Grapevine Bud Stages

Early Bud Swell

• At the first stage following dormancy, the buds are swollen, fuzzy and brown. The color has not changed to pink or green yet. This is referred to as the early bud swell.

Late Bud Swell

• During the late bud swell stage, the buds are still closed, but the outer color has changed to shades of pink and green. The bud also elongates and shows signs of growth.

Bud Burst

• The tiny leaves at the tip of the bud start to separate at this stage. The growing point in the center of the very small leaves is also visible.

1- to 3-Inch Shoots

• At the fourth stage, the shoots grow to a length of 1 to 3 inches. There are one to three very small leaves growing at right angles to the stem.

4- to 8-Inch Shoots

• The shoots continue to grow longer, achieving a length of anywhere between 4 to 8 inches at this stage. The growth is visibly more mature, and there are three to six leaves. Tiny flower clusters are visible but not fully grown at this stage.

10- to 16-Inch Shoots

• The sixth stage displays further growth of shoots that are now 10 to 16 inches long. Leaves have taken on complete form, and the flower clusters are fully visible. This stage completes the bud growth of the grapevine. The next stages of growth are the growth of flowers that lead to fruit development.