Guiseppe is giving me grapevines!

[lakelady]

I was so excited tonight. Went to the little family owned grocery store in town and noticed it looked a little different. before the checkout I looked through the produce again , and found a Cindarella pumpkin, or something close. So I picked that up too to try. When I was checking out I saw a new guy standing there at the front who looked like he owned the place, even though I knew the previous owner. We started chatting about the pumpkin, and then gardening. Well, next Friday he promised me some grapevine cuttings! My grandfather used to grow Figs and Grapes (what old Italian man doesn't? lol). I never paid attention and the wine used to make me sick anyway ha. But now I want the grapes.

He told me to just stick the vines in soil and they will grow easily. Any tips on amendments, etc. I should add?

Ugh, now I have to build or have someone else build me an arbor!

[Redbaron]

Originally Posted by lakelady

I was so excited tonight. Went to the little family owned grocery store in town and noticed it looked a little different. before the checkout I looked through the produce again , and found a Cindarella pumpkin, or something close. So I picked that up too to try. When I was checking out I saw a new guy standing there at the front who looked like he owned the place, even though I knew the previous owner. We started chatting about the pumpkin, and then gardening. Well, next Friday he promised me some grapevine cuttings! My grandfather used to grow Figs and Grapes (what old Italian man doesn't? lol). I never paid attention and the wine used to make me sick anyway ha. But now I want the grapes.

He told me to just stick the vines in soil and they will grow easily. Any tips on amendments, etc. I should add?

Ugh, now I have to build or have someone else build me an arbor!

One tip for grape vines, do NOT fertilize at transplant time.

[lakelady]

ah okay. The location I am thinking (since i don't have all full sun) is an area that has a lot of boulders beneath the soil here and there where my raised beds are. I was going to dig a big hole and add compost there. Do you think compost would be okay? The soil is probably quite packed it's next to a staircase.

[Tormato]

2 to 3 buds underground, one bud above ground on a cutting about a foot long (maybe a bit longer?/shorter??). The more buds underground the better the rooting, from what I've heard. I sometimes start them indoors in gallon milk jugs, with the tops of the jugs cut off. A 50/50 mix of peat and river/stream sand is what I use.

It's been several years since I started cuttings, and I may be doing it again this year, so I need to do a refresher course of research. My cuttings are in the fridge, in a large zip-type baggy with a damp paper towel wrapped over the bottom of the cuttings. I think I'll bring them out about May 1st.

Gary

[Deborah]

How long does it take to get grapes to eat from cuttings?

[lakelady]

From what I have read, I won't expect any grapes at least until next year because it will take that long to establish a good root system. Is that correct?

[Tormato]

My best guess would be 3 years from cuttings. It can vary depending on variety and how well they grow. I have a few started from seed, that look like they will take longer.

Gary

[Deborah]

Thanks.