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Prepare Grape Vine Cuttings for Propagation

1. Selecting Cuttings

  • In November, when grape vines are dormant, choose healthy, well-browned  pieces from the most recent year’s growth.

  • Each cutting should be about the thickness of a pencil and contain three buds.

2. Cutting Technique

  • Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make your cuts.

  • Cut the bottom end of each cutting at a 45-degree angle. This helps you identify the correct planting orientation.

3. Wrapping and Storage

  • Immediately after cutting, wrap the cuttings together in a damp towel (not wet, just moist).

  • Place the wrapped cuttings in a plastic bag to retain moisture.

  • Store the package in a cool, dark place such as a root cellar or refrigerator. This keeps the cuttings dormant and prevents premature growth.

  • Check periodically for signs of mold or rot and replace the towel if needed.

4. Timing

  • Keep the cuttings in storage until April, when conditions are suitable for rooting​​​​​​​​

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Rooting Grape Vine Cuttings in Spring

  1. Refresh the Cutting

    • At the end of April, make a fresh 45-degree cut at the bottom of each stored cutting. This exposes healthy tissue and encourages root growth.

  2. Prepare for Rooting

    • Place each cutting in a container of water so that only the lower bud is submerged. This helps prevent rot and focuses root development at the base.

  3. Create a Humid Environment

    • Cover the container with plastic wrap, cutting a hole to allow the cutting to pass through. This helps retain humidity and warmth around the cutting.​

  4. Provide Light and Warmth

    • Place the container in a warm, sunny spot. Check regularly and add water as needed to keep the lower bud covered.

  5. Monitor Progress

    • After about six weeks, roots should begin to form from the lower bud, and the upper buds should show new leaf growth.

  6. Prepare for Planting

    • By mid-June, the cuttings should be ready for planting outdoors.

  7. Increase Success Rate

    • Start twice as many cuttings as you need, since not all will successfully root.

  8. Note on Rooting Hormone

    • Based on Alex’s experience, using rooting hormone does not improve results for grape cuttings.

Diagram of rooting method

Planting

Plant the rooted cuttings in soil so that the 2nd and 3rd buds are above ground.  The plants should be spaced approximately 6 feet apart in rows that are approximately 4 to  6 feet apart. â€‹â€‹â€‹

Watering

​It is important that the soil is kept moist during the first year of growth, either by rain or use of a soaker hose.  Alex does not add additional fertilizer to the soil but some people do spread fertilizer around the base of the plants.  No fruit is produced until the 3rd year of growth.

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