Replanting A Grape Vine
Because so many grape growers ask this question, I though it would be a good idea to write this article as part of the “New To Growing Grapes” series of posts on my blog.
The reason why so many new grape growers replant their grape vines, is poor planning, incorrect soil preparation and choosing the incorrect site or spot to plant their grape vines in the first place.
Choosing the correct site location for your vineyard, is one of the most important choices you as a new grape grower have to make as this will be the future home for your grape vines in years to come.
I will not go into site location and soil preparation for your grape vines in this article, but you can get all the information for free by joining the Grape Coaching Program. The silver membership is a 10 day trial-run of what you can expect from the Grape Coaching Program.
Let’s get something straight; replanting a grape vine is not ideal, especially if it is older than two years. Therefore you need to do proper planning before you establish your vineyard.
So, your grape vines were not planted in the right spot or you are moving to another house and wants to take your grape vine with you – now what?
Transplanting a grape vine pose some risk, there is no doubt about that, but it can be done if you follow the instructions I am going to give to you now. Do not deviate from this too much as you could loose your grape vine.
The first problem with transplanting an old grape vine (2 years and older), is that the root system and structure of the vine gets bigger each year and makes the removal of the vine much harder. When transplanting these grape vines, you will eventually damage some roots, as it is impossible to take them out of the soil intact. Damaging the roots of the vines will result in the lost of moisture through the wounds and could result in the roots drying out too much and die. When taking the vines out of the soil, make sure you dig up as many of the roots as possible – the more roots you can save, the more successfully you will replant your grape vines.
The second problem with replanting a grape vine, is the loss of water through the leaves (evaporation). After replanting the grape vine, the roots of the vines are in a state of shock and for a week or two will not be able to take up water from the soil. If the climate is hot, the grape vine will loose water through the leaves which will result in too little water in the vine and the leaves will start to wither.
You therefore need to minimize the apical growth in order to ensure there is enough available water in the vine itself by reducing the number of shoots to a maximum of three. I would recommend you prune back hard and leave only one strong cane from the base of the lowest cordon. You can develop the new structure of the vine from there. Rather loose one or two year’s growth and have healthy vine, than trying to retain the old structure and have a dead vine!.
The third problem is planting and watering the vine. Because you have a much bigger root system than a normal rooted cutting, you will have to make a much bigger planting hole. Make the planting hole large enough to accommodate ALL the roots and do not prune back any roots to fit the planting hole – rather make the hole larger.
It is important that you understand, that these vines needs allot of water the first few weeks (as explained before). After removing the vine from it’s old position, place the roots of the vines in a bucket of water for at least six hours, prior to planting it in the new location. This will ensure the roots stay moist and the vine will not loose any water through the wounds on the roots.
Do not put any fertilizer in the planting hole, it will damage the roots.
I have successfully transplanted 5-year-old vines this way, and there should not be any reason you cannot do it yourself, but it is always better to avoid replanting a mature vine.
I hope this gave you more insight on how to relocate a mature vine – remember, the key to successfully replanting a grape vine is:
- Keep as many of the roots as possible,
- Minimize apical growth for at least a month
- Make a large enough planting hole
- Keep the vine well watered.
Good luck
Danie
Get your copy of the Complete Grape Growers Guide today!
Growing grapes has never been this easy!
Tags: how to grow grapes master gardener, how to start a grape vines, how to grow concord grapes, concord grape vines, how to plant grape vines
Hi Danie,
I want the book, but I don’t have credit card and never I will take one.
Can you send it through post where I shall pay the cost before taking delivery.
Daniel Reuben
[Reply]
Danie Reply:
October 28th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Daniel,
Thanks for you interest in having the Complete Grape Growers Guide. I will send you an email.
Danie
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What is apical growth? Sorry for the dumb ask!
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Danie Reply:
October 28th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Ricky,
Apical growth is just a fancy word for growing points that grow. In other words, shoots gaining in length.
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Great instructions! And I am enjoying your book on how to grow grape vines,My vines are doing veary good with all your advice, how can anyone go wrong. Thanks agan your frend Rodney Boisvert
[Reply]
Danie Reply:
October 28th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Hi Rodney,
I am certainly glad you enjoy the Grape Growers Guide, and yes, if you follow the advice in the book, you are 99% sure of success!
Keep up the good work.
Your friend
Danie
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Hi Danie,
I’m one of your platinum members, I will be planting small vineyard
next spring. I have 2 choices of type of vine to purchase.
Vines that have been in second leaf and/or dormant bench grafts.
I have very clay-silt rocky soil on slope. Would the older vine be
the better choice or not? And is it wise to keep any soil with it?
[Reply]
Danie Reply:
October 29th, 2008 at 6:42 am
Hi Randy,
Randy, if the 2-year-old vine vines are in planting bags, I would go for that. Leave all the soil intact and plant the “root ball” as it comes from the planting bag.
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where can I get a hard copy of your book about growing grapes
[Reply]
Danie Reply:
October 29th, 2008 at 6:40 am
David,
Unfortunately the Grape Guide is only available in e-book format. You can however print out the book (about 90 pages) or only print certain pages that you want to take with you to the vineyard - it actually prints out real nice
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When is the best time to replant a grape vine
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Danie Reply:
October 29th, 2008 at 6:44 am
Hi Brenda,
OOPS, I didn’t mention this in the article - thanks.
The best time to replant a grape vine is early spring, just before the vine gets active. This will give soil and the roots time to settle before the growing season
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Hi Danie
This spring I planted 5 plants along 88 ft. of chain link fence. Due
to other projects these vines are out of control on the fence.
Your suggestions will be appreciated.
Chuck
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Hello from Vancouver Island, Canada! Danie, I’ve been reading your blog for almost a year now, and have found it quite a good resource for information. I have only been growing grapes for a year now, but have gained many insights on the hobby from your site. Your enthusiasm is quite contagious. My question: Can you give some indication of the “profile” of a healthy grapevine, ie., the relative mass and area of root v.s. the above ground growth. I am primarily concerned about the “root zone” of grapes so I can maximize feeding and watering uptake. Thank you, and keep up the great work, it is much appreciated.
Best regards,
Rick
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Dear Danie,
Excellent info about grapes.
i can well realize your quality time investment behind this experience. Although this knowledge costs you alot in the form of money, time, emotions andlot more but you are fair enough that you are dispersing it free of cost.
good work keep it up.
i am student of horticulture.
Do you have any key of production technology of grapes which covers all aspects but comprehensively and briefly.
it may be a like one page flier.
if you need i can send you its format also.
it will be much helping for grape lovers.
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Danie Reply:
September 18th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Thankx Aamir
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my Mother in-law will be moving into my house, she has around 50 very mature grape vines that i would love to bring along to my garden for her to keep this hobby up. these vines are 10yrs plus, if i follow your advise above will it work.
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Danie Reply:
January 28th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Hi Tony,
I cannot guarantee that all the vines will survive, but if you use the info I gave above, you might just get lucky. Remeber, replanting or relocating a mature vine is not ideal.
Danie
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