Guide to propagating grapes from green cuttings in summer

To expand the area of ​​the vineyard, as well as update old favorite varieties, there is a way to propagate grapes using green cuttings. This simple and common method can be easily mastered even by novice winegrowers. It is important to carry out the procedure correctly, following the technology of cutting, rooting and planting the source material. We will tell you in this article how grapes are propagated by cuttings in the summer.

Is it possible to propagate grapes from green cuttings in summer?

Cuttings of grapes for propagation are carried out not only in autumn, but also in summer.

Summer propagation of the crop is widely used both in large nurseries and in private plots. This is the most painless method for the plant. In addition, it does not require the expenditure of funds, since parts are used as planting material, which are removed in the process of breaking off green shoots.

It can be difficult to purchase a seedling of a good variety, because the cost of a new product can reach up to 50-100 dollars. Therefore, we have to face the need to obtain our own high-quality planting material.

The technology of summer cuttings was developed by Doctor of Agricultural Sciences G. P. Malykh in the second half of the 20th century. It has spread widely due to its high survival rate and profitability - up to 10 cuttings are obtained from one shoot, which, with proper care, by next spring become full-fledged seedlings for planting in a permanent place of growth.

Advantages and disadvantages of summer cuttings

Obtaining new independent plants from individual vegetative organs of a plant or their parts has a number of advantages:

1. Possibility of independent rapid propagation of crops at home.
2. Preservation of varietal characteristics of the mother bush: taste and external qualities, yield, ripening time.
3. Breeding any, even rare, grape variety without causing damage to the mother plant.
4. Increasing the amount of harvest in a budget way.
5. Plants begin to bear fruit earlier than those grown from seeds.
6. Possibility of restoration of vineyards damaged by frost or disease.
7. The simplicity of the method does not require specific skills, unlike vaccinations and growing from seeds.
8. By the time of planting, a strong root system is formed, which greatly simplifies the establishment process.
9. The ability to control how the root system is formed and the plant develops.

The disadvantage of this method is that when propagated by cuttings, the seedling usually ready to board only in the fall, so it may not survive wintering in open ground.

When to cut grapes in summer

Summer is the most active period for gardeners. It is at this time that it is best to engage in refining the vineyard and growing bushes. After all, the length of daylight and warm weather significantly accelerate the process of root formation in young plants.

The most favorable moment for green cuttings is the end of May - beginning of June, when the grapes begin to bloom. By this time, the bases of new shoots formed this year are in a semi-lignified state.

The plant has accumulated a sufficient amount of growth hormones, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, carbohydrates, which contribute to better development of cuttings and their further survival.

Favorable days

During the waning phase of the Moon, plant juices descend to the roots, and during the waxing phase they rise to the above-ground part. In this regard, experienced winegrowers synchronize the summer cuttings of the crop with the lunar calendar, which indicates favorable days for the procedure.

At this time, the plant develops more actively, therefore, the survival rate of green cuttings increases. They are harvested only during the waxing moon phase, closer to the full moon.

Favorable days:

• May – 29;
• June – 1-4, 21-31.

Favorable days for planting cuttings:

• in July – 22-25;
• in August – 19-22.

Selection and preparation of green cuttings

The survival rate of the cutting and its further development depend on the correct choice of shoot. Even during spring pinching or pruning, they leave several shoots for propagation and wait until the lower leaf ages - it acquires a rich green color and becomes tougher.

These signs indicate sufficient accumulation of nutrients in the plant.

Sequence of procedure:

1. The best shoots are carefully selected.
2. The top is cut off immediately: it does not take root and rots. Take only the middle and lower part of the shoot with a diameter of 7-12 mm in vigorous varieties and 5-9 mm in medium-growing ones.
3. Cut chibouks with 2-3 eyes. The procedure is performed in cloudy weather or in the evening.
4. The first cut is made at an angle of 45° below the node by 5 cm, the second is a straight cut, 2 cm above the top node.
5. If the chibouk has two eyes, the bottom sheet is torn off and the top one is left.
6. For a cutting with three eyes, the bottom leaf is removed, and the middle and top leaves are slightly shortened. This is necessary to reduce the area of ​​evaporation.

It is important that during this time the air temperature does not fall below +20°C, and the light is diffused. Such conditions will greatly accelerate the formation of roots.

Reference. To speed up root formation, the prepared shanks are placed in a Heteroauxin solution (½ tablet per 1 liter of water) for 8-10 hours, immersed by ⅓ of their length.

Ways to root them

Let's look at several ways to propagate grapes from cuttings.

In water

Procedure:

1. After the stimulating solution, the cuttings are immersed in a glass jar or other transparent vessel filled with 3 cm of boiled chilled water. First, a 2 cm layer of cotton wool is placed on the bottom, 2 crystals of potassium permanganate and a small piece of charcoal are added.
2. The vessel is placed on the windowsill. If necessary, add water to the original level (about once every 3 days). To slow down the evaporation of water and increase air humidity, put a plastic bag on top.
3. After 2 weeks, roots will already be visible. If they do not appear, and shoots begin to form from the buds, they are removed. As soon as the roots reach a length of 3 cm, they are planted in the soil, otherwise they will die due to oxygen deficiency.

