Growing grapes in pots or in the ground at home is fun. Grapes are a popular and sort after, delicious fruit which normally gets overlooked when choosing fruit to grow because of the length they can take to produce delicious Grapes, but there are many benefits of growing the fruit is not only having a juicy and popular fruit that looks incredible, but they can also last for over 30 years!
They do not need too much attention and looking after, apart from some pruning, fertilization, and watering in the summer seasons.
Grape Vine Varieties
There are so many varieties of grapes that can be grown and used in various ways from light and tasty snacks to some being used for wine. Some examples of these Grapes are;
Bacchus: white grapes which have a distinct taste and an amazing quality. They originated in Germany and can be eaten on their own or made wine. Black
Hamburgh: thin-skinned purple/black Grape with a delicious sweet taste that can be eaten as they are or used for wine. Cabernet Sauvignon: Small black grapes with an intense flavor are used to make the popular well-known wine.
Flame: Dark red seedless juicy Grape with a crunchy texture, and eating Grape. Rhea: large pink oval fruit, sweet and juicy, a seedless eating Grape.
With any fruit, you are looking to plant there are always factors and information to take into consideration to give you the best chance of successfully growing the Grapes. This is going to be covered in this article.
Details for Growing Grapes
| Planting Months | Early spring |
| Harvest Months | 3 years from planting |
| Temperature to Plant | 60-105F – 15 – 40, mild humidity, limited rainfall, and mild winters |
| Planting Depth | 12 inches |
| Spacing | 12 inches |
| Sunlight | 8 + vines facing sunlight |
| Direction | North to south rows |
| Drainage | Gravel, sand, clay, and slate |
| pH Level | 5.5 – 6.5 |
| Companion Plants | Peas, clover, basil, blackberries oregano |
| Health Benefits | Vitamins C and K. High Antioxidant. Chronic Diseases |
Seven Steps to Growing Grapes
As much as grapes are not as “fussy” with their type of soil there are some which would be more beneficial to the plant than others, also the soil needs good air circulation.
Soil Type
The best soil to use would be loam soil, a combination of silt, clay, and sand would give your plant the best chance with the right nutrients and organic matter it needs to produce a stunning plant and scrumptious fruit. Do not use too much sand as this can absorb a lot of water drying out your plants and their roots.
Soil pH Testing
You need to make sure that you accurately test your soil to give your plants the best chance.
Before planting your vines, it is advised to soak the roots in water for 2-3 hours so they can have some water absorbed before they settle into the soil and then water again once planted. They need to be kept in the sunlight.
Germination
The best way to germinate your seeds so that they have a great start is with a germination kit. Seeds that are grown this way produce greater results.
The most ideal soil would be Sandy Look, but Clay loom and Silt loom soils can also be used keeping an eye on their drainage is needed but they can be helped with moisture-balancing amendments.
Organic Matter
Some organic matters in which you could add are manure and vegetable composed as well as leaf mold and pine bark.
Spacing
The vines need to be 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep, filling the hole with 4 inches of topsoil, trim the roots off the Vine, cover with 6 inches of topsoil and pat down, and then cover the rest with topsoil again. Plant with a bamboo stick or steel post approximately 7 feet tall.
Companion plants
There are benefits to growing them with companion plants. They can grow with Peas, Clover increases soil fertility, Geraniums will help repel pests, Basils a natural pest repellent, Blackberries help create a shelter that shades parasitic Wasps that kill leafhopper eggs, and Oregano a natural pest repellent.
These also can help retain water, and help stop weeds from growing around the vines.
Grape vines do need water but for a healthy and productive plant, it is always good to check the soil. A sufficient amount of water for the plant would be 6-10 inches below the soil. The main time you would need to worry would be in the summer months.
Drip irrigation
A good tip would be to have your hose pipe trickle that way there will be enough water for the plant to absorb through the soil but not too much to cause root rot or “drown” the plant.
Pruning
Regular care of your Grape Vines will be very effective for efficient growth. Pruning in the month of March and April will benefit the buds and help stop them from swelling, do not be afraid of pruning 90 percent of the growth from the previous season as this will more grapes.
Three Years Before Harvest
To get the most from your plant and to succeed in growing delicious fruit it is advised to not allow Grapes to grow until the Third year. Meaning fertilization is not recommended or needed for the first year and is only slightly used within the second year.
Harvesting
The best time to harvest your Grapes will be in the third year in the last summer and early fall, Grapes will not ripen once picked from the tree, and the best way to check if they are ready is to simply pick a few and taste them to see if they are to your preference.
Testing Your Grapes
Another way of testing when they are ready to be harvested will be the color and texture of the grapes, they will be juicy and plump, strong in color and firm but can be easily squashed.
When storing grapes there are many places in which you can place them and it depends on quantity, which type of grape you have harvested, and your use for them.
If you are choosing grapes to be eaten as they are the best way is to place them into bags, unwashed, and place into the fridge for 1 – 2 weeks (wash when ready to eat/use).
Dehydrating
One of the issues people have is that their crops produce all at once. The best way to overcome this is with a dehydrator so you can store your food for years and the flavor is amazing.
Freezing and Storing
Grapes can also be stored in the freezer to use at a later date. If storing grapes in the cellar they can be kept for up to six weeks but absorb the odors of other fruits and vegetables. They will need to be kept separate and stored well, preferably in wooden crates and covered with straw.
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