Ever thought about expanding your vineyard without spending a dime at the nursery? You’re in luck! Propagating your own grapevines is actually pretty easy. One of the most reliable ways to do it is through a method called “layering.” In just a few weeks, you’ll have a brand-new baby vine that’s a perfect genetic twin of your favorite mother plant.
Different Ways to Propagate Grapevines
When it comes to propagating grapes, you’ve got a few options depending on how much effort you want to put in. Besides layering, you can also try:
- Growing from cuttings (hardwood or softwood)
- Starting from seed (though keep in mind, seeds won’t always grow “true” to the parent plant!)
How to Propagate Grapes Using the Layering Method
Layering is one of the simplest, “set-it-and-forget-it” methods out there. First, find a healthy, flexible vine on your mother plant that’s long enough to reach the ground. Once you’ve picked your winner, here’s what you do:
- Bend the vine down to the soil so that at least two or three buds are touching the ground.
- Use a clean knife to lightly nick or “wound” the underside of the vine where it touches the dirt. This encourages those roots to sprout!
- Bury that section of the vine with soil, leaving just the very tip of the shoot poking out.
If the vine is being stubborn and won’t stay down, just pin it in place with some landscape staples, tent pegs, or even a heavy rock. You can also tie the tip of the shoot to a small wooden stake to keep it growing upright. The best part? The mother plant keeps feeding the “baby” with water and nutrients while it develops its own root system.
When to Cut the Cord
After a few weeks, your new little vine should start developing its own roots. A great sign that it’s ready to go solo is when you see fresh new growth popping up at the tip. Once it’s established, you can snip the connection to the mother plant. Carefully dig up the young plant—roots and all—and move it to its permanent home in your garden or into a nice big pot.
Propagating Potted Grapevines
Do you grow your grapes in containers? No problem! You can use the exact same layering trick. Just grab a second pot filled with fresh potting soil and place it right next to your main plant. Lead a vine over to the new pot, pin it down, and cover it with soil. Once it takes root, you’ve got a ready-to-go potted grapevine to keep or give away to a friend!
