How to choose grapes for planting?

When a gardener considers planting grapes, a key question arises: how to pick the right seedling? At first, it may seem that grafted and own-rooted plants are similar.

But the choice greatly affects the future of the vineyard, the harvest, fruit quality, and how much care the plants need. It’s important to understand what works best for your land, and weigh the strengths and weaknesses of each type.

Grafted grapes are made from two parts: the rootstock and the scion. The rootstock forms the root system, while the scion determines the grape variety and fruit taste. This combo lets you create plants with qualities from both parts. Grafted seedlings offer several key benefits.

They are very resistant to cold, handling tough winters well. They are also highly resistant to diseases like phylloxera. Their strong roots help the plant gather nutrients even in poor soil or dry conditions.

Many grafted types start producing fruit quickly, often in just 2-3 years after planting.

Grafted grapevines are best for areas where diseases like mildew or oidium are common. They are often used in commercial vineyards because they give steady yields and have less chance of getting sick.

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