Even the most inexperienced growers know that grapes are traditionally propagated by cuttings and seedlings . But many are probably interested in the question, but is it possible at home to grow grapes from the stone? In what comes out of trying to get a vine in such an unusual way, let's try to figure it out together.
Will the grapes grow out of the stone?
Theoretically, the cultivation of grapes from seeds has a full right to exist. But in practice this method of reproduction is associated with so much trouble that it is used extremely rarely. Basically, it risks to use only vine-growers, breeders, who need to get a material to compare the varietal qualities, the rate of growth or the effect of fertilizers on the vine. It will also suit those who want to grow decorative grapes, because the fruiting from the thus grown grapes will have to wait at least five years. In addition, it is impossible to predict in advance which properties of the variety he will inherit and how it will taste.
How to grow grapes from a stone?
By and large, all grape varieties are suitable for reproduction by bones. But in order to increase the chances of success, it is worth using hybrid varieties that have increased resistance to disease, and also tolerate the vagaries of nature more easily. It should be borne in mind that only mature seeds are suitable for germination, which are colored in a rich brown color. But black or green seeds do not have the slightest chance of germinating. Suitable seeds should be removed from the berries, rinsed in a stream of running water to clear the remains of the pulp and dry. After this, you can proceed to the process of germination of grapes from seeds. To this end, the seeds must be laid on a layer of damp cloth and wrapped in a plastic bag, after which the package is poisoned into the refrigerator. From time to time germinated seeds should be removed from the package and gently washed, and then returned to the refrigerator. If everything is done correctly, then in one and a half to two months on the seeds you can see the roots.
How to plant grapes from a stone?
Immediately after the appearance of rootlets, germinated seeds should be planted in small pots with a nutrient mixture consisting of equal parts of humus and sand to a depth of 2-3 cm. Pots should be placed in a warm well-lit place and provide them with sufficient drinking regime. In one-and-a-half weeks from the ground, the first sprouts of grapes will appear, outwardly very similar to pepper sprouts.
Further growing of seedlings of grapes requires the horticulturist to carry out the entire complex of care activities: loosening of the soil, treatment from pests, introduction of fertilizing. Most often, grapes grown at home suffer from a shortage of nitrogen and phosphorus, which is supplemented by periodic application of complex fertilizers.
It should be remembered that above 2.5 meters at home grapes will not grow, so two or three months after planting, it must necessarily be transplanted into the open ground. Therefore, it is necessary to guess the germination of grape seeds so that the seedling can be transplanted into the open ground in the spring. For the winter, the vine is gently twisted into a ring and sprinkled with earth. Pruning and molding of such a vine can be carried out only after the beginning of fruiting, ie not earlier than five years after planting.