Grapes are such a beautiful addition to my garden patio. I'm still learning how to deal with the grapes themselves as they aren't coming out as tasty as I would like. I have heard that among other things, this has to do with proper pruning. And I have likewise heard that proper pruning is about proper timing as much as anything. So my question is, when should my grapes be pruned?
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When to prune your grapes
You should leave your grapes completely to grow whichever way they want to during their first year. Do not prune at all during the first year!
Pick the strongest stem with the most vigorous growth during the winter of the first year. Take a pair of bypass pruners and remove all of the other stems at the base of the plant. The stem that you chose will now become the main stem of the plant. Stake it or tie the vine onto a fence with some wire.
In the spring of the second year, remove all but two of the very best shoots that have grown off the trunk. You can pinch the top of the main trunk to encourage side shoots. Cut back the top of the trunk during summer of the second year. This should force new growth along the main trunk.Don't be afraid to trim back any branches you see that are not in the plan for where you want this vine to go.
During the second winter cut back all but the side branches that you want and the main trunk. The basic frame for the plant should be clear now - a main trunk with two sets of side branches.
During the third spring and summer just take off anything extra that grows from the trunk, keeping the trunk and side branches that made up the main plant the year before.
Leave 12 buds along each of the side arms during the third winter. Pruning during the third winter is what is crucial to future fruit production. These 12 buds will produce fruit during the 4th summer. So basically it will take 4 years for your grapevine to bear good fruit with proper pruning.
Williewonka