Q&A for How to Grow Grapes from Seeds

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  • Question
    Which pesticides can I use for grapes?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Food Systems Expert
    Expert Answer
    The best solution is to attract predator insects to your area. Plant rows of flowers along the borders of your property and near grape vines to attract beneficial insects. If you still encounter problems, a mild mixture of soap and water sprayed on the leaves can take care of aphids and spider mites.
  • Question
    When are grape seeds planted?
    Community Answer
    They're commonly planted in the winter but are transplanted in the spring.
  • Question
    Which type of soil is suitable for grapes cultivation?
    Community Answer
    It depends on your grape type. If you are buying from a garden center/plant nursery, they will be able to advise you on what is suitable for your soil type and needs (size/color/flavor; eating or for wine).
  • Question
    I am using sand during the germination. Will it still take 3 months before I can plant them?
    Community Answer
    Yes. That does not affect the grape.
  • Question
    How do I get my established grapes to be sweet?
    Top Answerer
    Feed, water and prune them. The flavor is up to the vines.
  • Question
    Can I plant a grapevine in Nigeria?
    Community Answer
    Yes you can, but you may have to make adjustments to the climate so that it is ideal and gives the grapevine the best chance for survival.
  • Question
    Can I plant grapes in the Caribbean?
    Top Answerer
    Definitely. Keep them well pruned (and thinned) to allow for air movement among the vines to prevent any fungal diseases.
  • Question
    Must the seeds be planted in pots, or could I use something else?
    pdxmusl 1
    Community Answer
    As long as it's a proper growing medium, it doesn't really matter what you plant them in. Just take care of them properly. Make sure they have enough light, water, and nutrients. When they are young you have to be careful of things like dampening off. You could plant them directly outside instead.
  • Question
    I planted some two-year-old strawberry grape vines and trained and pruned them. They flowered this year and have grown well. I cut away some leaves to ripen the grapes, but they have started to flower again. Why?
    pdxmusl 1
    Community Answer
    Grapes grow on the first year's growth. So new vines, not old ones. Cutting a vine introduces stress to the plant, which may encourage growth or for the plant to focus more on fruit production so it can propagate (plants don't know they are seedless). The growth may produce more fruit.
  • Question
    Can I plant a seedless grape?
    pdxmusl 1
    Community Answer
    No. The point of seedless grapes is they have no seeds. Seedless grapes vines are mostly all clones. You can take a dormant clipping and encourage that to grow.
  • Question
    During stratification, do we spray the growing medium tray in the refrigerator?
    pdxmusl 1
    Community Answer
    Usually if stored right, you don't lose that much water. But if there's an issue, you should make sure it's moist.
  • Question
    What grapes are best for making wine?
    pdxmusl 1
    Community Answer
    Wine grapes have seeds and tend to have more sugar in them. They tend to be smaller with thicker skins (though that's not always true). If you've ever shopped for wine, you've probably seen things bottles labeled "pinot gris" and "Moscato". That's the grape variety that the wine was made from unless it's a blend. Technically you can make wine from any type of grape, although some enthusiasts will laugh at that. Each variety may need different amendments and corrections in order for it to ferment and taste good. Like you may have to add the sugar that the grape is missing. These are usually called country wines.
  • Question
    I have a Valiant vine grown from seed. Prolific grapes, but very small. Is it soil, or what?
    pdxmusl 1
    Community Answer
    That sounds like a pruning problem. Professional growers will prune nearly 90% of the vine when it's dormant. If you just let it grow without pruning it or don't prune it right, you'll get many small bunches. Read up on pruning techniques. There could be other issues. If it's the soil or illnesses, the leaves and sticks will often look splotchy or veiny or some off-color. It'll look weird and the fruit will suffer. If the fruit is good, just small, it probably needs more pruning.
  • Question
    I've grown a grape vine from seed. It’s grown three inches in two years. How much longer to get grapes? It's growing very slowly. Can I do anything to help it grow?
    pdxmusl 1
    Community Answer
    In the first few years you should focus more on root development rather than vining, vertical growth or fruiting. It can take three to seven years from seed, depending on the variety, before you get fruit. Discourage fruit production for at least a couple of years while they get established in their new home.
  • Question
    Can I plant grapes in the Philippines?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can plant grapes in the Philippines. Follow the steps in the article to plant your grapes and do some research to find the perfect variety to grow in your area.
  • Question
    Can I plant grapes even though they are store bought?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can, although most store bought grape varieties are seedless. If you did plant a store bought grape variety, you would probably get the exact same fruit, even if seedless.
  • Question
    Will the seeds sprout immediately, or do I need to put them in a cold temperature first to properly germinate them?
    Community Answer
    Cold temperatures will probably be required for at least 2 months, keep the seeds in soil in a refrigerator if your climate is not cold enough. Even after they are growing outside they may require a chilling period every season, many fruits do.
  • Question
    How do I know if my grapes grown from seeds are going to grow?
    Community Answer
    if you see seedlings coming out from the pot, try growing a lot together because not all of them survive.
  • Question
    Can grapes be grown in the tropics?
    Community Answer
    Yes,t hey can grow in the tropics. However, there are differences in the growth cycle. Because there is no winter chill, the grapes grow continuously. They have no dormancy, flowering can happen at any time of the year and flowering is initiated by pruning.
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