Grapes are very small, sweet fruits that grow in clusters on the vine plant. In general they are used to produce wine, to consume as fresh fruit or as dried fruit. Do you want to know how you can grow grapes at home? We teach you step by step.
There is a great variety of grapes and each one has specific characteristics. But, in general, they are usually grown in Mediterranean climates, but they have spread throughout the world. In fact, it is estimated that the world production of this fruit occupies around 76 square kilometers.
In this note you will learn how to grow them in your own garden, to enjoy the properties of their fruits in your home. The grapes you grow yourself will taste better than the ones you could buy, and will retain all of their natural properties. Also, you will not be spending any money, and you will have done it yourself.
Classification of grapes
There are 4 species of grapes, each with different characteristics, and even uses that may vary. Next we talk about them.
Also called common grapes. They are characterized by having a greater resistance to certain diseases and a greater facility to carry out certain cultural practices. These fruits can be easily separated from the skin, so they can be easily consumed. It is also used for industrial purposes for the production of wines, juices, alcoholic beverages, vinegar and jam. The main varieties are the Pink Waterfall, White Waterfalls, Magdalena and Elizabeth, among others.
This is a cultivation of high quality grapes that favors its natural consumption. A fruit that is part of the Vitis vinifera species. It is a grape plant that must be very careful because they are more sensitive to fungal diseases. Among the main varieties we can mention Italy, Rubí, Benitaka, Brazil, Red Globe, Piratininga, Ribier, among others.
Variety of these grapes that is characterized by not having seeds or only having a few traces. Among its main varieties we can mention the Perlette, Centennial and Thompson Seedless.
These grapes are used as raw material for the production of high quality wines. And this is due to the high accumulation of sugar that the berries possess. In general, they are made up of European species. The main varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Tannat, Malbec, Nebbiolo, Carmenere, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, among others.
When should grapes be planted?
Grapes are considered a temperate climate crop, however, the vine plant can adapt to a wide variety of climatic regions. Coming to offer a better development in Mediterranean climates that have dry and hot summers, and cold and rainy winters.
Another important factor when it comes to how to plant grapes is that sunlight becomes necessary for the production and accumulation of sugars. In other words, grape plants, when exposed to sunlight, produce better quality berries.
Temperature is another vital factor when it comes to how to plant grapes. An optimum temperature range between 15 to 30°C can promote optimal growth. This is because temperature influences photosynthesis, productivity and the phenological cycle (time between flowering and harvest).
In regions that enjoy a higher temperature they have an earlier production. Which in turn allows better control of the water supply in the grapes.
It should be noted that when it comes to how to grow grapes it is important to have a winter rest period so that the crop has a correct development of the buds, a vigorous vegetative growth and a good fructification. A period that is induced thanks to the low temperatures and the subtropical drought of the semi-arid tropical regions.
Land to be used for growing grapes
The soil texture for grapes should be sandy loam, relatively fertile and well drained. The optimum pH should have an irange from 6 to 7.5, with slopes less than 20%.
Keep in mind that when it comes to how to plant grapes, soil properties become more important than your fertility. It becomes important to carry out soil fertilization tests and tasks to meet the nutritional needs of the vine plant.
The grape plant, needing a light, deep soil without large rocks, also requires a good plough.
How to grow grapes step by step
1. Choose the seeds. Although one of the main characteristics of the vine is that it can adapt to very adverse soil conditions, you must take into account the characteristics of the soil and climate in order to plant the most suitable vine.
Once you have chosen them, place the seeds in a glass of water and keep only those that float. Then, wash the ones you have selected and let them soak for 24 hours.
2. Choose good quality soil and plant your seeds in it. Try to leave about 3 or 4 centimeters between each one.
3. Keep in mind that the planting time is in the winter until the beginning of spring.
4. Water keeping the soil moist, but without flooding it.
5. The first shoots will start in 6-8 weeks. When they have grown more than 3 inches, transplant them into a larger container.
6. When they reach 30 centimeters, plant them in your garden, in a hole 40 wide x 40 deep in the ground. To grow, grapes will need sun, good drainage, and a support or support to lean on. they need the right amount of sun, a proper drainage system, and something to support themselves as they grow like vines. You can put together this planter with support for climbing plants for them.
Then you just have to wait very patiently. The plant will produce flowers from three to five years. From them, its fruits will be released that you can harvest at the end of summer and beginning of autumn.
Tips when growing and caring for grapes
– The ideal temperature for growing vines is 20 degrees Celsius, and it should never exceed 35 degrees, as the leaves and clusters could be damaged.
More specifically, the recommended temperatures are between 9 and 10 degrees during the opening of the buds; 18 and 22 degrees for flowering; between 22 and 26 degrees when the color change begins, between 20 and 24 degrees during the ripening of the fruit and between 18 and 22 degrees during the harvest.
– Try to protect the plants from dryness and dry wind.
– If you have chosen to grow them in pots or containers, make sure that they have at least 35 liters of capacity.
– The vine is a plant that needs a lot of sun. Try to get at least 8 hours of sun per day.
-Fruiting pruning, once the plant has acquired the desired shape, this pruning is carried out to control its growth. This form of pruning consists of remove those shoots and buds in poor condition that sprout every year. This is done so that the grapes can enjoy more sunlight and ventilation. A pruning that in the end will help increase quality and resistance to pests.
– Water little. When the grape vine is young it will need more water, but if the soil is firm, one watering per week is enough.
– The vine is a climbing plant, therefore you must ensure that they have adequate support. For the first year, you can use stakes, but as they grow you will need a trellis where you can tie the plants so they can support and grow on it.
In the following video you will see how to plant a vine step by step. Start today to have your own organic garden!
harvest of grapes
The fruit harvest is carried out at 2 to 3 years old, depending on the variety. The grapes ripen between August to October, however, this depends on the variety and the climate of the place.
The best way to know if the grapes are ready for harvest is to taste them. If it tastes sweet and pleasant, it’s time to start harvesting. Otherwise, you can let it grow for a few days to try again. Some choose to watch the ripening of the grapes by counting 1 to 3 weeks after the color change of the berry, depending on the variety and the climate. However, in grape cultivation taste is everything, if you like its taste it means that it is harvest time.