How to Transplant Scuppernong Vines

Transplant scuppernongs during the dormant period, from late fall to early spring. This allows the grapevine enough time to establish itself in the garden before it begins producing new growth. The most important cultural requirements for scuppernongs are well-drained soil, good air circulation and full sun.

Use the shovel to turn the soil in the planting bed. Use the rake or your hands to remove large rocks and break up dirt clods. Water both the transplant site and the grapevine at its original site or in its nursery container the day before planting. This helps keep the roots moist and makes digging the hole easier.

Dig a hole 2 feet wide and deep in the transplant site. If you are transplanting more than one vine, space the transplant holes about 20 feet apart. If you are moving vines from one part of the yard to another, dig the scuppernong vine from its original location, being careful to retain as much of the plant’s roots as possible. To keep the scuppernong’s roots from drying out, take it to the transplant hole immediately. Take container-grown nursery stock to the transplant hole and remove the vine.

Plant both yard-grown scuppernongs and nursery-grown container stock vines the same way. Place the yard-grown scuppernongs in the center of the transplant hole. The top of the vine’s root ball should be no higher than the top of the transplant hole. Use the hand trowel to add or subtract some of the excavated soil to raise or lower the plant in the hole.

Hold the vine in place with one hand and scoop enough excavated soil into the hole around the roots of the plant to hold it in place. Water the scuppernong to squeeze out air pockets in the soil. Finish filling the hole with the excavated soil, then water the plant again.

Prune the vine back to relieve strain on the roots and promote new growth. Scuppernongs are vigorous plants that easily withstand the most severe pruning. Use the cuttings, if you like, to root new scuppernong vines.