Structure of a Grape Vine

Grape vine with ripe fruit

Grape vines may be grown by gardeners of all types. Place grape vines in rich, deep soil, planting vines between October and February to enjoy fruits during the summer. Grape vines are large plants comprised of many different parts. The structure of the grape vine is an important consideration when deciding where to grow this plant in your yard.

Buds and Nodes

Buds and nodes are the beginnings of leaves and fruit on the grape vine. Flowers may sprout from buds and nodes, later maturing into edible grapes. The grapes will usually receive their color in July, changing from green to reddish-purple. Small shoots from the buds and nodes may also turn into large grape leaves, which will reach full maturity before the fruit ripens on the vine. Small, lateral shoots may also develop on the wood of the vine itself. The lateral shoots may develop very small fruits which are inadequate for harvesting. Prune the lateral shoots during the summer to keep the grape vine healthy, getting rid of these unwanted growths, according to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Tendrils

Tendrils--a distinct feature on grape vines--are long, winding protrusions which coil and wind around fences, trellises, the plant itself and anything else they may reach. Tendrils appear at the top and sides of stems, growing in long, thin lengths until the plant is ready for harvest. After the fruit is harvested, the tendrils of the grape vine will harden and become wooden in nature.

Leaves

The large leaves of the grape vine provide nourishment and air for the plant. The leaves grow laterally along the vine with three to five large lobes, which are serrated at the edges. Grape vine leaves are light to dark green in appearance. The leaves of any plant, grapevine included, are the main tool of nourishing the plant, converting sunlight into usable energy.

Stems and Shoots

The stem, or vine, of the grape vine is the main "trunk" of the plant. Shoots which will bear grapes grow outwardly from the vine, the central stem which runs the length of the plant. The grape vine's stem provides its main support system, providing a backbone for all leaves, flowers and fruit. The stem is anchored to the ground via roots, which grow beneath the surface of the soil to soak up nutrients.

Roots

Grape vines grow three types of roots: shallow, subterranean and principal. The shallow roots are quick-growing, short-living roots which live near the surface of the soil to catch moisture. Subterranean roots help to anchor the plant, keeping it secure to the ground to provide structural support. Principal roots deliver moisture and minerals directly to the plant, storing nutrients to nourish the grape vine throughout the long winter while the plant is dormant.

References

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Presentation - Grapes
• BackyardGardener.com: Grape vines - Grow and Care
• Royal Botanical Gardens KEW: Plant structure -- leaves, stems and roots

Resources

• UC Agriculture and Natural Resources: Wine Grapevine Structure