Pruning Grape Vines in the Winter: 2 Easy Ways

When to Prune Grape Vines

Late Winter is often when many gardeners start dreaming of getting back outside into the fresh air and having their hands in the dirt. Well, we’ve got a job for you! It’s the perfect time to prune a grape vine.

If your growing goal includes plump, juicy grapes in the fall, then here’s a hot tip: prune a grape vine in late winter before the cold weather passes and the plant breaks dormancy to channel its energy into growing.

The idea of pruning a grapevine seems daunting. It’s a big plant, and if done incorrectly, it can jeopardize any chance of those delicious grapes we’re dreaming about. The good news is that it’s not as complicated as you might think!

There are two standard methods to prune a grape vine: spur pruning or cane pruning. Both involve cutting off as much of the old wood from the vine as possible to encourage the growth of the new canes, which is where the fruit is produced. 

Spur Pruning

One of the easiest ways for home gardeners to maintain a grape vine is through spur pruning, which involves cutting the previous year’s growth down to branches/canes with two to three buds.

To start, look for last year’s growth, which will appear thicker and darker than older wood. Identify the strong, healthy canes with a diameter of about a pencil or thicker; these are the ones you want to keep.

Next, cut it back to the first two or three buds you see on the cane/branch. These buds will be easy to spot as large, swollen areas on the cane near its base or where it divides from the main stem of the plant. They will eventually grow into the new fruit-producing canes. 

And while it all sounds super-easy, be careful when pruning grape vines not to cut the spurs back too far; if in doubt, leave more of the cane than less. Cutting back too much can reduce fruit production and weaken the vine overall. 

Cane Pruning

Cane pruning is a little more involved and means leaving a more extended section of the cane, usually 8 to 15 buds. To start, look for the oldest canes on your grapevine; they’re typically darker and thicker. These can be trimmed back by about two-thirds for more effective growth. When cutting the canes, make clean 45-degree cuts just above a bud. This angle helps water run off the cut and prevents moisture from settling on the pruning wound. It reduces the risk of fungal or bacterial infections in the plant. 

Pruning Grape Vines –  Aftercare

If you’re pruning grape vines at the right time, the weather is cold. So it’s essential to provide the plant with a few comforts after the job is done. Water the plant well, then add a nice layer of leaf mulch and compost to help it stand up to a late-winter deep freeze, which could damage new growth. This extra step will also ensure that the plants receive nutrients and help them resist any diseases that may threaten them.