🍇 Grapevine: Growing Guide
Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −15 to 35 °C (5–95 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–6.5. Space plants about 200 cm (79 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Vitis vinifera |
|---|---|
| Category | Fruit Trees |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 200 cm (79 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–6.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | −15 to 35 °C (5–95 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 15 cm (5.9 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Tropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | |||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jan, Nov · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
Watering
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 30 days in winter. Deep watering, not too often.
Growing tips
Table vs wine varieties. Prune in winter. A long-lived plant.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Grapevine: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jul–Sep. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Mar–Apr · Harvest: Jul–Aug. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Jun–Aug.
Grapevine: how often should I water it?
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 30 days in winter. Deep watering, not too often.
Grapevine: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 200 cm (79 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 15 cm (5.9 in).
Grapevine: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Grapevine: which plants grow well with it?
Oregano, Garlic, Basil.
Grapevine: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Downy mildew, Powdery mildew, Botrytis.
Plan your garden
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