Best time to start growing grapes?
By applsofgld
@applsofgld (2506)
United States
May 26, 2007 12:20am CST
My husband and I love grapes, of all kinds. And we have talked about growing some for a couple of years now. When is the best time to try to establish some young plants, in the spring or in the fall? Does anyone have any favorites or suggestions on some good hardy easy to grow varieties? We love the dark or light colored, and very sweet ones. Also, the area I would like to plant them in is sort of like red clay soil, it used to be a pasture and the ground is very hard, but I finally got my blueberries started and they love it out there.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
27 May 07
I am sorry I dont have an answer but I couldn't resist throwing this response in. My grandson and I love grapes so I always keep a few in the freezer so when he visits me he get his "special" soda or juice with frozen grapes in it instead of ice cubes.
1 person likes this
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
27 May 07
I hadn't thought of that. How long can you freeze them for? I knew you could get them almost frozen for a grape salad with cool whip. Sounds great to have some to put in soda or juice. Thanks for the tip :)
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
26 May 07
Here in Michigan my understanding is that spring is the best time. I have two grape vines I planted 2 years ago (in the spring) and still haven't seen any grapes - I lost the tags so now can't remember what kind they are :( My understanding is this is normal though - that it takes several years before they produce fruit.
@applsofgld (2506)
• United States
27 May 07
Faith that would be my luck to put some time and hard work into planting/fertilizing/growing them and then not produce any fruit. But I am going to try. I'm determined. Maybe yours will produce by next year. My blueberries that I just planted in the fall were 3 yr. old bushes, and they are now putting on fruit. Maybe it takes the 3 year mark to do it. Thanks for sharing with me :)
@GardenGerty (169479)
• United States
28 May 07
I am afraid I cannot remember when we planted the grapes we planted. I got them from Jackson and Perkins, through their cataloge. They will send them at the right time to plant, and they guarantee them. They also talk about soil amendments, etcetera, so that your vines get off to a good start. I recommend this company for any type of live plants that you want to start in your garden. Mine were getting to where they bore pretty well, but the property manager for the house next door had someone cut them off the fence I put in to support them. They are just now coming back. I got a red, white, and blue seedless collection from Jackson and Perkins.
