem during the planting year. This produces a stem with strong root system. After the plant stem reaches the trellis support, fasten it in place. During the dormant season, trim the vines by cutting through a bud. Fasten the vines to the trellis support. Each trellis system has its own support structure. The grape vines are pruned to match the trellis system during the first year or two. The vines do not produce fruit during those years. During the vine’s productive years, prune the vines back each year to minimize the second year wood. Leave about 10 buds on each cane of the grape plant.