How to Grow Grape

Growing guide

Overview

Grapes are long-lived, woody vines that produce clusters of sweet fruit for decades when given the right site and yearly pruning. Growers love them because a single well-tended vine can yield many pounds of table or wine grapes, and the vines double as a handsome arbor or fence cover. They need full sun, low water once established, and a sturdy trellis to thrive.

Soil & planting prep

Grapes do best in sandy or loamy, well-drained soil with a pH around 5.5 to 7.0. Pick a spot in full sun with good air drainage, and work in compost if the soil is poor. Space vines 6 to 8 feet apart in rows 8 to 10 feet apart, and set them at the same depth they grew in the nursery.

When to plant

Plant dormant bare-root or potted grapevines in early spring, about 2 to 4 weeks before your last frost date, so roots establish before summer heat. In mild-winter zones (7–9), you can also plant in late fall after the vines go dormant. Avoid planting during active growth or in waterlogged soil.

How to plant

1. Choose a full-sun site with well-drained soil and install a sturdy trellis or arbor before planting.
2. Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots and deep enough to set the vine at the same depth it grew in the nursery.
3. Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
4. Space vines 6 to 8 feet apart along the trellis and cut the newly planted vine back to two or three buds.
5. Water regularly during the first season, then reduce to low water once the vine is established.

5 common mistakes to avoid

• Planting in shade or a low, frosty spot: grapes need full sun and good air drainage to ripen fruit and avoid disease, so choose the warmest, most open site you have.
• Skipping winter pruning: without hard annual pruning, vines become a tangled mass of leaves and produce little fruit, so prune back to a permanent trunk and a few fruiting canes each dormant season.
• Overwatering or planting in soggy soil: grapes are low-water plants that rot in wet feet, so plant in well-drained soil and water deeply but infrequently once established.
• Letting vines sprawl on the ground: fruit that touches soil rots and is eaten by pests, so train vines up a trellis and keep clusters off the ground.
• Choosing a variety unsuited to your zone: many wine and table grapes have specific hardiness and ripening needs, so pick a cultivar rated for your USDA zone and local season length.

Harvesting & storage

Grapes are ready when the clusters are fully colored, the berries taste sweet, and the seeds have turned brown; test a few berries before picking the whole bunch. Cut clusters from the vine with pruners, handling them gently to keep the bloom intact. Store grapes in a cool, humid place or the refrigerator for a few weeks, and eat or process them soon after harvest.

Companion planting

Good companions for grapes include hyssop, basil, and beans, which can deter pests or improve growth. Avoid planting near black walnut trees, which release juglone that can harm grapevines.

Growing in containers

Grapes are not well suited to containers because they are vigorous, deep-rooted vines that need a large permanent trellis and plenty of root room. Grow them in the ground for best results.

Pro tips

Choose varieties suited to your zone — table grapes and wine grapes have different requirements. Install a trellis or arbour. Prune hard every winter. Note: grapes are very toxic to dogs.