Looking for expert guidance on grape research? This site lists viticultural and
extension contacts across the country and offers a searchable directory by focus area—viticulture or
enology—grape type, and state. Find the extension specialist you need to provide support and
insights for your vineyard.
https://graperesearch.org/directory/
"2010 Protocol" indicates vines have been propagated from plant material
developed by the National Clean Plant Network (NCPN). Plant material from grape varieties or clones
is tested for an extensive list of viruses and Phytoplasma that cause economic damage to grapevines.
At this point Agrobacterium (Crown Gall) is not included in the certification as it has proven
difficult to completely clean up material and keep it free of this bacteria. In addition material is
put through micro-shoot tip culture to ensure clean plants. These vines are then planted in a G1
(first generation) mother block at the Russell Ranch vineyard near Davis, CA. Nurseries can obtain
propagation material from the G1 vines and plant their own G2 (second generation) increase blocks.
Vines are tested on a regular basis to ensure that the G2 vines have remained virus-free and that
vines propagated from them meet 2010 Protocol certification standards. A full description of the
Protocol 2010 testing can be found at: http://fps.ucdavis.edu/fgr2010.cfm
Our plants are considered “bare root”. Usually, when they are shipped, they have
moist packing material around the roots and should arrive in very good condition. It is important to
keep the plants cool and the roots moist prior to planting.
A cooler, garage or basement room is typically good storage locations for your
plants if you can’t plant immediately. Plants will be fine in the packages they are shipped in for
up to 2 weeks however; the packing paper may need to be remoistened after the first week in storage.
The storage area temperature for the plants should not dip below freezing. Dormant plants should not
be stored near apples or other fruits as the ethylene gas produced could be toxic to the buds.
A packing slip should be included on your package outlining each variety in your
order. Additionally, each plant will have a plastic tag denoting the variety, size or rootstock
(depending upon the type of plant). If more than one plant is ordered, all like varieties will be
bundled together up to a quantity of 25.
Typically, there is no need to amend the soil but up to 50% peat moss can be
added if desired. If you have concerns about your soil prior to planting you can test your soil with
our Soil Nutrient Testing
Package that includes a full review of the results by our viticulturist and a detailed
summary of how best to adjust the conditions of your soil to promote healthy plant growth.
This growth is referred to as “etiolated” shoots. These shoots indicate that the
plants are alive. They develop when the plants break dormancy while in storage or in transit. When
exposed to the sunlight, this growth will turn brown or fall off. Grapes are unique in that they
have primary, secondary & tertiary buds. There are also many latent buds that can develop. The
plants will continue to grow.
First, you need to determine if the plant is grafted or own rooted. A grafted
plant will be tagged with a rootstock designation such as 101-14, 3309, or 1103P and have a “knot”
where the plants were joined together.
Grafted Planting:
The graft union (knotty section) should be planted 2-3 inches above the soil surface. The
hole for the plant should be 1.5- 2 times the diameter of the root system. When planted, all
roots should be spread out. Immediately after planting, the graft union should be covered
with soil to protect it and harden it off. Once the plant starts to grow, the soil should be
removed or the plant may root into the soil, defeating the purpose of the graft. It is also
important to cover the graft union before winter if you are considered zone 6A or less then
remove the soil in the spring each year.
Own Rooted Planting:
Make sure to dig a hole big enough to spread out the roots. There is no need to trim the
roots prior to planting. If desired you can trim roots to 8 inches to help in the ease of
planting. Balling up the roots inside a hole that is too small may stunt the plant. When
planting large quantities, it is recommended to dig a trench, spread out the roots
horizontally and backfill with dirt. Position the plant at the same depth as is evident on
the plant – roots under the ground with shoots above. If there are more than two shoots
coming out of the top of the plant, it can be trimmed to the two strongest shoots. Each
shoot can be pruned to 2-3 buds, leaving 4-6 buds on the plant.
Refer to the Grapevine Characteristic Chart available in your Double A Vineyards
catalog or in our Growers Guide. Each variety has recommended spacing to give
optimal productivity per acre. Home gardeners can be flexible with which spacing they choose to use
due to aesthetics or site constraints.
