Unhappy grapevine!
Pippa 2
Posts: 3
Can anyone tell my what's wrong with my black grape vine please? Not sure if the variety as it was a cheap buy from somewhere like Wilko or some discount store. It was absolutely fine until the last three summers when we had some scaffolding put up for an extension and although we finally got it taken down this July, the vine is still not good. It's approx 12-13 years old, it was originally planted in a very large pot up against the front of an almost south facing barn conversion and was very happy spreading its roots down and out into the ground below (large gravel that covers lots of hardcore/rubble) and producing loads of grapes! I had so many, I even made wine from them! As you see from the photo hopefully, all goes well till the summer .... Masses of growth .... Lots of bunches start forming.... Then they stop developing and some split and get a dotted brown covering. The leaves this year seem also to have rust? Dunno...just guessing. In the past it was only ever lightly pruned just to keep a few areas near the front door from invading but wondering if it's time for a massive haircut? It's very disappointing when it all starts off so well.
H E L P!!!!! What should I do?
Posts
That looks like typical powdery mildew damage with one clue being the split fruits. Because you haven't regularly pruned the vine, it is growing too much foliage for the roots to support and therefore isn't getting enough water. This, together with the overcrowded foliage which restricts the flow of air creates perfect conditions for powdery mildew to thrive. Being in a pot is exasperating the situation. It probably needs a good feed too.
I would cut it right back this winter and research pruning methods. They are tough plants and will survive a severe hacking back as long as you do it well before growth starts in the spring, otherwise it will bleed to death. Late November is ideal. Correct pruning is essential if you want a healthy vine and lots of fruit.
Start with the RHS site for basic info.
Diseases:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=569
Pruning:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=284
Given the location against a wall, you should probably use the rod and spur pruning system:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=286
I'm sure you will be able to nurse it back to health though.
Last edited: 08 September 2016 01:05:16