![]() Otherwise, all the plant’s energy will go into vegetative growth, rather than producing grapes. In either case, you will want to trim each cane to have no more than 14 spurs. ‘Flame Seedless’, ‘Tokay’, and ‘Ribier’ are spur-pruned grapes. In spring, new growth will emerge from this old wood. Spur pruning leaves the bilateral cordons, or horizontal branches, permanently in place. One cane-pruning method is called the Four Arm Kniffen method and the University of Maine offers an excellent how-to video here. ‘Thompson Seedless’ and ‘Concord’ are cane-pruned grapes. New buds will emerge from these canes to produce leaves and fruit. This is because different grape varieties produce fruit on different bud spurs.Ĭane pruning leaves only the trunk and two to four shoots from the previous year’s growth to be trained along support wires. Grapes are either spur-pruned or cane-pruned. The variety of grapes being grown determines which of two pruning methods to use. Canes should not be not be cut during the growing season. The main trunk should be ‘headed’ (trimmed) when it reaches the top trellis wire. Start training vines during the winter, when they are dormant.Once the vine is established, select the strongest vertical shoot to become the trunk and remove all the others.You may need to provide a vertical stake to help the shoots reach the trellis. During the first two years, allow vertical and horizontal shoots to grow so the leaves can produce energy for a strong root system.Water well at planting time to help the soil settle around the roots.Place the vines 6-10 feet apart with two bud spurs at soil level.Dig planting holes that are 2-3 times the diameter of the plant.Soak the vines in a bucket of water for 1-6 hours, depending on how dried out they feel.Start with one-year old bare root grape vines or healthy cuttings.Build and install a sturdy trellis to support the vines and ensure good sun exposure.Select a site with full sun and good drainage.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |