Hi everyone. I live in the north of England, and it gets quite cold over winter - regular dips into the minus celcius. I have a grape in a container - type unknown. Two months ago it was just a two inch, half dead stick that I didn't hold much hope for. Now, its exploded into life with tonnes of foliage. It really surprised me! I think it is ok down to freezing temps, and it's inside a little plastic greenhouse thing - a cheap one someone gave me. Will the new growth be ok by the time temps start to go down in nov/dec? I don't know if it is too tender for the cold. I'm sorry I don't know much about grapes - you'll usually find me in the citrus forum lol. But any help is appreciated, and please let me know if you need any more info. When it was healthy, it had many clusters of tiny tiny purple grapes slightly larger than peas! Thank you! Dan
Hi Dan, I think that the new top growth will die off, but with luck your stick will survive and resprout next year. I would be a bit worried about the roots freezing in a container. In my opinion it might be better to plant it in the ground within your greenhouse if this is possible. An alternative might be to bring the container into a garage or similar where the temperature does not get too low. Keep the container fairly dry over the winter. You are obviously an optimist - starting off a vineyard in Durham....or is global warming happening faster than I thought. Boa Sorte (Good Luck) BrianO
When I bought the plant, before I was really interested in gardening, it said on the label it was an ideal container plant for indoors or outdoors. I would like to keep it outdoors, but am considering bringing it into the outhouse over the colder months. It wouldn't survive the winters I don't think, and if it did it would be damaged too badly by the cold each year. I have it in a decent sized container, and have loads of pots to pot up as and when I need to. Unfortunately nowhere in ground to plant, and 'm moving soon anyway and would like to take it with me when I go. Thanks for the help so far :)
Dan, as Brian said, if you want it outside put it in the ground. Grapevines can handle freezing temps, but not likely in containers. From there it is your choice. Your stick will flourish in the ground if you plan the area right.
Hi thanks for the reply :) I would love to put it in the ground, but I am moving in the new year so was keeping it in a pot until I find its new location. I will post a pic of it below. It seems a little confused it's also starting to grow little clusters of fruit! The silly thing thinks its spring ha ha The first pic is 2 weeks ago. The other one was taken the day before yesterday.
CUt the clusters now. Keep it moist, not drowned, and inside a cool setting. Then upon your move, plan for spring and start preparing the perminant site. Again, the site and preparation is critical. As you have heard, a vine can produce for decades. You have the support, don't let go.
