im in north texas, and have a 40 ft. grape vine, muscadine type i think. makes me a neat 3 gal. batch. the problem is im moveing this spring. and want to start this vine at the new location. from seeds. so- i have a vacume sealer, do i pick a bunch of ripe grapes now, vacume seal them and freeze? or just seal the seeds alone and freeze? or what?
thx joe in texas.
Joe,
Extract the seeds and dry them out. Then store them in the refrigerator. Do not freeze them.
You will probably not get the same vine if you plant seeds. The pollen that produced the fruit could have come from anywhere and any kind of grape. If you want the same kind of vine, take cuttings.
Wait until the late winter (February) and take a few cuttings off the vine. They should have 3-4 nodes (joints). Make sure you can tell which way is "up" on them so they are not planted upside down. Wrap the cuttings in moist (not dripping wet) paper towels or newspaper, place inside a plastic bag, and store in the refrigerator. They will keep for several months.
To do this right, they should be caloused, but if you don't know what that is then forget it and just plant them in the ground in the Spring. Plant them with only one node above ground. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Plant 4-5 (without calousing) to ensure you get one that survives. Plant seeds only as a backup.
Jack Keller, The Winemaking Home Page
Jack's right about the seeds not following true to form from the mother plant.
Problem with cutt>Joe,
I know the feeling of wanting to retain what you once had, but why not look in to something better? Contact your local agricultural co-op extension and find out what kind of vinifera vines would do good on your new property, and this way elevate your experience with winemaking?
SG Brix
Jack,
I know nothing about muscadines but I have 2 suggestions about what you said.
Bob
Jack,
I know nothing about muscadines but I have 2 suggestions about what you said.
Bob
Bob,
I was really trying to keep it simple, but of course you are right on both counts. Rooting harmone is such a natural part of the process that I don't really think about it consciously. However, I am less sure he will find lots of naturally layered rootings. I've found very few, and I have looked at hundreds (thousands?) of wild muscadines....
Jack Keller, The Winemaking Home Page
Contact your state agricultural agent. Texas has a good program to help people like you.
Ray
DrinksForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.