How to Prune Grape Vines in S. California
- 1). Prune grapevines during their dormant season, from January through the first of March. If pruned too early, frost can damage the canes and buds.
- 2). Cut grapevine shoots back 1/3 to 1/2 their total length to eliminate overgrowth but ensure productions of flowers.
- 3). Remove all dead, diseased or damaged grapevines to healthy wood. Prune out the top 1/3 of overgrown or elongated stems. Remove old mature stems by 1/3 or more.
- 4). Prune all tangled and gnarled branches to allow light to reach the grapevine and keep the vines looking tidy. Cut off lateral branches that stray away from the main area of the grapevine.
- 5). Remove all suckers or flower cluster that develop at the base of the vine by removing the entire root base.
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