It is best to plant grapes as soon as the ground can be worked. If there is a
frost, primary bud damage may occur. The secondary and tertiary buds will continue to develop and
the plant will grow.
Plants should be watered when planted. Grapes require an inch of rain per week
or the equivalent during the first growing season. During a dry season, watering every 7-10 days
becomes necessary.
Immediately after planting, the Blue-X and Plantra vine shelters can be put over
the plant. The vine shelters can be attached to a bamboo pole, stake, wire or trellis to maintain
the upright position. This will protect the tender foliage from “critter” damage as well as allow
herbicide to be sprayed around the plants to minimize competition from other vegetation.
The best time to remove either vine shelter is after the plant goes dormant in
the fall. The foliage will no longer be appetizing for deer or other animals and there will be no
need for weed sprays. We do not recommend leaving the shelters on during the winter as this may
create a greenhouse effect.
There is no need to fertilize the first year. The fertilizer tends to promote
too much vegetative growth. In the second year, triple 15 fertilizer can be used, sprinkled in a
6-8” diameter around the plant.
Our plants are considered “bare root”. Usually, when they are shipped, they have
moist packing material around the roots and should arrive in very good condition. It is important to
keep the plants cool and the roots moist prior to planting.
A cooler, garage or basement room is typically good storage locations for your
plants. The storage area temperature for the plants should not dip below freezing. Dormant plants
should not be stored near apples or other fruits as the ethylene gas produced could be toxic to the
buds.
A packing slip should be included on your package outlining each variety in your
order. Additionally, each plant will have a plastic tag denoting the variety. If more that one plant
is ordered, all like varieties will be bundled together up to a quantity of 10 or 25.
Refer to each section listed below for the specific requirements for each type
of plant. Backyard fruit and berry plants will do best by providing the specified conditions.
Set plants slightly deeper than they grew in the nursery. Prior to planting, cut
the shoots back to 6 to 10 inches above ground level. Currants and Gooseberries may be planted 2-4
feet apart with rows 6-8 feet apart. Elderberries may be planted 7-8 feet apart with rows 10-12 feet
apart. Apply mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture and control weeds. Place 2 to
4 inches of straw, grass clippings, sawdust, or wood chips around each plant and replenish annually
to this depth.
Blueberries thrive in acid soil with a pH of 4.0-4.5. Soil should be rich in
organic matter and well drained. The soil may be amended with up to 50% peat moss. Plants should be
spaced at 3-foot intervals in rows 8 feet apart. Raised beds work well for blueberries, providing
the necessary drainage. After planting, a heavy 3” pine mulch lay provides some of the acidic
organic matter that blueberries require.
Blackberries and raspberries or brambles like full sun and well-drained soil.
Planting in raised beds is recommended for extra yield and optimal long-term plant survival. Plants
should be placed 2-3 feet apart with 6-8 ft. spacing between rows. Water plants immediately after
planting and regularly throughout the growing season if rainfall is less that 1” per week. Berries
may be mulched with bark; hay, straw, aged saw dust or landscape fabric might be used for weed
prevention. Place the berry plant in a shallow two-inch trench. Spread the roots horizontally, push
the plants into the soil and completely cover the roots as well as approximately 2” of the plant.
Since the roots are very fine, it is extremely important that the roots remain moist. Berries should
be soaked in water a few hours prior to planting and watered well. Don’t let the plant develop fruit
the first year. Each subsequent year after fruiting, prune old canes and burn. Mulch plants well.
Just before buds open, raspberries and blackberries may be sprayed with lime sulphur or Bordeaux
mixture (4-6-50 Copper sulphate, hydrated lime and water).
For best results Aronia Berries should be planted within the USDA hardiness
zones 3-8. Aronia Berries prefer full sun to partial shade and will bloom late spring to early
summer. When you receive your plants they will be dormant and can therefore be planted as soon as
they arrive. Soak the roots in water prior to planting. Make sure you plant with the crown of the
plant (where the stems meet the roots) no more than one inch below the surface of the soil. They
should be planted with 5' - 8' between plants and 12 foot spacing between rows. Keep the soil
moderately moist but not soggy, watering a minimum of once a week throughout the first growing
season. Spread mulch around the base of the plant keeping it approximately 2 inches away from the
trunk, as a way to reduce weeds and conserve moisture.
