How to Plant Grapevine Seeds

Germination

• 1

  Fill a plastic bag with damp peat moss. Drop a handful of grapevine seeds into the bag. Seal the bag and place it your refrigerator for three months. The three-month waiting period is called a stratification period, which will chill the seeds and prepare them for germination.

• 2

  Remove the grapevine seeds from the refrigerator after the three-month waiting period. Fill 4-inch pots with sterile soil and press three to four grapevine seeds ½ inch down into the soil in each pot. Pat the soil over the seeds to remove air pockets.

• 3

  Mist the soil with a spray bottle filled with water. Keep the soil moist at all times, misting whenever necessary.

• 4

  Place the pots in an area that receives bright, indirect light and maintain a temperature of approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the two- to three-week germination period.

• 5

  Continue to keep the soil well watered as the grapevines grow. Maintain the bright light requirements, as well as the required temperature. If you are unable to provide the grapevines with bright light or 75 degree Fahrenheit temperatures, set up a grow light and plant heating pad.

Transplanting

• 6

  Prepare the soil in your garden for planting as soon as the soil is workable in the spring. Work the soil with a garden fork, breaking up large chunks of earth. You will also need to test the soil before planting. Grapes prefer soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. You may need to incorporate amendments if your soil does not meet this requirement.

• 7

  Amend the soil with lime if the soil test reveals a pH below 5.5, or peat moss if your soil is above 6.5. Mix the required amendment into the soil as directed on the package labeling.

• 8

  Dig holes for the grapevine plants that match the size of their root balls. Space the holes at least 6 to 8 feet apart. Remove the grapevines from their pots and place one plant in the center of each hole. Backfill the holes and pat the soil around the holes to remove air pockets.

• 9

  Mulch around the grapevine plants with a layer of sawdust, woodchips or straw that is 2 to 3 inches deep. Mulching will helps to reduce weed growth and improves water retention.

• 10

  Water the grapevines with a soaker hose that will provide deep watering. Supply the grapevines with 1 inch of water every week, keeping the soil moist at a 1-inch depth at all times.