How to prune grape vines?

To get good returns from growing grapes , it is very important to do a good job of pruning. Correct pruning management can effectively reduce the consumption of tree nutrients, regulate growth and fruiting, control the growth of new shoots, and improve yield and quality. So how do you prune grape vines? Let’s learn more about it below.

Grapevine pruning operations

According to the time, grape vine pruning can be divided into four stages: spring bud removal, summer topping, autumn light pruning and winter heavy pruning. The key points of each stage are as follows:

1. Bud removal in spring: When the branches of grapes grow to about 5 cm in size in spring, you can start by removing the buds. Generally, there are two or three buds on the branches, and you only need to keep one strong bud.

2. Topping in summer: When the grapes begin to bear fruit and the branches have 8-10 true leaves, topping should be carried out.

3. Small pruning in autumn: mainly remove some useless side shoots and some excessive side branches, and keep 4-5 strong fruiting branches.

4. Major pruning in winter: Prune away overgrown branches and excessive branches in winter, retaining the main fruiting branches, leaving 3-4 buds on each branch.

Grapevine pruning tips

1. Trim objects

During the growth process, grape vines need to be pruned at five major locations, including buds, branches, new shoots, diseased leaves and inflorescences.

2. Trimming position

(1) Long-shoot varieties: including Corison, Red Grape, etc. The flowering position of this variety is relatively high, and flower buds are usually formed at the positions corresponding to the 6th, 7th, and 8th leaves, so pruning is generally done at the 2-3 bud positions on the ear.

(2) Mid-range varieties: including Ruby, Victoria, etc. This variety forms flower buds at the positions corresponding to the 4th, 5th, and 6th leaves, so it is sufficient to prune close to the fruit clusters.

(3) Short-tip varieties: including Kyoho, Summer Black, etc. There are good flower buds at the positions corresponding to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd leaves, so they are generally pruned below the ear.

3. Pruning matters

The diameter of the branches at the cut should be more than 1 cm; when cutting off useless branches, they should be removed completely from the base; the cut branches and leaves should be burned or buried deep; at the same time, combined with winter pruning, sufficient organic fertilizer should be applied to lay a good foundation for next year's fruiting.



In general, grapevine pruning may seem simple, but it is indeed a real technical job that involves many techniques and methods. However, pruning of grape vines is essential, which can effectively adjust the tree structure and ensure high-quality and high-yield fruit trees.