Grapevine Planting Distances: How Much Room Do Vines Really Need?
Taylor Cooper
Grapevines provide privacy and bountiful fruits.
Growing grapes in a home garden can have a certain appeal, yet in the United States, the majority of gardeners cultivate varieties intended for juice or eating fresh rather than for winemaking. Wine grapes perform well only in the warmest areas. Whichever type is chosen, grapes demand full sun exposure, warm conditions, and soil with good drainage to bear quality fruit.
How Much Space Between Vines?
The spacing you select within a row should reflect the grape type being cultivated. According to the Oregon State University Extension, European cultivars (vitis vinifera) should be set six to seven feet apart, whereas vigorous American cultivars (V. labrusca) require seven to eight feet of separation. When planting, set the vine deep enough that its root system can spread out, but not deeper than the level at which it was growing in the nursery.
How Much Space Between Rows?
The distance between rows depends on the training method and trellis system in use. The University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension generally advises leaving eight to 10 feet between rows.
Points to Keep in Mind
After planting, it is common practice for gardeners to prune away all canes except the strongest one. These young, diminutive plants establish slowly and can require five or six years before yielding a substantial harvest. Avoid the urge to set them closer together than recommended. With proper care and sufficient space, they will expand quickly and have the potential to live as long as 100 years.
