8 Useful Tips on Growing Thompson Seedless Grapes
Growing Thompson seedless grapes could be very tricky if preparations, planting and maintenance are not done properly. The Thompson seedless grapes variety is from the family of Vitaceae with grown size of height: 10 to 20 ft and width of 0 to 0 ft. This variety of vine needs high maintenance to meet excellent outcomes during production season. The foliage characteristics of this plant is deciduous, foliage colour is green with flowers of green as well. The vine is by standard bloom by mid spring to mid spring. The soil preference is sandy loam to clay loam. Water supply preference is normal and must not be too wet.
Simple Tricks for Success in Growing Thompson Seedless Grape
By following the simple tricks and ways written below, growing Thompson seedless grapes will be likely to succeed.
Thompson seedless grapes are a well known grapes variety grown and produced in the hot climates in the western United States of America. Thompson grapes are famous for their sweet and luscious taste. The ripening season is early fall. The size of the fruit is smaller than average and they are either eaten fresh or dried into raisins. After threats of frost are over in the spring, it is timely to plant small rooted cuttings. For better fruit results, plant vines with leaves that are present after May 30.
Easy steps to follow in growing Thompson seedless grapes
Step 1 location must be full sunlight and the space for the intended rows to run north-south. Take into consideration a location with much drainage system to prevent root rot and diseases.
Step 2 There is an available soil test kit on the market to test the pH content of the intended location. The pH preference must be 7.0 to 8.0. To help increase the pH content add limestone to the soil if and only when necessary.
Step 3 Till the soil with depth of 8 to10 inches. To increase water drainage and to add the value of nutrients, mix compost in the soil; to optimize the goodness of the soil for healthy crops.
Step 4 In rows, plant the vines with a distance of 5 ft apart. To help the stability of the plant and to hold into place, gently pack the soil around the newly planted vines.
Step 5 When planting is done; water the vines fully for the roots to be stimulated for fast growth. Do not forget to water the vines at ground level during the hot season to prevent the vines from drying and eventually dying. The standard water supply need for a mature plant is 7 gallons each day during fruit production season. In places where it dries quickly consider watering more often.
Step 6 Fertilizing: All young plants need extra nutrient like phosphorous to stimulate growth and develop its roots fully. During the first growing season, it is recommended to apply phosphorous rich fertilizer to the soil as per how much the label suggests. It is best advised to avoid fertilizing late during growing season. Late applications might cause excessive vegetative growth that will not have the chance to mature and harden off before frost or cold weather sets. Heavy fertilization is not required especially in places where nutrients are very much present into the soil. Put compost around the vines in springtime.
Step 7 It is important to thin the grape clusters by removing several clusters on each vine. This system or process promotes or encourages berry growth on the remaining clusters.
Step 8 Pruning requires 75 to 90% percent removal of past seasons growth. Pruning is during winter dormant season. If the vines are not pruned, they will turn into woody vines. Remember that fruit production occurs on one year old vines.
Things you’ll need when planning to grow Thompson seedless grapes:
1 Limestone
2 Tiller
3 Shovel
4 Hand pruner
5 Soil pH kit
6 Compost
There you go, if all of the above have been prepared and done, you are by all means, with some work on your way to achieving success growing seedless Thompson grapes.