Grapes

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How to grow: Growing Grapes in Your Backyard

Video: Growing Table & Wine Grapes in Santa Clara County [1 hr 24 min]

Pest management: Grape

Overview of cane & spur pruning: Grape Pruning 101

The Basics

When to plant: February–March

Harvest window: July–October, depending on variety

Fertilization: Light (if any) nitrogen in the spring; monitor for possible zinc and potassium needs

Annual care overview:

• Prune in dormant season, using the pruning system (cane or spur pruning) based on grape variety.
• Spray to control powdery mildew, every 7–21 days depending on product.
• For table grapes only, berry size can be increased by girdling trunks and/or gibberelic acid sprays.

Some Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County^*

European Table Grapes:
Black Monukka, Black Rose, Cardinal, Delight, Exotic, Flame Seedless, Flame Tokay, Perlette, Ribier, Ruby Seedless (King’s Ruby), White Malaga

European American Hybrid Grapes:
Black Muscat (Muscat Hamburgh), Catawba, Delaware, Delicatessen, Diamond, Golden Muscat, Iona, Jefferson, July Early Amber, Moscato d'Adda,Moscato di Terracina, New York Muscat, Niabell, Niagra, Perle de Csaba, Pierce, Queen of the Vineyard, Suavis, Wapanuka, Xlnta

Wine Grapes:
Barbera, Cabernet franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Durif (Petite Sirah), Gamay noir, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Sangiovese, Sauvignon blanc, Semilon, Tempranillo, Viognier, Zinfandel

^* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.