Growing grapes in the home garden
Quick facts
- Grapes are easy to grow and produce fruit quickly.
- It is important to prune vines in the winter to produce fruit.
- Vines need full sun and good air circulation.
- It is best to plant grapes in the spring after the last frost.
- Fungicides are often needed to keep vines healthy and productive.
Growing grapes for many uses
There are many different grape varieties available to home gardeners. You can grow grapes for fresh eating, juice, wine, and jelly. Some varieties are better suited to certain uses than others. Some varieties are more cold-hardy than others. It is important to choose the right variety for your needs and growing conditions.
Grapes for wine production are usually different from those used for fresh eating. Many wine grape varieties are not hardy in northern climates. Several of these have been developed by the University of Minnesota specifically for our harsh climate.
Follow this simple schedule to keep grapevines healthy and productive
| What to do | When to do it |
|---|---|
| In early spring, prune before buds swell | March |
| Plant dormant, bare-root grapevines as soon as soil can be worked | April, May |
| After all frost danger is past, bring vines out of storage and plant | April, May |
| Inspect grapes throughout the season for insect and disease problems | April through October |
| Harvest grapes when they are fully ripe | September, October |
| As leaves fall, apply a fungicide to vines with existing fungal problems | October, November |
Choosing plants
The varieties in the table below can be used for juice and jelly and some can be used for making wine. Any can be eaten fresh, and they have a wide range of flavors.
The varieties listed here have been carefully tested by the University of Minnesota and are recommended for home use. Varieties in bold were developed by the University of Minnesota and include the year they were introduced.
Grape varieties for northern gardensPlanting, growing and maintaining grape vines
Managing diseases, insects and other pests
Most insect and disease problems can be avoided by following the schedule above and with good cultural practices.
Weather conditions, winter hardiness of the variety, infection from the previous year, proximity to other grapes, and competition with other vines all affect a vine's susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Authors: Emily E. Tepe, Emily E. Hoover, Matthew Clark and Annie Klodd
Reviewed in 2024