Step-by-Step Growing Guide
Grapes are long-lived perennial vines requiring a permanent, robust trellis system installed before planting. Most require 150–180 frost-free days. Plant bare-root vines in early spring in well-drained soil with pH 5.5–6.5; grapes are uniquely sensitive to waterlogged conditions. Space vines 1.8–2.5m apart along wire rows. The most important cultural practice is aggressive winter pruning — grapes fruit only on shoots growing from the current year's wood that itself grew from one-year-old wood. Most growers use either the Guyot system (for vinifera) or the Kniffen system (for American types). Prune in late winter, removing 80–90% of all growth. Water deeply but infrequently once established — drought stress concentrates sugars in berries. Apply balanced fertilizer sparingly in spring; excess nitrogen produces excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit.
