How to Plant Dormant Bareroot Grapevines
Acclimation Period
Dormant bareroot grapevines benefit from a short acclimation period if outdoor temperatures differ significantly from their cold storage conditions. For best results, keep the vines in a cool, sheltered place—such as a shaded area, garage, or shed—for 3–5 days before planting, adjusting the duration based on how warm it is outside. This gentle transition helps the vines adjust to changing temperatures and reduces shock, ensuring a smoother start once they’re in the ground. In some cases, soaking the vines in water for several hours before planting can be helpful but is not required.
However, do not wait longer than a week, as a dormant bareroot vine's buds will swell and start to push, which shouldn't happen until they're planted.
These are general recommendations—consult a viticulture professional for site-specific advice.
Pre-Planting Irrigation
Irrigate the soil about 24 hours before planting to ensure the root zone is evenly moist. The goal is to moisten—not saturate—the area where each vine will be placed so the roots can begin growing immediately after planting.
Water the planting spots deeply enough to wet the soil approximately 2 feet down. Avoid oversaturating or creating standing water; the soil should feel evenly moist, not muddy. The most effective way to achieve this is by applying water slowly over time, ideally using a drip or emitter-based irrigation system that allows moisture to penetrate deeply and evenly.
Planting the Vine
Plant the vine in a hole about 12-18 inches deep. Place the vine into the hole and backfill it with the original soil. When backfilling the hole, ensure that the graft union—located near the top of the vine—is positioned approximately 2 inches above the final soil level.
Now, to avoid J-rooting (when the roots of the vine curl at the bottom of the hole then grow upwards instead of downwards), gently but firmly grasp the vine and pull it upwards until the graft union is 4-6 inches above the soil level.
This measurement does not need to be exact; a simple way to estimate it is by using the height of your hand in a thumbs-up position 👍 — roughly six inches.
Gently tap down with a hand or foot at the base of the vine at the soil level to increase vine stability. Congrats, the vine is planted!
Installing a Plant Protector
We always recommend adding a plant protector after planting. Plant protectors shield young vines from direct sunlight that can dry them out, while also creating a gentle greenhouse-like environment that retains moisture and helps keep the vine hydrated.
Unfold the protector and slide it carefully over the vine. Once in place, secure the protector to the stake. This prevents wind or other disturbances from knocking it over and helps support the vine, encouraging straight, upward growth.
Plant protectors are essential for newly planted vines and should be installed immediately after planting. They can be removed the following year, once the vine has strengthened and is securely tied to the stake.
Irrigation for Young Grapevines
Irrigation should always be adjusted based on soil type, weather, and vineyard conditions. These are general recommendations—consult a viticulture professional for site-specific advice.
Clay Soils
- Frequency: Once per week
- Amount: 4 gallons per irrigation
- Notes: Clay holds water well; avoid over-watering.
Loam Soils
- Frequency: Twice per week
- Amount: 3 gallons per irrigation
- Notes: Balanced drainage and moisture retention require moderate, regular irrigation.
Sandy Soils
- Frequency: Twice per week
- Amount: 4 gallons per irrigation
- Notes: Sandy soils drain quickly; vines need more frequent watering.