hacking an old grape vine?

pawera

i live in los angeles, have an old grapevine of maybe 20 years that stopped producing grapes.

the plan was to cut it out and plant fruit trees (unless anyone has a secret to make it a prolific producer of grapes again?)

but the real question:

the vine has found a water source, possibly water from the neighbor’s lawn on the other side of the wall. is there a way to keep and utilize the grape vine’s water affinity to water for another plant in that space? Can you maybe graft a different plant onto the grapevine supplying nutrients?

maybe this is just a dumb question but if i can ‘repurpose’ an old grapevine, why not?

thanks!

Monek Marie

Hi @pawera

Welcome to TGN. When you have time introduce yourself in our welcome area. You may find a neighbor that lives close by.

Also check out or guidelines to the community.

Your question is a fascinating one that I plan to do some digging for info. Stay tuned!~

Question. What kind of grape was it and when did it stop producing? Often trimming a vine will help it produce again and adding nutrients to the are will help it out.

Monek Marie

@pawera three links to read that are interesting

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/grapes/rooting-grapevines-tips.htm

https://www.hobbyfarms.com/grape-vines-abandoned-revive-potential-production/

https://www.gardenguides.com/70023-care-old-grapevines.html

I don't see any reason why you could not take a healthy vine section and put another new grapevine on it. I'd probably try grafting a few different grape varieties on the plant.

LaurieLovesLearning

Welcome @pawera! I have nothing to add because I'd do the same as what @Monek Marie suggested.

Have fun!

water2world

@pawera intriguing question!

water2world

@pawera I have been trying to edit my post above, but for some reason it is not happening! Wanted to add: Keep us posted as to what you try and the results, please.

Welcome!!

Merin Porter

@pawera so, not an answer to your second question, but I have successfully regrown new grape plants from dormant cuttings off an existing vine. If you like the grapes you used to get from this plant, it might be worth a try? Here's an article that discusses the method:

https://pallensmith.com/2015/03/21/propagating-grape-vines-from-cuttings/

marjstratton

We don't have any grapes. Kind of wish we did. We had an old willow that I'm afraid may have tapped into our septic line. We will have our septic system inspected in a few days and hopefully find out.

pawera

Thank you all! After all the info you shared, I'm no longer intimidated by a little old grapevine.

I think I will start a few new cuttings, as well as trim back the existing vine.

And besides 'red' and small, sorry - no idea what variety they are.

SuperC

@pawera yes you can do a graft , or you can clip off a healthy part of the vine and place it in a sunny area in your home inside a bottle of soil and water, wait for it to root and reach at least one foot high, and then plant it outdoors. Most grape vines adjust to all types of soils, their roots go deep at times searching for water, or adhere to another root system and use that as its water source. Good luck, and keep us informed about your decision.

I just harvested 37 pounds of Concord grapes and the vine is 30+ years, a single vine. And, there are soooooo many more delicious grapes that need to be picked.