Skip to main content

Pre-Planting Vine Preparation

Proper vine preparation is often overlooked due to tight schedules and the need to coordinate planting times with contractors. While vines generally grow without visible issues, suboptimal conditions – such as heavy soils or dry growing seasons – can place unnecessary stress on them, reducing growth rates and delaying full vineyard production.

All bare-rooted vines planted in Canada spend 6-7 months in cold storage before planting. During this period, moisture loss is inevitable due to prolonged storage and handling. This issue is further compounded by Hot Water Treatment, which is now mandatory for all imported European vines under the CFIA regulations. To counter this moisture loss, it is highly recommended to soak vines in water for 24 to 48 hours before planting. This process replenishes lost moisture, ensuring vines are hydrated and better prepared for the soil. During soaking, vines must be shaded and protected from wind to prevent further dehydration.

Another essential step is trimming vine roots just before planting. Although nursery-supplied vines are typically pre-trimmed, these cuts are made 6-7 months earlier during grading. A fresh cut stimulates root growth, promoting faster vine establishment and accelerating vineyard production timelines. Opinions vary on the ideal amount of root mass to leave after trimming, but the key is to ensure fresh cuts are made. The final root length depends on the planting method used. For mechanical planting, it is recommended to trim roots to 3-4 inches in length.

By prioritizing these preparation steps, growers can mitigate stress on vines and optimize their growth potential under challenging conditions.



Back to Grower Info

Your compare list

Compare
REMOVE ALL
COMPARE
0