To successfully uncover how to grow grapes year after year you need to educate
yourself on grape vines, the weather, plant physiology and more. Growing grapes
combines knowledge of plants, soil, and weather. You will first need to determine
your product. If you want to grow table grapes there are specific vines, wine grapes
are different as well. Grapes used for grape juice, table grapes and wine are all
different species of grape vines. To determine which grapes will grow well you will
need to understand your sites soil and weather.
The tow main grape species are Vitis vinifera and Vitis labrusca. Vitis labrusca
grapes originate from North America and Vitis vinifera from Europe. These grape
species are frequently referred to as French or American grapes. Vitis vinifera
grapes are used for wine, as are some French/American hybrids. Vitis labrusca
grapes and hybrids are used as table and juice grapes.
If you want to grow wine grapes you will need to obtain grafted plants. There is
a nasty bug found in the soil, called Phylloxera, which kills vinifera vines. However
labrusca vines are resistant to this bug so vinifera vines will be grafted onto
labrusca rootstock. Phylloxera is found everywhere in the world so you will rarely
see any own rooted vinifera vines.
The weather is also another important factor when choosing grapes. The majority
of grapes cannot tolerate freezing temperatures, particularly vinifera grapes.
Specific cold hardy plants have been developed to survive winters. If you live in
an area with cold winters you should use cold hardy grapes. If your climate is humid
then that increases the chance of rot. You will want to choose grapes that have
looser clusters and allow for more air circulation around the berries. This will
help counteract rot and mildew.
The climate will also dictate your choice in grapes. Vitis vinifera vines cannot
survive freezing temperature so if your area is prone to cold weathers with temperatures
under freezing you should look into French/American hybrids and labrusca varieties.
The soil makes a difference as certain vines prefer certain soil and will grow poorly
if they are not in that soil.
There are specific varieties that do well in sandy soils and others that require
loam with gravel or limestone deposits.
Having a balanced vine can be very tricky and require a lot of work. You will
need to determine the type of yield you are after. Table grapes tend to be cropped
heavy, as they do not have as strong of a flavor as wine grapes. Wine vines that
are cropped heavily do not produce desirable flavors and produce inferior wine.
Having a balance between the amount of fruit and the canopy (the canopy are the
canes and leaves) requires some experience. There are many consultants available
that can help you if you are just getting started.
Our Free 10-part mini-course will show you step-by-step how to grow your own grapes and make your own delicious wine! http://winemakingresource.com/grape-planting/
