Propagation / Pruning Pictures

This is going to be a longer post. It'll contain pictures of the propagating vines for this Spring, and pictures of the recently pruned vines.

Propagation is a very effective way to multiply grapevines. Grapevines may be grown from seeds or cuttings from last year's growth. The seeds may not be genetically identical to the parent, and have a low germination rate. However, cuttings are somewhat easy to propagate and grow faster than from seed. This is done by taking the canes produced from the previous year's growth and cutting them to about three buds long. The cut should be taken just above the top bud you want to use, and just below the bottom bud you want to use. Then, the two lowest buds on the cutting are picked off, leaving only one bud at the top for the energy of the cutting to grow into. The bottom of the cutting is placed in warm water heated by a basic heatpad, which will allow roots to form at the base of the cutting.



The above picture shows a three bud cutting with only the top bud left. Its important to place the cuttings in the correct orientation. If they are placed upside down,the roots and bud will burst upside down and the plant will not survive.



This picture is the vase containing all of the cuttings. I am propagating seedless Concord this year. This is then placed on a heatpad to keep the water warm which will promote the bottom of the cuttings to produce roots, while the top is still cooler and will budbreak slower. This will allow for more growth of roots which will be able to provide enough water and nutrients for the growing cutting. The rocks are simply to allow a buffer zone between the heatpad and the water so the point where the cuttings touch the bottom isn't directly in contact with the heatpad. I'll keep posting as this process continues and I'll be sure to report any updates.



This above picture is a photo of the now - second year Concord. It made the top wire last year, but i pruned off some of the top to allow growth to come from thicker wood.



This photo is the seedless Concord. It is easily seen how much growth occurred last year. I also pruned off several laterals from the main trunk.



This last picture is the fourth year Concord. I pruned off so much growth to leave only two canes to produce for this year.