Grape

Category: berries

Growing

📍 Zone: 2-10 (varies by variety; American and French-American more cold-hardy, European prefer warmer zones)
🌞 Sun: Full sun (at least 7-8 hours per day for best fruit production)
💧 Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during dry spells, especially during fruiting
🌱 Soil: Slightly acidic (pH 5.5-7), deep, well-drained, loose; prefers sandy loam or loamy soil

📏 Height: Varies by training method; vines can reach 6-12 feet or more when trellised
📏 Spacing: 6-10 feet apart depending on variety and training system
📅 When To Plant: Early spring after the last hard freeze; soak bare roots for 2-3 hours before planting
🌱 Propagation: Usually by dormant cuttings or grafted plants; seeds rarely used due to variability
⬇️ Depth: Plant about 1 foot deep; set graft or crown at soil level or just above
🤝 Companion:
- 0: Hyssop
- 1: Oregano
- 2: Basil
- 3: Clover (as ground cover)
🚫 Avoid Planting Near:
- 0: Nightshades (can increase risk of shared diseases)
- 1: Black walnut (produces juglone which may inhibit grape growth)

✂️ Pruning:
- 0: Annual pruning is essential; prune in late winter to control vine growth and encourage fruit production
- 1: Remove up to 90% of the previous year's growth, keeping only a few strong canes and renewal spurs
Staking Support: Trellis, arbor, or pergola needed to support vines and improve air circulation
❄️ Overwintering: In colder zones, mulch base and protect young vines with burlap or covers to prevent winter injury

⏰ When To Harvest: When grapes are rich in color, plump, and flavorful; they will not continue to ripen once picked
✋ How To Harvest: Cut entire clusters with pruning shears to avoid damaging the vine
🥫 Preservation: Fresh eating, juicing, wine, jams, jellies, raisins (drying)

🐝 Pollinators:
- 0: Most cultivated varieties are self-fertile; pollinated by wind and insects
🦌 Wildlife Resistance:
- 0: Birds and mammals such as raccoons may eat fruit; netting or fencing may be necessary