Fruit

When to Plant Grapes

From table grapes to wine to jelly, grapevines are beautiful and productive — and can live for 50+ years.

Sun

Full sun (8+ hours)

Water

1 inch per week

Days to Harvest

730+

Difficulty

intermediate

Spacing

96"

Frost Tolerance

moderate

The Short Answer

Grapes are typically planted from bare-root stock or nursery plants in early spring, 2 weeks before your last frost date. Enter your zip code on our homepage tool for exact dates.

How to Grow Grapes

Grapes are a 25+ year commitment — the first harvest comes in year 3, but a well-maintained vine produces for decades. The three major types are European (wine and table grapes, less cold-hardy), American (Concord type, very cold-hardy, slip-skin), and hybrids (combining cold hardiness with European flavor). Pruning is the most critical skill — grapes fruit on one-year-old wood growing from older canes, and annual winter pruning controls yield and quality. An unpruned vine produces many small, sour bunches; a properly pruned vine produces fewer, larger, sweeter clusters.

Transplanting

Move seedlings outside 2 weeks before your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 50°F.

Growing Tips

Train to a trellis or arbor. Prune heavily in late winter — grapes fruit on new growth. Choose varieties suited to your zone.

Companion Planting

Good companions:

Roses Clover

Grapes Planting Dates by State

Click your state for grapes planting dates specific to your location:

Note: Planting dates are based on average frost dates from NOAA Climate Normals (30-year averages). Actual conditions vary year to year. Always check your local forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026