How to grow Grapes

How to grow grapes in a garden

Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil and a strong support structure, such as a pergola, sturdy fence or trellis. Enrich the soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well.

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.

Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. While grapes are drought tolerant once established, they will benefit from regular watering during flowering and fruiting.

Ensure the vine is well watered during spring and summer and feed every 6-8 weeks with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser to encourage healthy leaf and stem growth. Early training and regular pruning will help maximise the harvest.

How to grow grapes in a pot

Grapes can be grown in large pots as long as there is a strong support structure, such as a fence or trellis that they can grow over.

Choose a pot at least 600mm wide. Position in full sun and partially fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots and cut away any circled or tangled roots.

Position in pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.

Water deeply, once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. While grapes are drought tolerant once established, they will benefit from regular watering during flowering and fruiting.

Growing tips

Grapes will grow in most climates. Check the plant label before buying to see if its suitable for your area.

Varieties like yellowish-green ‘Thompson Seedless’ and pale red ‘Crimson Seedless’ are very popular, as is seeded ‘Red Globe’.

After one year, prune off all the new growth, except for one shoot, which should be cut back to just two buds. This will help create a strong trunk to support future growth.