skip to main content

Fruit & Orchards

Newbie ? Is it too late to plant grape vines?

highalttransplant

15 years ago

I am new to growing fruit. Last year, it was strawberries, this spring, we planted a couple of apple trees. The plan was to build a pergola over the patio, and grow grape vines over the top. The problem is that it took two months to get approval for the pergola from the town and the HOA, which is ridiculous considering we live in a town of 2,500. Anyway, don't get me started on that rant, LOL!

So I finally got my permit today, but I'm wondering if I'm too late for this year. Most mail order places only ship grape vines in the spring, so I'm assuming that they shouldn't be planted in the fall. It will probably take DH a couple of weekends to get it built, which would put us into the hottest month of the year before I could plant them. I've found a couple of places that are still shipping this week. Should I take a chance and order them now, or just wait until next year?

Oh, and one more question. How long will it take the vines to cover the top of the pergola, and how many years till we actually have something to harvest? Okay, that was two questions.

Dreaming of a grapevine covered pergola,

Bonnie

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

fruitnut Z7 4500ft SW TX
15 years ago
It is not too late to plant potted grapevines. Won't think you could still get bare root anyhow. You can plant them after you're done building if you can get potted. If your plants grow well you should have fruit in 2-3 yrs. What varieties are you thinking about? What is your elevation and how cold does it get in winter?

The Fruitnut
highalttransplant
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the reply, Fruitnut! (greatname BTW)

We are at approx 5500 ft, and it can get to - 20 degrees, but not often. I was thinking about Reliance, a seedless red grape. Mainly looking for fresh eating, but might try making jelly too. Wouldn't mind a green seedless one as well, but do not care for the blue/purple ones like Concord. Any suggestions?

Bonnie
Related Discussions
(big) online plant order - too late to plant???
Q
Comments (1)
It SHOULD be fine until about the middle of Dec., and maybe later than that, depending on how cold it gets for how long. As long as the soil is warm, the plant roots will start to grow - adding a little triple phosophate to the planting hole won't hurt. If you water religiously until the soil cools - unless it rains, or temps stay in the 40's - everything should be OK. Watering after the new year should be done during warm spells, again unless it rains, and mulching things with several inches of hardwood or pine straw mulch will help. If you think anything is marginal in its youth, you could put pine boughs over it, about the beginning of Jan, to protect against frost damage. Anything you get late, or are uncertain about, you can go to the effort of potting up, and either putting in a very protected area outside, not forgetting to check on moisture levels, such as against a south facing wall, or keep in a garage or unheated shed, and shuttle them in and out as the weather dictates. The hyacinth and anemones should certainly go in the ground, or in pots that don't get too much protection - they require cold to flower. The peony also needs a certain amount of cold to do well, so should go in ground or in an outside pot. The same for the lily of the valley. The sweet peas will wimp out as soon as it gets too hot (they are a cool weather plant down here), so the more growth, and flowering time, they can get before then, the better. The lavender will need very good drainage, so you might want to put that in a pot until you come up with the perfect place for it. Almost all the rest are pretty tough, so it depends on the arrival time, and how much time you have as to whether they get planted in the ground or in pots....
...See More
Is it too late to plant a honeysuckle vine?
Q
Comments (1)
I got the information I needed. Thanks anyway.
...See More
Grape hyacinths planting time? Too late?
Q
Comments (5)
Thanks for the advice, guys. Yesterday (Sunday) I drove down to RI with the little bulbs and put them into the garden inside the rock edges in clumps. So now all I have to do is wait til spring. --and BTW what happened to the warm sunny Sunday predicted? It was cool, foggy, showery. (But all the ground was soft, the grass glowing green, the garlic shooting up prematurely. This is the dangerous month when I start foolishly planning large new garden beds because my back has stopped aching from last growing season.) Carol
...See More
Is it too late to plant a vine now?
Q
Comments (1)
Sorry, I see this has been answered a few times below; thought I had searched but I guess my impending hard drive reformat and OS reinstall last night made me less attentive. I will look at local nurseries and see if anybody has something vigorous already growing. Thanks for all the advice you've made available everybody! Keep it growing. :-)
...See More
fruitnut Z7 4500ft SW TX
15 years ago
Bonnie:

You might like Canadice, not really green but is hardy and tasty. Jupiter is highly recommended for taste. Probably not as hardy as the other two. I've heard that there is a developing table grape industry in SW Idaho. Know they have tried dozens of varieties but haven't heard results. Maybe you could find out something from that area.

The Fruitnut
fruitnut Z7 4500ft SW TX
15 years ago
Bonnie:

Did a little surfing and came up with some recommendations from Dr Essie Fallahi at Parma ID. The best seedless from their trials are Alborz, Emerald, Autumn Royal, Ralli/Anahita, Jupiter, Princess, and Neptune. I'm growing both Princess and Autumn Royal. They are very good grapes but wonder about hardiness. My favorite is Summer Royal but would question it's hardiness as well.

Do think Jupiter is one you should try. I haven't grown it but plan to just to see what it is like since I've heard so many good things about it. And it is probably hardy enough for you.

The Fruitnut
highalttransplant
Original Author
15 years ago
Well, the places that had potted vines were already sold out of the varieties I was interested in, but Jung's is having an end of season sale on bareroot, 2 yr. old vines. They have Reliance and Marquis seedless varieties for $5.95, or three for $14.95.

Part of me knows that whatever they have are the leftovers that will probably not survive. The other part of me says, it's a great price, if they make it I'll be a growing season ahead, and if they don't, I'm not out a lot of money.

Any thoughts or advice?

Bonnie

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Try California Wild Grape for Interest All Year

By Debbie Ballentine

Sure, it’s stunning in fall. But the spring buds, summer grapes and gnarled winter vines are gorgeous too

LANDSCAPE DESIGN See 5 Unexpected Ways to Use Vines

By Falon Mihalic

Vines can grow over slopes, trail off pergolas and add seasonal color to the garden

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Fragrant Trachelospermum Jasminoides

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

This graceful vine’s scented white flowers attract admirers near and far

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Feed the Birds: 6 Plants for Abundant Winter Berries

By Therese Ciesinski

Be kind to your fair feathered friends during lean food times by planting a shrub or tree loaded with nutritious snacks

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Sambucus Nigra

By Curtis Adams

Common elderberry is a highly adaptable shrub from the eastern U.S., with berries galore for wildlife and humans alike

GARDENING GUIDES Let's Weed Out 4 Native Plant Myths

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Plant wisely for a garden that supports pollinators and requires less work

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Top California Native Plants, Trees and Grasses

By Debbie Ballentine

Enjoy a fuss-free, water-wise garden in the Golden State by growing plants naturally in tune with the climate and wildlife

CENTRAL PLAINS NATIVE PLANTS 10 Top Grasses for the Central Plains

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Low-maintenance grasses provide seasonal interest and wildlife habitat, and aid good design

INSPIRING GARDENS From Concrete Lot to Gracious Organic Garden in Seattle

By Kimberley Bryan

Plants, pests and even weeds have a place in this landscape, which offers an edible bounty and a feast for the eyes

FALL GARDENING Houzz Call: Show Us Your Fall Color!

By Annie Thornton

Post pictures of your fall landscape — plants, leaves, wildlife — in the Comments section. Your photo could appear in an upcoming article

Sponsored

T. Walton Carr, Architects

Franklin County's Preferred Architectural Firm | Best of Houzz Winner

More Discussions

Whats wrong with my apple tree?

18

Peach tree dead buds

2

No flowers on my apricot tree?

6

What's causing this strawberry problem?

2

Is this a crabapple?

7