Everyone knows such a plant as grapes, the cultivation of which at home is of interest to many gardeners. To get a fruiting bush, you need to know the correct technology of this method and tune in to the fact that it will last quite a long time. Not many wine growers and gardeners use this method, since it is quite complicated and not everyone is able to cope with it.
Why grow grapes at home?
Methods of growing grapes at home:
- using cuttings;
- using seeds.
The latter method is the most time-consuming and painstaking, so not many take it. Consider just such a method of growing in more detail.
To the question of whether it is possible to grow grapes from seed at home, experienced breeders and winegrowers respond positively. But the crop is quite modest, so gardeners do it for the sake of:
- Passion. It is long and difficult to grow such a plant, and this process requires great efforts, constant attention and care. Not every gardener can grow a garden crop in a pot of small seeds.
- Experiment. For those who develop new varieties, grapes from seed can become a kind of “experimental rabbit”, on which you can try out various dressings, as well as to monitor how the plant reacts to pests, diseases and other negative factors.
- Rootstock. Grapes, the cultivation of which takes place in an apartment, is used as a support for an ordinary garden vine. This will save on seedlings.
- Decorating. Grown "home" grapes in appearance are no different from garden ones. And since the plant itself is very beautiful, you can decorate your balcony with it.
What crop should be expected?
Berries obtained from the "home" vine, their taste qualities are significantly different from the garden. Grapes begin to bear fruit after planting after 4-5 years. The first time the yield is expected to be quite small, and the berries taste sour or have a slightly pronounced taste.
Seed preparation
Due consideration should be given to preparing seeds for planting. It is best to choose new varieties, as this ensures that grapes, grown from seeds of which are carried out at home, will be resistant to various diseases and adverse conditions. The bones must be extracted from the most ripe berries, characterized by varietal qualities, without deformation and without signs of rot damage.
The grape seeds that will be used for growing at home should be very large and preferably beige-brown. They are carefully and very thoroughly washed under water, and then not dried, and immediately laid out on moistened nylon bags and wrapped in an ordinary plastic film. Prepared grape seeds are recommended to be placed on the lowest shelf in the refrigerator. You should regularly inspect them and periodically rinse. As soon as cracks appear on them in a few months, this indicates their readiness for planting in the ground.
Planting technology
Is it possible to grow grapes from seed at home? If everything is done correctly, then this is quite feasible. Germinated grape seeds are planted in individual containers, which are filled with fertile soil. Optimum soil consists of a mixture of humus and sifted sand. Before sowing the seeds, the soil should be decontaminated, for this, the soil is calcined in the oven at high temperature or spilled with boiling water with the addition of potassium permanganate.
After the containers are filled with soil, it is moistened and the prepared grape seeds are planted to a depth of 1-1.5 cm. In order for the sprouts to appear as early as possible, it is better to plant pots with crops on the windowsill, where there is good light and a lot of heat.
Growing Features
If you create the optimal temperature regime when growing grapes from seeds at home, and the crops are provided with the necessary amount of light, then we can expect the appearance of sprouts after 10 days.
The conditions for growing grapes are as follows:
- plants should be regularly watered with water at room temperature, but waterlogging or strong drying of the soil should not be allowed;
- the soil must be loosened, and this must be done very carefully so as not to harm the sprouts;
- if such a need arises, then watering is supplemented with fertilizing with mineral and organic fertilizers;
- the plant should be protected from drafts, and if the weather is very sunny, then the grapes need to pritenit.
You need to regularly inspect the seedlings, as young plants are often affected by diseases or spider mites. In the spring they are transplanted into larger containers.
If grape seedlings are grown, then it is recommended that they be transplanted into the open ground next year. It is also very important to harden the plants before they are planted in a permanent place. Thanks to this procedure, they quickly adapt to new growing conditions and take root faster.
Tips & Tricks
Growing grapes at home lasts until it reaches a height of 1.5-2 meters. After this, seedlings can only develop on open ground. In this case, the conditions for growing the plant are as follows:
- The landing site should be well lit and not in a draft. It is best if there is protection on the north side.
- It is desirable to choose a site with light, breathable and moderately moist soil.
- Typically, grapes are grown on trellises, which are very strong supports of two-meter growth with a stretched wire. There should be a distance of 1.5 or 2 meters between the plants to be planted.
- Grapes need to provide high-quality drainage in the form of medium-sized stones or broken brick. It is recommended to fill it with high-quality and fertile soil.
In the future, care for planted grapes involves regular watering, loosening the soil, fertilizing. If you competently take care of the plant, then it will begin to bear fruit three or four years after planting the grape seed.
Conclusion
Thus, we have figured out what constitutes grapes, the cultivation of which takes place in an apartment or private house. This process is very complex and only experienced gardeners can do it. A grown vine can not only decorate your own balcony, but also enjoy berries.