Grapevine!!!?
Does anyone know, in plain talk, what is the proper way to trim back grape vines? I have found lots of websites with the information, but have no clue as to the parts of the vine they are talking about. I know when to cut them back, just not where to do the cutting. Thanks for any help.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
They should be cut back to the main stem, leaving one cane on each side, to 12-15 buds per cane. You can also do what is called the four-arm system, and leave two canes on each side. I found a web site with good clear illustrations and instructions, hope it will help: I couldn't explain it any better:
http://mtvernon.wsu.edu/frt_hort/grape_pruning_bas...
Hi there,
I have a concord grape vine, and I can tell you that they are extremely hardy to pruning. I chopped mine off at the ground in the spring because I wanted to grow it over a new trellis. It came back very quickly (filled in nicely that same year). And on the third summer I got grapes again.
If you are just wanting to do a little trimming, it will survive anything, but ideally try to cut the vine right before a leaf, bud, or point where it branches out. Take as much or as little as you want, it will be fine.
If you have well established vines: Cut back in February or when it shows its buds. Cut to 6 foot from main vertical stock. Grapes will only grow on new vines each year.
New vines, let grow just trim last years small vines. This allows the vine to grow up and out to full size.
Grapevine in plain talk.
The trunk comes up. Branches go out. That which grew this year you want to cut off, to the branches (which go directly back to the trunk.)
It will look rather drastic. But thats what is done.