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Pruning and training grape vines #679194

Asked January 19, 2021, 5:28 PM EST

Three year vine: can the main trunk be cut to remove the high cordon in order to make a low cordon only vine so that I can use VSP. Or, should the top cordon be lowered to be the low cordon? I think that the low cordon what work best for me in my limited space. My Top cordon is approximately 5 feet from the ground. Thank You

Baltimore County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi- it would probably be best to remove the upper cordon and use that wire (and maybe additional wires) to tie shoots arising from the lower cordon.

Take a look at this page on VPS:

https://grapes.extension.org/trellis-systems-vertical-shoot-position/

And more general pruning/support information:

https://extension.umd.edu/smallfruit/grapes/pruningcanopy-management

Jon

Thanks Jon for your support. I will remove the upper cordon and concentrate on the VSP from the Lower cordon that needs to be established. If needed, I will keep/use a second trunk that was created/grown from last year's pruning (kept 2 buds) at the bottom of the vine for the right or left low cordon of a bi-lateral lower cordon. I will also need to setup a means to add and hold the catch wires.

Still learning, last year there was too much growth due to poor pruning (a lot of the flowers dried up and fell to the ground). Additionally, on my Somerset vine there was fruit on the vines in the fall that did not ripen.

Again, sincere thanks for your support.

Joe

The Question Asker Replied January 20, 2021, 1:55 PM EST

Glad to help. 

Ellen Replied January 21, 2021, 9:11 AM EST

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