How to Grow Grapes From Seeds

A grape orchard.

Grapes are fruit producing vines that can be grown throughout areas of the world. Some varieties, such as Monastrell, are grown purely for wine production; others, such as the Thompson seedless variety, are grown for eating fresh. Growing grapes is usually done via cutting because this assures a true-type variety, while growing from seed does not. Bear in mind that the proper preparation of grape seeds is necessary in order to achieve success.

Things You'll Need

• Grapes
• Colander
• Potato masher
• Beaker or bowl
• Paper towels
• Filter paper
• Plastic bag
• Fungicide
• Peat pots
• Soil-less growing medium
• Pencil or chopstick
• Spray bottle

Instructions

Preparing Grape Seeds

1. Crush ripened grapes gently using a potato masher or a large fork. Pick out the grape seeds.

2. Set the grape seeds into a wire basket, or colander. Rinse them under tap water to remove any leftover pulp or stick residue.

3. Place the clean seeds into a beaker or bowl of water. Discard any seeds that float, as they are not viable.

4. Transfer the grape seeds onto paper towels to air dry for six to 10 hours.

5. Mix together a fungicide that is made especially for seeds. Read the instructions on the label and dilute by 1/2 strength. Rinse the seeds in the fungicide solution. Doing this prevents damping off a disease caused by excess moisture.

6. Set the seeds into filter paper made especially for storing seeds and fold the paper over the seeds. Set the seeds into plastic bags.

7. Set the seeds inside a refrigerator that is set to stay at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Leave the bag in the refrigerator for three months, as suggested by Cornell University.

8. Remove the grape seeds from their cold storage after the three months has passed and pot them up.

Planting Grape Seeds

1. Scoop out a sterilized soil-less growing medium into 4-inch peat pots.

2. Pack the growing medium down firmly in each of the pots. Mist the medium with enough water to thoroughly moisten the growing medium.

3. Poke 1/2-inch deep holes in the middle of each of the peat pots. You can use a pencil, pen or chopstick to do this.

4. Sprinkle 1/2 inch of growing medium over the grape seeds.

5. Transfer the peat pots to either a greenhouse or into a warm location in your home that will remain at a consistently warm temperature for germination. Ideally, the temperature needs to stay between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the peat pots moistened, misting with water as needed. Germination can be sporadic but can begin in about three to four weeks.

6. Place the grape seedlings outdoors in a covered location to acclimate them about two months before you plant them in their permanent location.

7. Transplant the grape seedlings into their permanent location starting in late May through June. The site should be in full sun. Each grape seedling should be planted about two feet apart, depending on the variety you are planting.

8. Build a grape trellis for the grapes when they are 1 to 2 feet tall. See the resource section for information on how to construct a proper grape trellis.

References

• Cornell University: Growing Grapes From Seed
• My Grape Vine: Breeding Grapes

Resources

• Iowa State University: Building a Grape Trellis