How to Prune White Grape Vines

Pruning grapes regularly promotes healthy fruit growth.

Grape growing, whether for edible fruit or wine making, is time-consuming work. Growing white grapes requires regular, seasonal pruning to prevent disease and promote full fruit growth. Without pruning the vines become thick and unmanageable, reducing sunlight and retaining moisture. Pruning depends on the variety, however, so choose a white grape variety that requires the amount of pruning you're willing to give it. Fruit is always grown on the current season's growth, growing from last season's wood, so it is important to keep older wood to a minimum.

Things You'll Need

• Ties
• Gloves
• Pruning shears
• Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

1. Cut all branches below the wires of your trellis system so only a single trunk grows up to the wires.

2. Tie the canes to the support system with gardener's ties to keep the vine healthy during the year.

3. Tie the previous year's growth to the horizontal wire to act as your cordon. All fruit will grow from the cordon in the next year.

4. Cut back all old growth from the main trunk that is not from the current year. This is dead wood that will not produce in the new year. Cut the vines at a 45-degree angle, as close to the main trunk as possible. Clean the pruning shears with rubbing alcohol after each cut.

5. Cut out any diseased wood. Only use healthy cordon on your wire.

Tips & Warnings

• Prune toward the end of winter, while the plant is still dormant but the chance of cold weather has passed.

References

• British Columbia: Grapes in Your Garden
• Ohio State University Extension: Growing Grapes in the Home Fruit Planting
• University of Minnesota Extension: Growing Grapes for Home Use