Grape

Grapes prefer deep, well-drained soil near pH 5.5-7.0, with the exact target depending on grape type. Moderate fertility is enough; a strong trellis and annual pruning are essential because fruit grows on shoots arising from last year's wood.

Sun

Full sun

Water

Water deeply during establishment; adjust to rainfall and soil

Spacing

96 in

First harvest

2–3 years

Tips

• Plant dormant vines in spring and keep the graft union above soil on grafted plants.
• Water deeply during establishment, using drip irrigation to avoid wetting foliage and fruit.
• Apply fertilizer only as soil tests and shoot growth indicate, since too much nitrogen delays ripening.
• Train one strong trunk in the early years, remove young flower clusters, and prune annually using the cultivar's recommended cane or spur system.
• Watch for black rot and powdery mildew, remove diseased fruit, and taste berries before harvest because grapes do not sweeten after picking.

Plant dormant bare-root vines in early spring or hardened-off container vines in spring.