Karla News

How to Propagate Scuppernong Grape Vines

Grape Vine, Muscadine, Roanoke Island

Many people are growing their own grapes to make wine, jams, and jellies. If you live in the south eastern section of the U.S., then the scuppernong grape, which is a muscadine grape variety, may be the one to grow. This grape often grows where other grapes fail. The U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones to grow the scuppernong grape is 6 through 11. The fruit color varies from golden bronze to pale green. The length of the leaves vary from 2.5 to 5 inches. They are dark green on top and green tinged yellow beneath. Scuppernong grape vines can grow 60 to 100 feet in length.

The Origin

The Scuppernong grape vine originated in North Carolina, although whether it started in Roanoke Island or Tyrrell County is uncertain.

If you want to bypass buying your scuppernong grapes at the nursery, why not try to propagate your own. They are easy to start from new growth stems. The best time to do this is in the spring.

Locate a scuppernong grape vine. If you have your own, that’s great, but if the vine is in someone else’s yard or property, then gain permission before you attempt this. It is more involved than just taking a cutting.

Find the New Growth

Examine the grape vine to find the stem that has new growth. Look for a stem that is green in color. The stem should bend easily and not break when bent. In addition, when searching for a stem, make sure it is long enough to reach the ground.

See also  Eight Different Types of Begonias

Bend the stem down to the ground and make a mark on the ground where the stem comes in contact. You’ll want to make sure that at least 1.5 inches or more of the stem’s tip will be above ground.

Where you marked the soil, make a hole. Remove the grass or other vegetation and loosen up the soil where the stem will rest. The area should be at least 6 inches long.

Score the Stem

Score the grape stem in the area where it will rest against the ground. Take a sharp knife and make four or 5 cuts through the bark. Each cut should be 5 inches or more in length. Cut or pull off all the leaves in this section.

Secure the Stem in the Ground

Lay the scored section of the stem against the loosened soil. Cover this section with soil and firm in place. Sometimes the stem will not stay in the ground. If this happens, you will need to anchor it in place with a brick or a rock. You can also bend two pieces of wire into a U-shape to anchor the stem in place.

Water this section thoroughly. It is important to keep the soil moist, but not soggy or the stem will rot.

Transplant

In the fall after the leaves have dropped and the grape vine enters dormancy, the grape stem should have developed its root section. It is ready to transplant in the ground. Dig the hole where you want to plant the scuppernong grape vine. Sever the stem from the parent plant with the sharp edge of your shovel or spade.

See also  Autumn Blaze Maple Tree Planting and Care

Dig up the rooted scuppernong grape and plant in a sunny location of your choice.

Sources:

University of Florida: The Muscadine Grape

University of Arkansas: Muscadine Grape Production in the Home Garden

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service: Growing Muscadine Grapes in Oklahoma