Grape Vine Care & Planting

PLANTING GRAFTED VINES

Grafted vines are treated the same as own rooted vines. The graft union should be about 2 inches above the final soil level in the hole. It is sometimes helpful to cover the graft union with soil to protect it from sun and allow the soil to settle down from the graft union as the season progresses. In colder areas it is important to cover the graft union during the winter and remove soil in the spring.

PLANTING CUTTINGS

Cuttings should be planted in well drained soil. The cuttings should be soaked in water for 24 hours prior to planting. Plant cuttings with 1/2 - 2/3 of the cutting below ground. You may find it helpful to use a plastic mulch for weed control and to help warm the soil. Since the cuttings have no roots initially it is critical to maintain proper soil moisture. Cuttings can be stored in a refrigerator with moist paper towels or for large quantities buried in the ground inverted (flat end of the cutting up) 6 inches deep. Plant cuttings after danger of frost is past and the soil has warmed.

GRAPEVINE PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. The most important point in caring for your grapevines is to provide them with adequate water during establishment. Begin by soaking the roots in a bucket of water for a few hours or even overnight before planting.
2. Dig a hole wider and deeper than necessary to spread the roots without crowding or bending them. If necessary, extremely long roots can be trimmed back to fit the hole, but avoid excessive root pruning since the roots are the plant's energy storage.
3. If the soil is heavy and has a high clay content, mix in a soil amendment such as peat moss in a 1 to 1 mix with the soil.
4. Place the plant in the hole and fill it with loose soil to within 2 inches of the top. Fill the hole with water and let the soil settle then finish filling the hole.
5. Trim the vine back to 3-4 buds.
6. No fertilizer is required the year of planting.
7. Keep the vines watered well during the summer and keeps weeds under control.
8. It is best to tie up canes as they grow and keep them off the ground. This will help reduce disease and improve vine training. The use of grow tubes is very helpful in early training.