Let's learn the various stages of growing grapes and the precautions to be taken throughout the whole process of growing grape vines.
Before planting bare root vines:
Soak the roots in water for 3-4 hours.
The most vigorous cane should be kept at planting, and all others removed.
Vines with the lowest bud on the cane should be planted above the soil surface.
Excessively long roots should be trimmed.
Allow the root system to spread out by digging a large hole.
Grapes are one of the most commonly grown crops. In most cases, this fruit is grown to make wine, raisins, and fresh fruit for consumption. Indians mainly grow it for table use. It is believed that grape cultivation originated near the Caspian Sea, but Indians have been cultivating grapes since Roman times. Approximately 40,000 ha of grapes are planted in India, mostly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
Grapes grow only in certain regions and climate conditions. Proper care should be taken to grow grape vines so they can bear healthy, fresh fruit without any spoilage. This article will show you good practices of planting grapes, pruning, cutting leaves, and more.
Let's learn the various stages of growing grapes and the precautions to be taken throughout the whole process of growing grape vines.
Various stages of growing grape vines and precautions to be taken in early stages:
First stage: Preparing vines for planting
Online sources typically ship bare root plants that are dormant. Plants should be kept in a cool place with a moist root system when received. Vine planting should be done as soon as possible.
There are also potted vines available at local nurseries. Planting of such grapevines should also be done as soon as possible, but timing is less critical since roots are already growing.
Cover the roots completely with soil.
As soon as the vines are planted, they should be watered regularly for the first year. It is vital in the first year of growth for the roots to establish and grow in order for shoots to grow. Generally, grapes shouldn't be mulched because they will keep the soil at a cool temperature, and grape vines grow best in warmer soil. During the first year after planting, make sure the vines are regularly watered.
Second Stage: Support
When the grape vines start growing support is necessary for grapevines, otherwise they will trail along the ground. Vine trunks can be supported with a post in the ground or an arbor covering a patio for shade.
As the Grapevines grow, they can be trained and pruned to form in any shape.
Third Stage: Pruning
Every winter or spring, grapevines must be pruned. In order to grow grapes successfully and survive for a long time, it is important to prune them. It is often surprising to new grape growers how much of the vine is removed during pruning.
The new growth on average in a vineyard is pruned off by 80-90% every winter. Due to the fact that grapes are produced on new shoots and not on old branches, this is why they are pruned.
Taking care of your grapevines to prevent insects, pests, and diseases:
When vines are planted in a sunny location with good air circulation, most insects and other problems can be reduced. Various factors can affect a vine's susceptibility, including the weather, its winter hardiness, infection from the previous year, history of pesticide application, as well as surrounding vegetation. Pruning is required annually to ensure that the canopy does not become too dense. The circulation of air is very important for the prevention of diseases. Likewise, raking and removing fallen leaves and picking up fallen fruit are equally important. Pruning cuttings should be removed from vines after pruning. In addition to preventing the disease from overwintering, these practices will prevent some of the places where it can
infect the following spring. Hence, at the first sign of disease, it is best to remove and discard diseased vine parts to prevent the spread of the disease.