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begin growth.
Remove the weakest of the two new shoots when 10 inches long, as well as any other shoots on the trunk. Remove any flower clusters or side shoots as the single cane is growing. If this cane fails to reach the top wire, repeat these steps in, year two.
During year two, in early spring tie the cane to the top wire and cut it off just above the wire. Leave four to six buds in the vicinity of each wire and remove the rest. As the new shoots begin to grow from the remaining buds, remove any flower clusters that form.
In early spring of year three, while the vine is still dormant, select a total of eight canes (four for each wire) and remove the rest. One cane should be tied along each wire in each direction. These four “arms” will be allowed to fruit, but must be cut after the sixth bud along the arm. The remaining four canes should be cut back to a stub containing two buds. These short canes provide renewal canes for future years.
With mature vines, remove the cane that fruited the previous year. Tie one of the two canes form the stub to the wire and cut after the 10th bud. Cut the remaining cane to two buds for next year’s stub and arm. The numbers of buds on each arm can be adjusted in subsequent years. Too many buds w'ill result in poor quality fruit and vegetative growth. Too few buds will reduce the crop.
Select Fruiting Cane That
Is Larger Than 1/4 Inch
Fruiting canes selected during the dormant season should be dark brown and larger than .1/4 inch in diameter. Wrap each cane once around the wire and loosely tie.
For the best control of insects and diseases, plant in a sunny location with good air drainage. Sprays may be needed to control black rot, mildew, grape berry moth, grape leafhopper, rose chafer, Japanese beetles, and grape cane girdler. Your local Extension service can identify problems and recommend treatments. Grapes should be harvested only after they are fully ripe. Unlike many other fruits, the grape does not improve in sugar content after it is picked. Often grapes have good size and color one week before the sugar content is sufficiently high. The quality of the grapes deteriorates rapidly after sugar content has peaked. Yield will depend on cultivar, climate, and vine vigor. In the third year vines can be expected to produce five to 10 pounds of fruit. Mature vines can produce up to 30 pounds in a good year.
Dr. Diane Relf is a horticulture specialist with Virginia Cooperative Extension and is a member of the faculty of Virginia Tech.
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