Muscadine Grape Propagation Dormant Cuttings

Choosing Canes

• Take cuttings from new growth. These are the branches that grew during the spring and summer seasons before the grape went into dormancy. The branches should measure 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch in diameter, be at least 12 inches long and have several buds along their length. Only choose branches, or canes, that have healthy growth and no sign of disease.

Making the Cut

• On your chosen cane, locate a bud where you can cut the cane and have a 12- to 18-inch-long cutting. With clean clippers, make a straight cut just below the bud. Make a diagonal cut at the other end. Look at the cross-section of your cutting. It should have a pale green color and feel solid. If the wood feels soft or has already matured to tan wood, it is less likely to develop root growth, and you should select another cane to cut. If you have a long cane, you can make several 12- to 18-inch cuttings as long as each cutting ends with a bud.

Storage and Calluses

• To keep your cuttings moist, wrap them in moist material and then place them in a plastic bag. Until spring, keep the cuttings where they will stay cold, but not freeze. Check the material every two weeks for signs of mold. Before planting, the straight ends of your cuttings need to develop a callus from which roots will grow. To do this, keep your cuttings in their plastic bags and place them somewhere that remains warm such as a heat mat. Within two weeks, your cuttings will develop a small white patch at the straight end. This is the callus. Begin the process of callusing only when you can plant the cuttings in the spring.

Planting the Cuttings

• Once the callus has formed, you can plant your cuttings in a prepared garden bed or in a pot. To ensure stability and protect them from drying out, plant your cuttings so only half of their length is above ground. Keep the soil moist but not wet until you start to see new growth. New growth signals the cutting is established, and you can water your grape weekly or as needed.