How to perform the planting of vines

Planting time

The planting of vines can be carried out in autumn and in spring. It has been established that autumn planting results in a higher percentage of vine establishment and stronger vine growth during the first year. Spring planting is considered the more common practice in our country. It is best carried out in the second half of March and the beginning of April, as soon as work in the field is possible.

Preparation of vines for planting

Before planting, the roots of the vines are soaked in water for one to two days in order to freshen them. This operation is mandatory when planting is carried out in spring. The preparation of the vines for planting is done as follows:

- all well-developed roots located at the base of the rootstock are preserved;

- the roots are trimmed to a length of 6 to 8 cm;

- injured and damaged roots are removed back to healthy tissue;

- all roots developed from the upper nodes are removed down to the base;

- the cane developed from the graft is pruned to 2 visible buds (eyes);

- if more canes have sprouted, the stronger one with the better position is selected and the others are removed;

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If it is not possible to plant the purchased vines immediately, they can be temporarily stored in a cellar at a temperature that does not fall below 0°C. The root system is covered with moist, clean river sand, which must be moistened periodically. If sand is not available, it is also possible to cover the roots with moist soil.

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Planting methods

Vines can be planted by several methods: in planting holes, with a planting tool, with a hydro-drill, by opening furrows, with a planting machine, etc.

Planting in holes is the most widespread method in our country. With it, vine establishment is very good. The digging of the holes is carried out as follows:

- the hole is dug at the place marked with the marking wire with a spade to a depth of 40 cm and a width of 25–30 cm;

- at the bottom of the hole it is advisable to apply 1–2 kg of well-rotted farmyard manure, previously mixed with friable soil;

- the young vine is placed in the hole so that the roots lie on the previously prepared bottom of the hole;

- the hole is filled halfway with soil, which is tamped very well, after which 5–6 litres of water are poured into the hole;

- after the water has infiltrated, the hole is filled with soil up to its upper edge and again tamped well;

- a marker is driven in right next to the vine, indicating where the spur of the planted vine is located;

- it is important that when placing the vine in the hole, the graft union is at the level of the soil surface;

- above the planted vine a mound of friable soil is made, which, in the case of spring planting, covers the spur with a soil layer of 5–6 cm, and in the case of autumn planting – of 25–30 cm;

Care of vines after planting

- It is a mandatory requirement that during the vegetation period the mounds are not opened. On heavier soils, sand may be sprinkled directly around the spur or on top of the mound to prevent the formation of a thick crust.

- During the vegetation period the new shoots emerge through the formed soil mound. When a crust forms on the mound after rain, it is loosened, and when it settles, it is restored.

- When the shoots reach 25–30 cm, the mounds are opened and the adventitious roots are removed, after which the mounds are restored again.

- If necessary, mechanical or chemical control of wireworms and cutworms is carried out.

- Young vines are not disbudded, pinched or lateraled, since a reduction of the leaf area weakens them.

- At the beginning of September the mounds are opened so that the base of the shoot can ripen, and they are heaped up again before the onset of cold weather.

- It is preferable that pruning of one-year-old vines be carried out in the spring of the second year.

The text is published with the kind cooperation of the Institute of Viticulture and Enology in Pleven. If you wish to learn more about wine and table grape varieties, as well as how to make accurate calculations in wine and brandy production, you may visit the website of the Institute of Viticulture and Enology – http://.ilv.my.contact.bg/index.htm