For best results Goji Berries should be planted within the USDA hardiness zones
6-9. You should select a site where the soil is high in organic matter, well drained and neutral to
slight alkaline soil. A soil PH of 7 is ideal. Goji Berries also prefer full day sun however they
will tolerate half-day sun. When you receive your plants they will be dormant and can therefore be
planted as soon as they arrive. Soak the roots in water prior to planting. Make sure you spread out
the roots and push soil in and around the roots. Keep the soil moderately moist for the first few
months or until you see new growth sprouting. Spread mulch around the base of the plant to reduce
weeds and conserve moisture.
At Double A Vineyards we begin the process of “hardening off” the tender
greenhouse plants prior to shipment or pickup. It is important to keep in mind that greenhouse-grown
plants should be protected from freezing conditions initially after planting. If cold weather is
predicted, cover plants with a pot or box to minimize stress. Plants should be kept moist enough to
prevent wilting but not over watered.
Refer to the specific planting recommendations for each type of small fruit. The
“GRAPE GROWING RESOURCES” section on our website also has detailed information readily accessible
under the “BERRIES” heading.
Please refer to the Double A Vineyards website: www.doubleavineyards.com. Our
“Growers Guide” houses several very good resources from different cooperative extensions and
universities. We also have book available such as THE BACKYARD BERRY BOOK that provides great
resources for the home gardener.
If you have purchased willow cuttings you will receive 20” cuttings that have
been spray-painted on one end. The spray painted end is the top of the cutting and the opposite end
is what should go into the ground when planting.
If the cuttings cannot be planted immediately they must be stored in a cool,
shady place. If weather is warm and drying, the cuttings must be kept moist by placing them in water
for a few hours, and then placed in a fridge until being planted.
We prepare willow cuttings fresh to order. This ensures that the stock arrives
in prime condition. It is important that the cuttings are planted as quickly as possible, and have
soaked for a few hours prior, to replace lost moisture.We prepare willow cuttings fresh to order.
This ensures that the stock arrives in prime condition. It is important that the cuttings are
planted as quickly as possible, and have soaked for a few hours prior, to replace lost moisture.
Dig a hole in the soil with a metal bar or stick and insert the 8-inch cutting 7
inches into the ground (9-9 ½ inches for 20 inch cuttings). Cuttings should be watered in
immediately after planting. Press the soil surrounding the cutting in tight with your heel to make
sure there are no air gaps.
To create a dense fedge or hedge we recommend planting your cuttings 2 feet
apart and in a two-row layout. The rows should be offset to create a zigzag pattern.
We recommend using 4 ft. landscape fabric for establishing plantings, as willow
does not compete well with weeds. Fabric should be laid overtop of a 4 foot tilled section. Tucking
the edges of the fabric in can help keep the landscape fabric in place until you’re finished. Make 3
inch X’s in the fabric and plant the cuttings through it. Cover the fabric with bark, mulch or straw
to further prevent weed establishment and to retain soil moisture.
Your young plants will want plenty of water. Once the buds break and begin to
grow make sure that the plant is getting sufficient water – twice a week – through either rainfall
or manual watering.
After the first growing season while the plant is dormant (November-March), cut
the plant back to about two to three inches above the soil to stimulate vigorous re-sprouting the
following spring. Use sharp clippers to create a clean cut rather than tearing the stems.
At Double A Vineyards we begin our young hop plants in the greenhouse. Once the
plants have reached dormancy they are placed in the cooler for storage until we are ready to ship.
The plants will be dormant when they arrive but will take root quickly once planted. Each pot will
have a tag labeling the variety.
A packing slip will be included on your package outlining each variety in your
order. Additionally, each plant will have a plastic tag denoting the variety. Plants will be in 4 in
pots. Pots will arrive shrink-wrapped to keep the soil contained. Upon arrival unwrap the plants to
prepare for planting.
