Grape cultivation basics

Botanical name: Vitis vinifera

Family: Vitaceae

Chromosome numbers of grapes is 2n = 38.



 1. Climatic conditions: 

Grapes are usually grown in areas with a warm and dry climate. The ideal temperature range for grape cultivation is between 15°C to 35°C. A warm climate with moderate humidity during the growing season is favorable. The vines need a long, frost-free growing season to fully mature and produce fruit.


2. Soil: 

Grapes grow well in well-drained soils with good water retention capacity. The soil should have a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. Grapes are susceptible to soil-borne diseases such as root rot, so it is important to choose soils that are free from pathogens.


3. Propagation: 

Grapes can be propagated by two methods - asexual and sexual. Asexual propagation is done by stem cuttings, while sexual propagation is done by seeds. However, asexual propagation is more commonly used for grape cultivation. Also propagated by hardwood cutting.


4. Planting: 

Grapevines can be planted in rows or in a quincunx pattern. The time of sowing is usually in early spring. The seed rate is around 1 kg per acre. The spacing between rows should be 8-10 feet, while the spacing between plants should be 6-8 feet.


5. Irrigation: 

Grapevines require regular irrigation from the day of sowing. The frequency of irrigation depends on the soil and climatic conditions. In general, grapevines need water every 7-10 days during the growing season.


6. Manures and fertilizers: 

Grapes require balanced fertilization to produce good quality fruits. The recommended NPK dose is 60:30:30 kg/acre. Organic manures like compost or farmyard manure can also be applied to the soil.


7. Training and pruning: 

Training and pruning are important for proper grapevine growth and development. The grapevines need to be trained on trellises or wires to support their growth. Pruning is done to remove dead or diseased wood and to maintain the shape of the plant.


8. Varieties: 

Some common varieties of grapes include Thompson Seedless, Crimson Seedless, Flame Seedless, and Red Globe.


9. Harvesting stage and yield: 

Grapes are typically harvested when they are fully ripe. The yield of grapes depends on various factors like variety, soil, climate, and management practices. The average yield of grapes per acre is around 10-12 tons.