How to Cultivate and Manage Grapes
The editor explains the related experience of how to cultivate and manage grapes and the steps of grape planting methods. Keep reading!
Grapes are the most common and famous species originally from Western Asia, and 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 as medicine, which has a calming effect on pregnant women. Next, let's introduce the grape planting management techniques.
1. Temperature
Grapes prefer warm conditions and 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 enjoy plenty of light, which promotes photosynthesis and ensures plant quality. It is necessary to maintain daily sunlight exposure of more than 14 hours, and not 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
The water requirements of grapes vary at different growth stages; during the germination period, humidity should reach 60%-80%; during the flowering period, humidity should be 50%, otherwise it will lead to flower and fruit drop; during the fruit ripening period, humidity should be controlled between 55%-70%. Excessive humidity can cause fruit rot and affect fruit quality. Moreover, drainage should be ensured during the rainy season.
4. Soil
Grapes do not have high soil requirements and are adaptable. Whether it's sandy soil, loamy soil, or clay soil, grapes can grow. It is best to keep the soil pH between 6-7.5, and it's preferable to choose well-drained, loose sandy soil with higher terrain for planting grapes.
5. Fertilization
Different growth stages have different fertilizer needs, and the amount of fertilizer should also be adjusted according to the fertility or infertility 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 reducing the nitrogen content.
6. Pruning
Pruning includes removing unnecessary buds, pinching the growing tips, and determining the main branches. Removing unnecessary buds should be done early, during the germination period, to reduce nutrient loss. When the fruiting branches can be distinguished, prepare to determine the main branches, which should be adjusted according to the growth habits of the variety. Before flowering, it's essential to pinch the growing tips to minimize nutrient loss and increase fruit set, while also reserving the appropriate number of inflorescences according to the yield ratio. After harvesting the fruit, old, weak, and diseased leaves should be cut to reduce nutrient loss, improve lighting conditions, and promote fruiting the following year.
7. Bagging
Bagging should be done after fruit setting. Choose the appropriate specialized paper bags, prune before bagging, remove diseased and malformed fruits, spray some fungicides, and secure the bags with wire. Prepare to remove the bags a month before the fruit ripens, first opening the bags and then removing them after a week.
8. Diseases
Anthracnose, white rot, and downy mildew are the main diseases of grapes. The principle of disease control is to detect and treat early. It is important to observe the growth of grapes regularly, and when a plant is infected, it should be treated promptly. Upon discovering these diseases, immediately cut and burn the infected branches and leaves to prevent further infection. Then, spray effective drugs such as Bordeaux mixture or carbendazim on the fruit trees, while also improving the growing environment by enhancing ventilation, drainage, and lighting conditions.
The above content about how to cultivate and manage grapes and the steps of grape planting methods can be referenced by greenery enthusiasts.