Also known as Grape · 121 saves
Vitis
Vitis, the genus most gardeners know as grape. We track 11 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 11 most-saved Vitis varieties
5 species of Vitis
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Vitis in Sow
Save the Vitis you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Vitis
Whats common across all Vitis varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 11 most-grown of them.
The Vitis year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Severe dormant pruning (cane or spur) to establish structure and maximize fruiting.
- HarvestAugust–October82% of varieties
Pick grapes when they reach optimal color and sweetness for wine or juice.
- FertilizeApril73% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer or compost as new growth begins.
- Check for PestsJune–August73% of varieties
Monitor closely for grape leafhoppers and signs of fungal disease.
- Spray TreatmentMarch, June and July55% of varieties
Apply fungicide preventatively against black rot and powdery mildew.
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Apply balanced fertilizer in spring
- Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Support with a sturdy trellis or arbor
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Plant in poorly drained soil
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Use chemical pesticides excessively
- Neglect pruning, which can lead to disease
What goes wrong with Vitis
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Grape Phylloxera | Deformation and yellowing of leaves, vine decline | Use resistant rootstocks and organic insecticidal sprays |
| Japanese beetle | Skeletonized leaves | Hand-pick beetles from foliage or apply approved insecticides. |
| Deer and rabbits | Browsed young shoots and chewed bark | Install physical fencing or apply repellents. |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and stippling on leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves and stems | Apply sulfur-based fungicides and improve air circulation |
| Botrytis bunch rot | Gray mold on grape clusters | Improve air circulation and remove affected fruit |
| Powdery mildew | White, powdery fungal patches on leaves and developing fruit | Apply sulfur or appropriate fungicides and prune to improve airflow. |
Making more Vitis
Cuttings
- Select healthy canes in winter, about 12 inches long
- Dip cut ends in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist soil, keep in shade
- Maintain soil moisture for 6 weeks until roots develop
Layering
- Choose a flexible vine section in early spring
- Bury a part of the vine in soil while still attached to the parent
- Secure with a stake or stone
- Water regularly and wait for roots to develop over 3-6 months
- Cut and transplant once rooted
Vitis questions
How many types of Vitis are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 11 distinct Vitis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 121 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Vitis grow in?
Across its varieties, Vitis covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Vitis bloom?
Most Vitis varieties bloom in mid-summer, early summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Vitis should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.