Propagating Vitis vinifera

Dormant hardwood · MerlinYes plant guide

Before you start

Use mature dormant wood with several sound buds. Label which end was closest to the roots.

Gather a labelled pot with drainage, clean scissors and fresh propagation mix. Unwrap the cutting on arrival and check that the stem is firm and sound.

Plant-specific notes

Use dormant one-year cane. Label top and base and leave a bud above the mix. Own-rooted vines lack the benefits of resistant vineyard rootstocks.

Setting up the cutting

Insert the base in a deep draining pot of moist propagation mix, leaving a bud above the surface. Protect from frost and strong sun. Keep it evenly moist through spring.

When to pot on

Wait for roots at drainage holes or an intact root plug. Budbreak alone is insufficient. Move established plants into individual pots without stripping the roots.

If something goes wrong

Wilting can come from excess heat, dehydration or a rotting base. Move into diffuse light, check the stem and adjust humidity or drainage before adding water. Discard mouldy or collapsed material.

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