When selecting your site you should make sure that it is well drained and in a
location that gets full sun. Hops also require a lot of water so making sure you have access to
water for irrigation is important. Good airflow is also very important.
Hops like most crops need a healthy soil in order to grow. Ideally the pH should
be between 6 and 7 and there should be a good level of organic matter. This can be mixed in prior to
planting or a cover crop could also be used.
Assuming your site has been well prepared you will want to plant each hop plant
as quickly and efficiently as possible so as not to let the root system dry out. Place plant in the
ground with root system completely covered. Water immediately.
If you are not ready to plant or it is still too cold you can store them as is
for up to 2 weeks in cool dark storage. A temperature of under 42 degrees is ideal for storage.
Alternatively you may choose to pot your plants in 1-2 gallon containers until they are ready. Keep
the plants well watered until you are ready to plant. They should go in the ground no later than
early fall as they do not winter-over well in pots.
If your plants begin growing it is okay as they are in pots. Root growth is
likely to occur. The more top growth you see the more difficult it may be to plant them without
damaging the growing tip. The best practice is to get the plants in the ground as soon as you are
able to.
Each hop plant should be placed at least 36-40 inches away from the next plant.
The row spacing should be wide enough that you can weed and/or cultivate.
If your hops have begun to push shoots and are hit with a frost they will send
up new shoots at a cost of additional energy from the crown. It is best to avoid freezing
temperatures with new hop plants when at all possible. Once established however, mature hop plants
are generally considered to be cold hardy.
These plants should grow into a full-grown hop plant this year and should bear
cones as well. The cones should be hand picked and the plants should be left trained to the coir so
as to encourage growth of the root structure.
Hops grow quite vigorously so the sooner you get your trellis up the better. In
the mean time feel free to use bamboo stakes to tie them up. By the time the hops reach 3 foot tall
they will need to be strung up to a trellis.
Hops do not compete well with weeds. If a cover crop has not been used to reduce
weeds you will definitely need to use a weed killer to clear the perennial weeds and grasses prior
to planting your hops.
When first planting hops they may need fertilizer the first year. A soil test
can tell you for sure what you need however; nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are key components
in hop health. See the “HOPS” section under the “LEARN” tab on www.doubleavineyards.com for more
specific information.
Please refer to the Double A Vineyards website: www.doubleavineyards.com Our “Growers Guide” houses
several very good resources from different cooperative extensions and universities.
Prior to planting, make sure you have chosen a spot away from any buildings and
with adequate sunlight for roughly 6-8 hours a day. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots
of the plant. Plant your fig 2-4 inches deeper than the plug. Water the plant thoroughly. Do not
prune or fertilize your tree planting. Some helpful growing tips: Water your plant thoroughly. Keep
the ground around the tree free of weeds. **Fig trees need winter protection if you are located in a
zone 6 and below**
**Fig trees need winter protection if you are located north of Zone 7** Fig
trees can be grown in pots and stored in an unheated basement or garage for the winter if they are
not cold-hardy to your zone. Your fig tree should be planted at the same depth it is shipped in.
When planting in a pot, the pot you choose needs to be large enough to accommodate the tree's
current root system with room to grow. Be sure the container you use has adequate drainage holes.
Use a potting mix rather than a top soil to avoid any contaminants and do not compact the soil
around the roots when planting. Water your fig tree as needed, when the soil is dry to the touch,
ideally when the soil is dry an inch or so below the surface.
If grown in containers, the fig trees should be repotted every second or third
year with fresh soil. In cool climates, keep protected until outdoor temperatures warm and the
chance of frost is gone then choose a sunny location for your plant. Avoid overwatering and watering
too frequently. This will create an environment for root rot and other root-related issues. As your
tree grows, increase the pot size to allow your fig to have more room to grow. Restricting the roots
in a smaller container may limit growth and fruit production. Always pot up your tree to a container
that is manageable for you, especially if you need to move the tree indoors for winter protection.
You can expect to grow fig trees in 7-gallon, 10-gallon, 20-gallon containers and larger as needed.