How to propagate grapes from cuttings

There are many ways to get grape seedlings. For example, from seeds, cuttings or grafts. But most experienced growers prefer to propagate plants from cuttings. This is a simple and very effective way, which even beginners can master.

When to propagate grapes

It is better to prepare cuttings for propagation in the fall, when the leaves fall from the vine. This usually happens in October-November. Grapes by this time go into a state of rest, and pruning for him will not be traumatic.

You can cut grapes in the spring, but at this time there are more chances to fail. Firstly, the vine can freeze in winter and you simply have nothing to propagate grapes from. Secondly, at the beginning of the season, you need to have time to cut the cuttings before the sap flow begins in the stems. Otherwise, the plant will spend a lot of energy on healing wounds, which will eventually have a bad effect on the crop.

In practice, it is quite difficult to catch the right moment, so experienced gardeners cut grapes in the fall. Planting material is stored all winter and planted in spring.

How to cut grapes

Young green stems are not suitable for reproduction. Choose a healthy mature brown vine with a diameter of 7-10 mm. Cut branches at least 5 cm from the ground. Then cut them into pieces 30-40 cm long so that each has 3-4 buds - these will be the cuttings.

Thin branches may remain on the cuttings - mustaches. They need to be removed with secateurs.

Arrange the finished cuttings according to varieties, collect in bunches and secure with stationery rubber bands on both sides.

Do not forget to attach a piece of paper with the name of the grape to each.

How to store grape cuttings

Wrap the bunches with cuttings in a film or plastic bag. The optimum storage temperature is from +2 to +4 °C.

Most often, grapes are sent for the winter in the basement. But also the usual fridge works too: just put the cuttings in the fruit and vegetable compartment or on the lowest shelf.

Periodically inspect the cuttings. If mold appears on them, treat with potassium permanganate. Dilute 1 teaspoon of the product in 600 ml of water and spray the twigs with the resulting solution using a spray bottle. Let the cuttings dry, then wrap them in a bag again and send them to the cellar or refrigerator.

How to germinate cuttings

In late February - early March, you need to start rooting the grapes in order to get seedlings ready for the arrival of heat.

Soak cuttings

Remove the cuttings from the cellar or refrigerator, remove the film from them. Completely immerse them in a container of ordinary water at room temperature and leave to soak for 3 days.

Cut the cuttings

You need to update the sections to stimulate the growth of the roots. Take a sharp pruner, step back 0.5-1 cm from the lower kidney and shorten the stalk.

Cut off the lower kidney completely with a sharp knife or scalpel.

On the bottom of the handle, make several longitudinal shallow incisions with a knife or scalpel. It is enough to slightly damage the bark. Such a trick will speed up the rooting of the grapes.

Sprout cuttings

Take the bottom of a plastic bottle or other container with high sides and pour 2 cm of water into it. Lower the cuttings there with the cuts down.

Place the container on a shaded window sill. It is important that direct sunlight does not fall on the cuttings. Let the stems take root.

Wait for the cuttings to root

The process may take up to 3 weeks. At this time, make sure that the water in the containers is always at the level of 2 cm, and add it as needed.

How to grow grape seedlings

When small roots grow in the cuttings in the water, you need to plant the stems in the ground to get a full-fledged grape bush. By the way, during this time, the shoot can also release small shoots with leaves - this is normal.

Prepare containers and soil for seedlings

Take pots or plastic cups with a volume of 500 ml. Make drainage holes at the bottom so that water does not stagnate in the container. Fill each glass halfway with soil. You can take ready-made universal soil for seedlings or make it yourself by mixing compost, peat and river sand in equal proportions.

Plant rooted cuttings

Place the cutting in the center of the seedling cup. Fill it with soil to the brim.

It is not necessary to compact the earth, it should remain loose. Water the seedling with water and wait until it is absorbed.

Take care of seedlings

Place the cups on a sunny windowsill or under a special phytolamp - grapes need a lot of light for normal development.

Make sure that the surface of the soil in the cups is always wet. Do not let the soil dry out, but do not arrange a swamp in pots - water the grapes little by little as needed.

Harden off seedlings

From the beginning of May, you can gradually accustom the grapes to lower temperatures. This procedure will help the seedlings to take root better in the open field. In the first two weeks, send the grapes to the balcony in the morning and take them back to the house at night. From mid-May, you can completely relocate seedlings to balcony and keep them there until they land on the street.

How to plant grapes in open ground

Around the end of May, when the threat of return frosts has passed, the seedlings can be moved to a permanent place.

Prepare a plot for growing grapes

Find a place where water does not stagnate after rains and snow melt. For 1 m² of beds, apply 10 liters of compost or rotted manure. Dig the soil onto the bayonet of a shovel and level its surface with a rake.

Make a landing hole

Its depth and diameter should be approximately 30 cm. If you are planting several grape bushes, keep a distance of 1.5–3 m between them.

Pour 10 liters of water into the hole and wait until it is completely absorbed.

plant grapes

Carefully remove the seedling from the seedling glass, being careful not to damage the roots. Lower it to the bottom of the landing pit. When planting grapes, you can deepen to the first living kidney - the one from where the leaves grow.

Fill all the voids around the seedling with soil, lightly tamping it with the palm of your hand.

In the same way, plant all prepared grape seedlings.