Can I plant grapes in the spring?
Grape SC
What is the best time of year to plant out grapevines in the yard? I want to try and make my own wine. Is it possible to grow them from seeds or should I buy some transplants? What is a good variety to grow here in SC, especially for wine making?
Posted
by: Melanie Young
(10 points)
Posted: February 21, 2013
Answers
Keep in mind that grapes are a perennial crop, and require annual, monthly, and daily training depending on the time of year. If you're interests lean towards traditional European varieties, know that they are susceptible to many diseases that are indigenous to this continent (powdery mildew, black rot, downy mildew, Pierce's disease, etc.) The only way to combat these diseases effectively and consistently is through fungicides, etc.
Most vines are planted by early May, and yes, you'd be best getting cuttings or grafted vines. The vines will usually produce a healthy crop two to three years after planting. A trellis (for training the vines) can be installed in the second year. (See a related post on this site for design of the trellis.)
There are some good resources out there for starting out, just keep in mind that most sites can grow grapes in this country, the real question is whether or not the quality of the resulting fruit will be worth the effort.
Most vines are planted by early May, and yes, you'd be best getting cuttings or grafted vines. The vines will usually produce a healthy crop two to three years after planting. A trellis (for training the vines) can be installed in the second year. (See a related post on this site for design of the trellis.)
There are some good resources out there for starting out, just keep in mind that most sites can grow grapes in this country, the real question is whether or not the quality of the resulting fruit will be worth the effort.
Posted
by: Carl Helrich
(12 points)
Posted: April 10, 2013
First off, you must select a variety of grapes that is suited to growing in South Carolina. These tend to be American varieties or hybrids, for wine making try an American-European hybrid but carefully check the growing requirements of the variety. It is best to start off by planting one-year-old vines and do this in late winter to early spring. You will need to have a trellis installed before you do this to avoid damaging the plants by attempting this afterwards.
Posted
by: Lindsay McMenemy
(4 points)
Posted: February 22, 2013
Melanie Young commented,
May I ask about the trellis design? I saw the raspberry designs on here and wondered if something similar would work? about 11 years ago.
May I ask about the trellis design? I saw the raspberry designs on here and wondered if something similar would work? about 11 years ago.
Lindsay McMenemy commented,
Melanie could you please this question as an entirely new question so that all of our users can see it and offer advice? about 11 years ago.
Melanie could you please this question as an entirely new question so that all of our users can see it and offer advice? about 11 years ago.
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