What is the best season to grow grapes?

Grape planting usually takes place in spring and autumn. Spring planting usually takes place around the Qingming Festival, when seedlings can be planted by cuttings or directly planted. Autumn planting is chosen after all the grape leaves have fallen off, but it should be noted that appropriate insulation measures should be taken before winter comes to prevent the grape plants from being frozen. Let’s take a look at the best season for growing grapes.

1. Spring planting is the most common

Spring is the preferred season for grape cultivation because the climatic conditions at this time are very suitable for the growth of grapes. Grapes are usually transplanted before they sprout, because the nutrient reserves of new seedlings are limited and not enough to support both rooting and leaf growth, so transplanting after sprouting may affect the survival rate.

Theoretically, grapes can take root when the local temperature exceeds 13 degrees Celsius, at which time the temperature is around 18 degrees Celsius. Therefore, we usually carry out planting before the ground temperature reaches 13 degrees Celsius. In northern areas, planting can begin after the soil is completely thawed. Fertilization has a great impact on the quality and yield of grapes. When planting in spring, spring fertilizer is usually applied to make up for previous nutritional deficiencies. Spring tillage can increase soil aeration and promote root respiration, but it should be avoided to avoid damaging the roots by digging too deep.

2. Summer planting is suitable for experienced fruit farmers

Although grapes are usually planted in spring or autumn, experienced fruit farmers choose to plant them in summer, mainly for "rotational farming", that is, using the land to plant another crop after the spring crop is harvested to increase income. It takes about 90 days for grape seedlings to mature from germination, so they should be transplanted 90 days before the frost, that is, before July 20. Skilled fruit growers can ensure a good harvest the following year by managing two branches.

If the spring crop is harvested late, fruit farmers may choose nutrient seedlings, plant two branches in the seedling pot in advance, and manage flower buds immediately after planting. For some varieties, good growth can be achieved as long as 3 to 4 large leaves are developed before Bai Lu. In addition, it is necessary to apply phosphorus and potassium fertilizers and spray ethephon in advance to promote aging.

3. Advantages and disadvantages of autumn planting

Fall is also the time when many people choose to grow grapes. The temperature is stable in autumn and the grape roots are active, which is conducive to root development and thus promotes grape growth. Grapes planted in the fall may bear fruit the following year. However, fall planting also has its disadvantages. After the grapes take root, it takes 20 to 30 days for the root system to develop and age, which requires planting around August 20, 30 days before the autumnal equinox. For grapes planted at this time, even if the roots can age, it is difficult for the branches to age before winter, so it has little significance for the growth of grapes.

4. Winter planting is rare but possible

Winter cultivation of grapes has become feasible in recent years, although the lower winter temperatures make many plants unsuitable for cultivation at this time. The main reason is that there may not be time to plant in the spring, so the choice is to do it in the winter when it is less busy. During winter planting, watering is needed to keep the soil moist. If there is time to plant in the spring, then the four months of management in the winter are less important. In practice, theory often needs to be adjusted according to actual conditions.

In short, the bottom line is that although grape cultivation can be carried out throughout the year, it is mainly concentrated in spring and autumn. The temperature conditions in these two seasons are more favorable for grape growth, and management is relatively easy. There are many ways to manage grapes, but the main focus is on two core areas: fertilization and pest and disease control. According to different growth stages, appropriate fertilization strategies need to be adopted. The key is to "adapt to local conditions", that is, to develop a suitable fertilization plan based on the grape varieties and soil conditions you grow. Only in this way can we ensure the healthy growth and harvest of grapes.