When Should I Prune My Scupperdine Grapes?

Timing

• New scupperdine vines require pruning in stages, with the first pruning occuring right after planting. Cut it again after it produces new growth. When the vine reaches the top wire of the trellis, it requires additional pruning. Finally, prune again while the plant is dormant. As the scupperdine vine matures, prune it every year during the dormant season.

Tools

• A bamboo stake installed beside the young plant is all that is required to give it a good start, although many gardeners install the full trellis before planting. Tie the young vine to the stake or trellis post with soft plant ties, available in most gardening centers. You also need a pair of very sharp bypass pruning shears. Although anvil shears are less expensive, they tend to crush the stems during cutting, leaving an opening for pests and disease pathogens. You may also need lopping shears and a hand saw.

Technique

• Right after planting the scupperdine, cut it to one stem and cut that stem back so that it contains two to three buds. When the vine produces new growth, choose the strongest stem and remove the others. Wait until the vine reaches the top wire of the trellis and cut 1/2 inch from the tip of it. This forces the vine to produce side shoots which should be trimmed while the plant is dormant. Cut them back until they hold two or three buds. These side shoots should be pruned in the same manner every year during the dormant season.

After Care

• Water the scupperdine to a depth of six inches after pruning. The new scupperdine should be tied to the trellis or bamboo stake every week as it puts on height. Remove any side shoots that appear. During the first season you want to train the one shoot up the post. The second season is when the side shoots are allowed to form and trained to grow horizontally on the trellis.