Many gardeners enjoy growing grapes by propagating them through cuttings, also known as chubuky. Proper preparation of these cuttings in autumn ensures successful planting in early spring. Here’s how to prepare your grape cuttings for the best results.
1. Timing for Preparing Cuttings
Cuttings should be harvested in autumn, about 14 days after the leaves have fallen, but before the first frosts arrive. This is the ideal time, as the vine is saturated with nutrients, making it the best period for preparing healthy cuttings.
2. Selecting the Right Vine
Choose high-quality grape varieties for your cuttings. A good vine should meet the following criteria:
- Brown in color.
- 1.2 cm thick.
- The distance between nodes should be about 10 cm.
- It should be healthy, pest-free, and undamaged.
- The stem should have 2-4 buds on each section.
Be sure to make furrows on both sides of the cuttings with a sharp object to ensure proper planting.
3. Inspecting the Cuttings
A quality cutting should be:
- Firm to the touch.
- Undamaged and free from any spots.
- Brown in color, with a greenish color on the cut end.
- Of the correct size to promote healthy growth.
4. Soaking and Processing
Once harvested, the cuttings need to be soaked in water to hydrate them. After soaking, treat the cuttings with a 5% copper sulfate solution to protect them from pests and diseases. After treatment, dry the cuttings, sort them, and separate them into bundles.
5. Storing the Cuttings
Wrap the processed cuttings in polyethylene to keep them protected. Store the cuttings in a cool place at a temperature of +5°C (41°F) during the winter. Make sure the humidity in the storage area is moderate to prevent drying out or mold growth.
By following these steps, your grape cuttings will be ready for planting in early spring, ensuring you have strong, healthy vines ready to grow.
