Grapes - Care and Propagation
GRAPES - PROPAGATION
There are several methods of rooting grapes. However, none are 100 percent
successful.
The first method is called layering. Some of the canes are allowed to
lay on or touch the ground and then partially covered with soil. The end
should be exposed and allowed to grow. Roots should form on the stem buried
under the soil. The newly rooted cane is separated from the mother plant
and replanted.
Cuttings can be taken anytime in the late fall until plants are leafing
out in the spring. Cuttings should consist of at least five buds off the
previous year's growth. A single cane could yield four or five cuttings.
Make sure you notice which end of the cutting is closest to the plant.
Some people prefer to make an angle cut at the base of the cutting (closest
to the plant) and a small cutting at the top. This makes it easier to remember
which end is planted (the angled end.)
Early spring cuttings can be directly rooted into the soil. Make sure
the soil is loose and well drained. Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone
and into the soil. At least two buds should be buried. Cuttings should
start budding and rooting within a month. Allow a year's growth before
transplanting.
Fall cuttings should be stored, covered in damp, wrung out sphagnum
moss. Place moss and cuttings in a plastic bag and keep cool, using an
old refrigerator is available. Loosely seal the plastic bag. Check on the
condition of cuttings throughout the winter. If mold is present, open the
bag and allow the moss to dry out. If cuttings appear dry and shriveling,
moisten sphagnum moss.
Follow above steps for rooting the cuttings in the spring.
Choose only disease free, top quality grapes for propagating.
Please read the Copyright Information.
Bagging grapes as soon as possible after the flowers have dropped makes
finer quality fruit, prevents stains and bloom-rubs, wards off insects
and diseases and stealing by birds and lengthens the grape season.
It consists in placing a 2-or 3-pound size grocery bag around
each cluster that promises good shape and large size, folding the
top over a supporting branch rather than the cluster and fastening
with pins or paper clips, then cutting a hole in each lower corner
to let water (if any) drain away.
Copyright Information: Gardening
Short Cuts
See also: Grape Vines
