How to: Bonsai Grape Vines

Plant outdoor bonsai grapevines in early spring, before new growth begins. Plant indoor bonsai grapevines at the same time to take advantage of natural summer growing. All grapevines require a warm, gentle start.

Prepare heavy 15- to 20-gallon pots or containers with drainage holes. Grapes bear heavy foliage and need room for root growth, adequate stem growth for balance and proper drainage. Grapevines maintain 6- to 8-foot growth in pots and do well with pruning for more containment.

Fill the pots 3/4 full with a mixture of 1 part potting soil or topsoil to 1 part peat moss or organic compost. Grapevines need rich, quick-draining soil with good moisture retention for potted growing; they dry out in poor soil mixtures.

Choose wine-type grapes, such as Canadice and Interlaken, for best potted growing. Plant one grapevine per pot, in holes as deep and wide as the root balls. Prune each grapevine down to one main cane with two to five growing buds. Each of these buds produces canes for fruit. Water each grapevine with 1/2 gallon of water to settle the soil around the roots.

Put the grapevines in sites with full sunshine and good air movement. The vines won't bloom or produce fruit without these conditions. Set a small wooden trellis behind each pot for growing and training.

Fertilize the grapevines with granular 10-10-10 fertilizer 1 to 2 weeks after planting. Follow manufacturer directions for safe fertilizer application and water the grapevines immediately afterward. Put each vine on a schedule of 2 inches of water every week.

Train the grapevines as they grow. Tie vines up to the trellis to promote healthy upward growth and air circulation. Don't prune the grapevines during the season.

Prune the bonsai grapevines in mid-winter when the vines are dormant. Cut each vine back to two to three growing buds for fruiting. Maintain your tying and training system with the remaining vines.

Feed grapevines every spring with another application of 10-10-10 fertilizer and new organic compost. Grapevines require consistent feedings for foliage and fruit production.