How Beginners Can Plant Grapes
Article Guide: This article covers how beginners can plant grapes and related content about grape cultivation techniques and management. Detailed information will be shared next.
Grapes are one of the most common and famous fruits originally from Western Asia, and they are one of the oldest tree species discovered. Grapes are not only edible but can also be made into raisins and wine. Additionally, their roots and vines can be used in medicine, providing antiemetic effects for pregnant women. Let's introduce the grape cultivation and management techniques.
1. Temperature
Grapes thrive in warm conditions; they will germinate when the temperature reaches 10 degrees Celsius, so they are usually planted in spring. The optimal temperature range for the growth of new shoots is between 20-30 degrees Celsius; during the fruit ripening period, the temperature should be maintained between 20-32 degrees Celsius. Low temperatures or insufficient accumulated temperature during the growing period will affect the sugar content of the fruit.
2. Light
Grapes require plenty of light, as sufficient lighting can promote photosynthesis in the plants and ensure their quality. The daily sunlight exposure should reach 14 hours or more, and should not be less than 12 hours, otherwise it will be detrimental to flower bud differentiation and also affect fruit quality and yield in the following year.
3. Water
Different growth stages of grapes have different water requirements; during the germination stage, humidity should reach 60%-80%; during the flowering stage, humidity should be 50%, otherwise it can lead to flower and fruit drop; during the fruit ripening stage, humidity should be controlled between 55%-70%, as excessive moisture can cause fruit rot and affect fruit quality. Additionally, drainage should be managed during the rainy season.
4. Soil
Grapes do not have high requirements for soil and have strong adaptability. Whether it's sandy soil, loam, or clay, grapes can grow. The optimal pH value for the soil is between 6-7.5. It's best to choose well-drained, loose sandy soil in higher terrain for planting grapes.
5. Fertilization
Different growth stages have different fertilizer needs, and the amount of fertilizer should be adjusted based on the fertility or barrenness of the soil. In the early growth stage, the nitrogen content should be increased, in the middle stage, trace elements such as calcium, magnesium, boron, zinc, and manganese can be added, and in the fruiting stage, the content of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be increased, while the nitrogen content should be reduced.
6. Pruning
Pruning includes removing excess buds, pinching the growing tips, and determining the main shoots. Remove excess and weak buds as early as possible, during the germination stage, to reduce nutrient loss; when the fruiting branches can be identified, prepare to determine the main shoots, adjusting them according to the growth habits of the variety; before flowering, pinch the growing tips to minimize nutrient loss and increase fruit setting rate. Also, keep the right number of inflorescences based on the desired yield; after harvesting the fruit, remove old, weak, and diseased leaves to reduce nutrient loss, improve lighting conditions, and promote fruiting in the following year.
7. Bagging
Bagging should be done after the fruit has set. Choose the appropriate specialized paper bags, and before bagging, pruning should be done, removing diseased and malformed fruits and spraying some fungicides, then securing the bags with wire. Half a month before the fruit ripens, prepare to remove the bags, first opening them and then removing them a week later.
8. Diseases
Anthracnose, white rot, and downy mildew are the main diseases affecting grapes. The principle for preventing and treating diseases is to detect and treat early. Observe the growth of grapes frequently, and when some plants show signs of disease, treat them promptly. Upon discovering these diseases, immediately cut off the infected branches and leaves and burn them to prevent further infection, then spray the trees with effective fungicides such as Bordeaux mixture or carbendazim. Also, improve the plant's growth environment by enhancing ventilation, drainage, and lighting conditions.
This article provides detailed explanations on how beginners can plant grapes and the techniques and management of grape cultivation. We hope this article can assist you in green plant management!