Need advice on bringing life back to neglected, overgrown, grape vines on an old farm vineyard in Hungary. There are about 40 plants. The grape variety is Isabella. The vines are a jungle, probably some are over a hundred years old. One single trunk is as big as my skull. The woody peeling vines are sometimes 11-15 feet long. The plants stalks are sometimes only one, sometimes four or more from the ground. We would like to keep the tradition of these plants on the property, and keep the plants healthy, not for making wine, but for eating - as the red grape is delicious. They are now on traditional three wires with posts. Where to begin to prune a plant like this?? Cut back, to where??
You might try these sites: http://www.my-grape-vine.com/My-Grape-Vine-Videos1.html http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6090 Welcome to the Forum!
Thanks for that. Decided that grape vine growing 101 is now open....The last two videos can not be opened - "taken off from the user". Will try another route for them. This edited collection is very helpful, as already spent hours fruitlessly....forgive the fruit comment.. Can we get started with the rejuvenating renew the old vine pruning now as it is spring-like and obviously everything is dormant...or wait till March?
Yeah, I checked the videos before I sent them, and saw that a couple had been taken off---but thought the rest had merit. (Puns always welcome.) My knowledge of viticulture is miniscule, but I gather that the pruning should take place when vines are dormant. You could take a look at the Forum's 'Grapes and Grape Vines': undoubtedly some useful information therein. Hey, do you have any photos of your vines? They sound impressive!
