In late winter and spring there is a lot to do in the kitchen garden. This includes, among other things, winter pruning of the vines. We explain how to cut your vines correctly and what you need to pay attention to.
Pruning grape vines correctly: That's why winter pruning is so important
Winter pruning is very important so that the vines are pleasing to the eye, providing shade and bearing fruit for years to come. Excess leaves, shoots and old wood are removed. Anyone who does not carry out this caring cut must expect poor quality of the fruit. Because the vines will put all their energy into the formation of new shoots and leaves and will bear significantly fewer and smaller fruits.
With the winter cutThe number of old shoots is reduced and uncontrolled sprouting in summer is prevented. This can be done by removing most of the new buds and leaving only certain pairs of buds. The right time for such pruning is in February and March, before the vine's growth phase has begun.
When exactly is the right time for a caring pruning?
Grape vines are sensitive to frost, so they are only cut at temperatures above 0° Celsius. Some varieties tolerate frost better than others, so in exceptional cases they can also be cut at temperatures down to -5° Celsius. If there is permanent frost, pruning can be postponed until the end of February. An exception are old, woody vines that you want to rejuvenate. If complete shoots are removed, this should best happen in mid-February so that the plants can recover before sprouting again.
It is also important that winter pruning should only be done on plants that are leafless. Diseases, rot and frost damage can be recognized more quickly on leafless shoots. They can also be easily tied to the trellis.
Pruning grape vines correctly: instructions for late winter
For now: Grape vines only form flowers and bear fruit on this year's wood. When pruning in late winter or early spring, almost all shoots are cut off close to the ground. The procedure is as follows:
- The old and diseased branches are completely removed.
- All removed tails are cut back to two eyes. You try never to cut into old wood. Because the grapes will no longer recover from such severe pruning.
- As a rule, you should leave around 15 eyes per square meter when cutting.
- Only two or three of the main shoots are shortened to 80 cm - 100 cm and then tied horizontally to the trellis on the left and right.
- The grapes react very sensitively when water collects on the cut surface. With the right pruning technique you can prevent rot and mold. The horizontally fixed rods are therefore cut diagonally vertically. The shoots that grow upwards are cut at an angle so that rainwater can drain away.
Thinning out and removing many new shoots can have a negative effect on the quantity of the harvest, but its quality increases significantly. Because the new shoots bear fewer, but larger fruits. Pruning also has another effect: all new shoots are well ventilated and receive sufficient sunlight. The end result – sweet and delicious grapes.
Winter pruning keeps the young espalier plant in shape
But winter pruning has another purpose: it should bring the young, one to three-year-old climbing plant into the right shape. In contrast to ornamental plants, where topiary is only intended to improve the appearance, thoughtful thinning of the vine can save time and effort when harvesting.
In some cases, the espalier plant is intended to cast shade on the terrace or decorate the house. Then of course it is also important that the plant looks good. Pruning in spring is not sufficient for this purpose. In many cases, the plant must also be shaped into the desired shape in the summer.
Rejuvenation pruning in winter - This is how you can revive old grape vines
The vines need rejuvenation pruning every 5 to 10 years. This is necessary because annual pruning leaves traces. The shoots grow together, which prevents the sap from flowing freely. A rejuvenation cut aims to regulate this. For this purpose, the rods are cut almost close to the ground. Only one pair of buds is left, which will later sprout again.
Gaps caused by removing dead wood will be repaired by re-tying the vine. You can also leave 4 to 5 longer main shoots.
Cutting grape vines correctly: The most important things summarized:
Grape vines grow in late winterand cut back heavily in spring. The goal is, on the one hand, to thin out the plant and, on the other hand, to promote the production of large and sweet fruits. Only 2 to 3 main shoots are left longer, the rest is shortened to a pair of buds. The right time for such a pruning is mid to late February, and this should be done on a frost-free day. Annual winter pruning is suitable for non-woody plants between 3 and 10 years old. Woody, old plants are cut back almost to the ground and rejuvenated in February. Young plants can be pruned a second time in summer.
What you should consider when fertilizing grape vinesfind out here.
