How to Grow Common Grape Vines (Vitis Vinifera)

The common grape (Vitis vinifera) is grown to make wine and is European in origin. It is also known as the "European grape" and "wine grape."

There are thousands of varieties of Vitis vinifera, although only a small portion of these are commercially important. On the other hand, a large portion of popular grape wine is produced from cultivars of this species. While primarily thought of as wine grapes, the fruits can also be dried to make raisins. This species yields inferior table grapes, however, and is not commonly used for this purpose commercially.

Like many vines that climb, the wine grapes bear clasping tendrils that help keep the vines off the ground. Leaves are held on long stalks and have three to seven lobes. Each leaf has coarsely toothed edges and the undersides bear tiny hairs. The fruits (berries) vary in size, shape, and color. The vines have a rapid growth rate and are best planted in early spring.

Common Grape Care

Growing requirements can vary considerably, depending on the variety or cultivar selected, so it will pay off to do your research before planting. Here are the main care requirements for growing Common Grape:

• Choose a location sheltered from high and cold winds.
• Avoid locations known to be frost pockets as new growth is often damaged by late spring frosts.
• Remember that the common grape is self-pollinating, making it unnecessary to plant additional vines for pollination.

Light

The common grape needs full sun to bear the best possible crop. Vines planted on a gentle southeast facing slope often tend to produce well.

Soil

In keeping with its native Mediterranean roots, the common grape requires well-drained soil. It will also appreciate a location that has loamy soil rich in organic matter. It prefers a pH around 6.5.

Water

Give your crop adequate but not excessive water. Irrigate well during periods of drought. The ground should be kept evenly moist. Providing good drainage is an important first step in preventing overwatering.

Temperature and Humidity

Vitis vinifera varieties are known for being less cold-hardy than American grape species, so they usually do best in regions with hardiness zones of 6 and above. Some varieties, however, are known for being more cold-hardy than others. Generally, however, they need a long, warm climate to produce a good harvest.

Given their propensity towards fungal diseases, this grape species doesn't tolerate high humidity well either.

Fertilizer

If your grapes are already growing in soil rich in organic matter, you can supplement this natural fertilizer every year with 1/2 cup of a balanced fertilizer when the first spring growth appears. In the plant's first year, apply the same amount of fertilizer a second time after four weeks have passed.

Apply the fertilizer no closer to the base of the plant than one foot. It is better to spread it across the area that lies four to five feet away from the base in all directions. This practice promotes superior root development.

Types of Vitis Vinifera

Although there are thousands of Vitis vinifera varieties, a limited number of these are used for wine production. They are ones that work well in specific regional climates and produce palatable wines.

Just a handful of the many popular common grape varieties that are suited to being grown in North America are outlined below. Do your research, though, as there are lots to choose from and much will depend on your region's growing conditions and what type of wine you enjoy. Specific varieties produce red or white wines with a wide range of characteristics that influence taste and flavor.

• Chardonnay: This white wine grape, originally from France, is more cold-hardy than many other Vitis vinifera varieties and this makes it easier to grow in a wider number of North American regions. It produces an early and reliable fruit but is highly susceptible to Botrytis bunch rot.
• Pinot blanc: Originating in Germany, this white wine grape is similarly cold-hardy to Chardonnay, but is not as plagued by problems with Botrytis bunch rot.
• Cabernet sauvignon: This popular red grape variety is also known for being more cold-hardy and disease resistant than many of its relatives. Wine quality can vary, however, and the best results are achieved in warmer regions.
• Pinot noir: Known for producing high-quality red table wines, this variety ripens early and is relatively cold-hardy. Unfortunately, it is another one that can be impacted adversely by bunch rot. Careful vine management in terms of pruning and air circulation is needed to produce a successful crop.

Pruning

Spacing, pruning, and training the vines adequately are vitally important to produce a good crop and reduce incidences of fungus-based diseases. Most grape varieties will need several seasons before bearing a harvestable crop. Here again, it is important to do the research in order to learn about viable arboring and staking systems and appropriate pruning techniques for the first few years of growth. While the vines can grow up to 60 feet, they are usually pruned to 3–9 ft. high, with a similar spread, for wine production.

Propagating Common Grapes

Common grapes are commonly propagated from dormant, mature wood cuttings. Here's how:

1. Take a year-old growth cutting and cut measured to 12 inches long with a few buds on it.
2. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and place in moist but not saturated soil.
3. Cover the cutting with clear plastic bag to retain moisture and place it in a spot with bright indirect light, but not full sun.
4. Check it daily and keep soil moist.
5. In a few weeks, when the cutting shows new growth, move it outside to a protected area for a week or two, protecting it from full sun, before transplanting it to its permanent location.

Growing Common Grapes From Seed

Germination can take up to 12 months for common grapes grown from seed. Here's how:

1. Sow the seeds in a cold frame about 1 1/2 inches apart.
2. Keep the soil damp.
3. Seeds should sprout around two weeks.
4. Allow the seeds to go through a one to two-month cold stratification period to increase the chances of successful germination.
5. Once the seedlings have leaves, transplant them into 4-inch pots.

Overwintering

While overwintering grapevines depends on the type of grape, in colder climates, grapevines are covered with several inches of soil. Mulch can be added overtop for extra insulation (as can snow if the weather allows). Once the leaves fall and the grapevines are dormant, you can prune the vines, but leave some buds as a precaution in case the vines are damaged with any frost.

Common Pests/Diseases

The myriad diseases and insect pests that attack the common grape make growing it a high-maintenance operation. Give your vines ample spacing to ensure good air circulation. This is important for disease control. The common grape is notoriously prone to diseases, which include anthracnose, Black rot, Botrytis bunch rot, mold diseases, and powdery mildew.

The common grape also is susceptible to numerous insects (commercial growers must spray their vineyards to prevent infestations from these pests), including flea beetles, grape berry moths, Japanese beetles, leafhoppers, and mealybugs.

As the vines mature and begin to produce fruit, it may become necessary to provide netting to prevent birds and other wildlife from devouring your hard-won crop.