Grapes: How to Grow Productive Grape Vines with the Right Care and Nutrition

Whether you’re growing table grapes, wine varieties, or ornamental vines, healthy grape production starts with the right fertiliser, setup, and long-term care. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to plant, train, and feed grapevines for high yields in Australian conditions.

Best Conditions to Grow Grapes in Australia

Grapes grow vigorously when planted in the right position and soil. Choose an open, sunny location with free drainage and plenty of room for vine spread.

Sunlight: Grapes need full sun (6+ hours daily). Avoid shaded areas.
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. Slightly alkaline to neutral pH (6.5–8.0) is ideal.
Spacing: Allow 2–3 metres between vines, with rows 3 metres apart for airflow.
Water: Deep weekly watering while vines are establishing. Avoid frequent surface watering.

How to Prepare Soil for Grapes (No Compost Needed)

Clear existing vegetation and loosen the soil to a depth of 40cm
Blend native soil with CompleteGrow NPK 20-20-20 (mixed at 4 mL per litre of water) to establish root-zone fertility
Ensure soil drains freely—avoid areas prone to pooling or waterlogging

Planting Steps:

Dig a hole wide and deep enough for the root system (approx. 40–50cm)
Set the vine so the graft (if present) sits just above the soil line
Backfill with native soil and firm in gently
Water in thoroughly with diluted NPK 20-20-20 to help settle roots and reduce transplant stress

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How to Support and Train Grape Vines for Strong, Fruit-Bearing Growth

Grapes grow on long canes that need structured support. A proper trellis or wire system ensures vines grow upward, with maximum airflow and sunlight for optimal fruit quality.

Best Trellis Types for Grapes:

Single Wire Cordon: One main horizontal wire 1.5m above ground; easy for home gardeners.
Double Wire: Two wires at 1m and 1.6m for better shoot management.
Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP): Ideal for wine grapes; involves several wires to guide upward shoots.
Arbours/Pergolas: Great for table grapes and shaded walkways.

How to String & Train Vines:

Install timber posts at ends and middle of rows
Run galvanised or poly-coated wire tightly between posts
Tie young canes to the wire using soft twine or jute ties—never plastic or zip ties
As the vine grows, remove extra shoots and select 1–2 strong vertical leaders

For large setups, use turnbuckles to tension wires, and consider intermediate stakes for long runs. Tie canes below leaf nodes to avoid damaging buds.

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Fertiliser Schedule for Grape Vines Using CompleteGrow Products

Grapes are heavy feeders once fruiting begins. But over-fertilising with nitrogen can promote excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit.

Yearly Feeding Plan:

Spring (Bud Burst – Early Shoots):
Apply NPK 20-20-20 every 2 weeks at 4 mL per litre to support balanced early growth.
Pre-Flowering to Fruit Set:
Switch to NPK 4-18-38 + Cal-Mag every 10–14 days to boost fruit development and colour.
Summer (Fruit Maturation):
Continue 4-18-38 fortnightly. Avoid nitrogen-heavy products to prevent vine softness or late-season mildew.
Autumn (Post-Harvest):
Apply one final dose of 20-20-20 to replenish nutrients and prepare roots for dormancy.

Pruning Guide:

Winter: Prune 80% of old growth. Keep 1–2 canes per arm and shorten to 2–4 bud spurs (spur pruning) or longer canes if training for wine grapes (cane pruning).
Summer: Tip prune and remove excess foliage to open up airflow and sunlight around fruit.

General Care Tips:

Train vines with consistent tying and shaping in the first 2 years
Use mulch (gravel or bark) to reduce weed pressure and retain moisture
Drip irrigation is best—water deeply but infrequently
Remove diseased leaves and watch for powdery mildew or downy mildew

With the right CompleteGrow feeding program and proper vine management, your grapevines will thrive year after year—producing flavour-rich clusters whether you grow for fresh eating, juicing, or winemaking.