When is the best time to prune grapes?

Grapes Overview

Grapes are vines with cylindrical twigs, oval leaves, and elliptical or spherical fruits. The flowering period is April-May and the fruiting period is August-September. Grapes are not resistant to low temperatures, and the temperature must not be lower than 12 degrees. The suitable temperature for growth is around 25 degrees. If the temperature difference between day and night is large, the coloring and sugar content will be better.

Grape pruning time

1. Spring pruning

Grapes can be pruned in spring from March to April. At this time, the bud removal method can be used to remove weak buds, multiple buds, and sprouting buds, thereby reducing nutrient loss and allowing all nutrients to be supplied to the remaining buds, commonly known as nutrient conservation.

2. Summer pruning

Grapes can be pruned in June and July, with the fruiting branches and nutrient branches pinched off and the side branches dealt with. In addition, the bunches should be shaped, straightened, thinned, and the grains thinned out.

3. Autumn pruning

Grapes can be pruned in September and October, and the second pinching should be done to remove dense branches, thin branches, overlapping branches, and branches with low lignification. The number of branches should be adjusted, and ventilation and lighting conditions should be improved to make the frame surface more permeable.

4. Winter pruning

Grapes can be pruned in December and January. The amount of pruning in winter is the largest and the most branches are pruned. Pruning at this time can increase the yield in the following year.

Grape pruning method

1. Shorten

When pruning, be careful to keep a certain distance between the place where the scissors are used and the bud eye. If it is too close, it will affect the growth of the bud eye in the next year. After that, the number of buds to be left should be determined according to the length of the treetops. Shorten 2 buds and choose full buds.

2. Shrinkage

Pruning is selective pruning, which is a very important job. Because old trees have more branches and will consume more nutrients, pruning should be carried out according to the condition of the old trees. If they are weak branches for many years, the weak branches should be cut off and the strong branches should be left for breeding. If they are strong branches, then do the opposite.

3. Thinning

That is to say, it is a rough pruning. There is a principle for rough pruning, which is to cut six and not cut six. Cut off the weak branches and leave the strong branches, cut off the broken branches and leave the complete branches, cut off the distant branches and leave the nearby branches, cut off the double branches and leave the single branches, cut off the underdeveloped branches and leave the complete ones, cut off the old branches and leave the new branches.

Notes on grape pruning

When pruning grapes, pay attention to making the cut flat, smooth, and without stubble. The thickness of the cut should be 1-2 cm to prevent the winter buds from drying out. White glue can be applied to the incision. Keep it in a semi-shaded, well-ventilated environment without light or watering.