In the ground

Algorithm of actions:

1. Prepare any containers in advance: containers for seedlings, cut-off 2-liter plastic bottles, or specially made boxes. When choosing, take into account the depth, which should be from 40 to 50 cm.
2. Next, sand and soil are mixed in equal parts and poured into a box (layer thickness is approximately 10 cm). In such a mixture, it is easier for young roots to grow.Sand is poured on top 4–5 cm high and everything is well moistened.
3. The cutting is buried 2-3 cm so that it does not touch the surface of the earth. After planting, water thoroughly and cover with glass or transparent film. To speed up root formation, it is important to create high air humidity, so once every 5 days the cuttings are sprayed with warm water using a spray bottle.
4. The mini-greenhouse is located in a shaded place outside or in a bright room with an air temperature of +22...+25°C. If all necessary conditions are met, in 10-12 days the rudiments of roots will begin to form, and in a month a shoot will grow.
5. All this time, water regularly and gradually remove the cover (start with 15 minutes and continue to the whole day) so that the plant gets used to external conditions. By autumn the growth will be 50 cm, a well-developed fibrous root system will be formed
6. 1-2 weeks after removing the cover, the plant is planted in a permanent place (frost-resistant varieties) or the box is moved to the basement until spring planting (non-frost-resistant varieties).

In the sawdust

Procedure:

1. Sawdust of any tree species is placed in a container and poured with boiling water.
2. After the water has cooled, they are washed, large shavings and tree bark are removed and squeezed out.
3. Then sand is added, mixed and transferred to a container intended for planting cuttings (the bottom should have drainage holes).
4. The cuttings are immersed 2-3 cm into the substrate, taking into account the distance between them of 10 cm, and watered.
5. The container is covered with film and placed in a well-lit place with an air temperature of at least +25°C.
6. Water once a day, excess liquid formed in the pan is drained. Roots form within 2 weeks.

This rooting method allows you to achieve quick results, but with the formation of roots it requires mandatory replanting into the ground.

Planting ready-made cuttings

Cuttings with a fully formed root system are planted in the ground in the fall at the beginning of September or next spring at the beginning of May.

When planting in autumn, the seedlings are carefully covered, protecting them from the upcoming winter frosts.

Sequence of work:

1. Prepare pits measuring 70x70x70 cm, the distance between them is left taking into account the recommendations for a particular variety.
2. The soil selected from the hole is mixed in equal parts with humus and the hole is filled in ¼ of the way.
3. Next, prepare a nutrient mixture of 3 liters of ash, 300 g of potassium fertilizer and superphosphate, and a small amount of soil. The mixture is laid out in a hole in a layer of about 10 cm.
4. A layer of soil is poured on top, a mound is formed, on which the seedling is placed.
5. The roots are carefully laid out on the sides of the mound and sprinkled with soil no higher than the level of the first developed eye.
6. The soil around the plant is compacted and watered with 2 buckets of water.
7. A support for the developing plant is installed nearby.

Features of cuttings depending on the region

Most often, propagation of grapes by green cuttings is used in the northern regions of Russia with short summers and frequent early frosts.

In order for a full-fledged root system to be formed, in different regions of the country they begin to germinate cuttings in due time:

• in the southern regions of the Russian Federation - at the end of January - beginning of February;
• in the middle zone and Moscow region - at the end of February or beginning of March;
• in Siberia and the Urals - in the second half of March.

Depending on the grape variety

Cuttings of almost all grape varieties take root easily.

Alyosha, Arcadia, Delight, Riesling, Garnet, etc.

In the southern regions of Russia (Krasnodar, Stavropol Territories), more susceptible to phylloxera (grape root aphid), it is more advisable to grow varieties resistant to this dangerous pest: Moldova, In Memory of Negrul, Alpha, Aurora Magaracha, Firstborn of Magaracha, etc.

Unpretentious and frost-resistant varieties Odessa grapes Muscat, Pridonsky, De Codru, Alexandrinsky suitable for cuttings in the northern regions of Russia.

Further care

Growing grapes from cuttings requires a lot of attention, especially in the first year. Care includes:

• weeding and watering;
• regular loosening of the soil;
• garter vine;
• treatment of seedlings against diseases;
• application of fertilizers.

Water young plants once every 2 weeks. To do this, several buckets of water are poured directly under the bush.

The ground near the cuttings is weeded as the weeds grow and loosened once a week. This is necessary to provide the roots with air. Only organic fertilizers are used, such as humus or compost. They contain a sufficient amount of nitrogen, which prevents yellowing of the leaves. Fertilizers are applied up to 4 times a year.

Advice from experienced winegrowers

Basic recommendations from experienced winegrowers for propagating grapes using green cuttings in the summer:

1. Planting material is planted in the ground so that the first buds are 5 cm below ground level.
2. Do not overwater the seedlings. Watering is carried out 2 times a month, and is stopped during the rainy season.
3. Stepchildren are being broken out all over the vine. If this is not done, the bush may die.
4. Some novice winegrowers save on purchasing expensive preparations for processing, but this is wrong. It is important to use modern fungicides in a timely manner.
5. Young plants are covered for the winter.

Conclusion

Growing grapes using cuttings is easy, just follow all the tips and recommendations.

It is important not to neglect treating bushes against diseases and pests, and also to feed the plants in a timely manner. Painstaking work will be rewarded with a large and tasty harvest.