| Grapes can be propagated by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings from late sprng to midsummer, by hardwood cuttings in late fall or winter, by seed in spring, or by layering in spring. They can also be grafted but that is more difficult. Softwood cuttings are of new growth that is not yet firm. They should be about three inches long, using closely-noded, thin growth, which will root faster. Use rooting hormone and insert the cuttings into the planting medium, just up to the lowest leaves. Semi-ripe cuttings are taken in mid- to late-summer from the current season's growth that has begun to firm. The cutting's base should be quite hard, while the tip should be growing and still soft. Layering is done by gently bending a low-growing stem/branch over to the ground, digging a shallow trench for it and covering it with soil so it won't pop up. Water and keep moist. New roots will grow in 3-4 weeks and the old stem to the parent plant can be cut off, and the new plant dug and transplanted elsewhere, or left where it is. |
