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Fruit & Orchards

How to prune 1 year old grape vine

8 years ago

I have a one year old Ruby grape in my backyard. I have not pruned it at all. It has 3 branches coming out from each side 10" above ground. All of the branches are 1/2-3/4" thick.

I bought this plant as a one gallon from a small local cooperative where they are growing it along with a few other fruits and lots of vegetables. Yesterday I asked the young man who grew it what to do with it now and he recommended removing all the branches but one and bring that one to the upright position. He then went on to say later in the season, or maybe it was winter, select two side branches up top.

I would think "bringing one branch upright" will break it.

I'd love to know your advice.

One more thing, it has several grape clusters on it but I understand they should be removed this first year.

Thanks!

Ginny in California

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Comments (2)

fruitnut Z7 4500ft SW TX
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
If it breaks getting it upright it won't hurt a thing. It will send out a strong new shoot. Train that upright and it will grow like a weed. When it reaches the horizontal wire cut it back. Train the resulting side shoots along the wire. If those grow big enough this summer they can be fruited next summer.
ginjj thanked fruitnut Z7 4500ft SW TX
ginjj
Original Author
7 years ago
Which branch would be the best to bring upright? Two are quite long (5-7 feet) with good size diameters but also likely to break. One is shorter (3') and bends easily. There are several others in the same categories.

Once I bring one upright I assume I should cut it off at the top of the pole/where I want side branches? I will also cut off all other branches.

Thanks!

Ginny
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