Propagation of grapes by layering in summer, autumn and spring: how to do it right with a photo

Reproduction of varietal grapes by layering is becoming increasingly popular among summer residents who want to increase the number of bushes on their site and not spend a lot of money for this. The technique has several effective ways, with the help of which not only increase the number of plants on the site, but also insure or replace old and weak bushes.

What is grape cutting?

Layerings can easily propagate even difficult-to-root grape varieties. Other methods for them do not bring the desired result. It must be remembered that the method is good only in those areas where root diseases have not previously occurred.

Professional winegrowers call cuttings rooted and dug in the ground, which, after separation from the mother bush, can be used as independent seedlings and propagate the plant with them. Due to the direct connection of the layering with the mother plant, the necessary nutrition is provided, the seedling develops well and actively develops its own root system.

A lot of adventitious roots are formed, providing a good and quick survival of a young bush.

Pros and cons of the cutting method

Propagation of grapes by layering has its strengths and weaknesses, given which the gardener decides whether to use this technique on his site. Benefits include:

can be used to restore and propagate old bushes;
receiving planting material for further disembarkation;
increasing the area of own vineyards and profit from the sale of planting material;
using seedlings in landscape design by creating bushes with unusual shapes;
preservation of varietal characteristics of the mother plant;
excellent survival;
possibility to harvest already in the first year after planting.

The disadvantage is that when propagating a grape bush by layering, the mother plant is greatly depleted.

What are the ways of cutting grapes?

Vine layering methods are classified according to the method of digging. When propagated by green layering, the branches take root perfectly, and the young plant takes root easily and quickly.For this procedure, you will need to choose the strongest plant of the desired variety, which has a good yield. It is better if it grows in a spacious place. Preparatory work is carried out in the spring, when the grape bush is pruned.

When pruning, a pair of lower shoots is selected, which will subsequently be laid in the ground. It will be great, the branches are located near the ground. In summer, when their length reaches a couple of meters, a trench half a meter deep is dug near the grapes. The walls and bottom are made sheer. Organic fertilizers are mixed with soil and poured into the bottom of the trench.

From the selected shoots, all leaves and stepchildren are carefully cut off, after which they are placed in a prepared hole, half covered with earth.

Next, it is necessary to water the groove abundantly and fill the earth to the top. The top of the vine is pulled out and attached to a wooden support. During the entire summer period, layering periodically moisten and loosen the soil, simultaneously removing emerging weeds.By the end of summer, the top of the grapes are broken off, thereby limiting the growth of the ground part and allowing the plant to devote all its strength to the formation of adventitious roots.

If the layers obtained in this way are planned to be stored for the winter, then it must be well insulated. By the end of September, the young grape bush can already be separated from the mother plant and stored in a closed room (for example, in the basement). This procedure can be carried out in the spring, before planting in a permanent place of growth.

Another time-tested method of propagating grapes is known - by air layering. Despite the fact that it was invented a long time ago, its popularity has not diminished. Its essence is to ensure that a new root system is formed on a lignified shoot. To this end, in the spring, when pruning, the strongest shoot is selected, all the leaves are cut off from it. 20 cm recede from the top of the branch, make an incision in the bark in a circle, the width of which is up to 5 mm.

This place is wrapped in wet moss, and wrapped in black cellophane on top. After a certain time, roots should form in this place. In autumn, the shoot with roots is separated from the mother plant and planted in flower pots or plastic cups, and then sent to a cool place until spring. With the onset of heat, young grape bushes are planted in a permanent place of growth.

Propagation of grapes by layering according to the season

Reproduction of grapes in the summer is produced at a time when the length of the vine has already reached 2-2.5 meters. Usually this period falls on the end of July or the first half of August. Choose a few of the strongest branches closest to the soil, and completely cut off the leaves from them. After that, the vine is placed in a groove prepared in advance, bringing a pair of eyes to the surface.

In autumn, grapes are propagated extremely rarely, but if there is a need for this, then the procedure can be carried out by any method of rooting cuttings.

A feature of autumn reproduction is that it is desirable to dig the resulting young plant before frost, plant it in a pot and send it to the basement for storage. If this is not possible, then you can leave it to winter in the garden, while providing good shelter. Covering material is laid with a thickness of at least 20 cm.

In spring, for the propagation of grapes, they most often resort to hilling the head of a bush. Its disadvantage is that the mother plant is depleted. Suitable for those varieties that are characterized by compact size and low bush molding. With the onset of heat, all the branches on the grapes are cut in such a way that there is a gap for a couple of eyes.

When they germinate by 25 cm, they are covered with a layer of soil and watered. During the season, make sure that the earth is constantly wet, otherwise the roots will not form. With the onset of autumn, cuttings are cut as close to soil level as possible.

Tips for transplanting and caring for cuttings

Proper care of grape bushes obtained as a result of rooting cuttings will help not only increase their viability, but also speed up the first harvest. The earth must be loosened in a timely manner and very carefully, to remove emerging weeds. Of great importance is regular watering, which is done no more than once every 10 days. Irrigate the soil in special grooves or directly into the plant holes. The soil should be loosened as the upper layers are compacted due to precipitation or watering.

Grapes respond gratefully to the timely application of fertilizing. Potash and phosphate fertilizers are of great importance for him.

It is the presence and reserves of phosphorus that determine the laying and development of future fruit buds, as well as the level of sugar in ripe fruits. Potassium increases the protective properties of the plant and stimulates growth processes. Nitrogen also has a positive effect on development and growth, but it is important not to overdo it with this trace element. Otherwise, the grapes will begin the process of protracted growth, and he will not have time to prepare for winter. As a result, frost resistance is reduced, and there is a risk of freezing of a young plant.

In order for the young vine to acquire a vertical position, it is recommended to tie it to the pegs set in advance. In the first year of life, only 3 shoots are left on the grapes. If there are more of them, then the strongest ones are selected, and the rest are carefully cut off.

Before the onset of cold weather, the branches are cut so that their length is up to 1 meter, and bent to the ground. On top of the young grapes, a layer of soil is poured, taken from the middle of the row spacing. This procedure is done after the first frost has passed.In winter, snow retention should be organized in the vineyard.

General tips and tricks from gardeners

You can propagate grapes by layering in various climatic conditions. For planting, it is better to choose a well-lit, sunny place, protected from drafts. The soil on the site is selected fertile, because when new grape bushes appear, the consumption of trace elements and nutrients from it increases.

To measure the length of a young vine, they resort to using a centimeter tape, which is commonly called a centimeter. The garter of grape branches is made using twine, rope or thin shreds of fabric. When transplanting young bushes, fuss and haste should be avoided, because this often leads to damage to the shoots and a weak root system. This mistake is often made not only by beginners, but also by experienced growers.