Also known as Grape · 95 saves
Vitis
Vitis, the genus most gardeners know as grape. We track 7 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Vitis varieties
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 7 most-grown of them.
The Vitis year
- PruneJanuary and February100% of varieties
Severe dormant pruning (cane or spur) to establish structure and maximize fruiting.
- HarvestJuly–September86% of varieties
Pick grapes when they reach optimal color and sweetness for wine or juice.
- FertilizeMarch71% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer or compost as new growth begins.
- Spray TreatmentFebruary, May and June57% of varieties
Apply fungicide preventatively against black rot and powdery mildew.
- Check for PestsMay–August57% of varieties
Monitor closely for grape leafhoppers and signs of fungal disease.
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 |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and stippling on leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Grape Berry Moth | Damaged berries with silk threads | Apply organic insecticides and remove infested fruit |
| Japanese Beetle | Leaves skeletonised to lace in midsummer | Hand-pick in the morning; avoid traps, which draw more in |
| 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 |
| Downy Mildew | Yellow spots on upper leaf surfaces, fuzzy growth underneath | Use copper fungicides and avoid overhead watering |
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 7 distinct Vitis varieties. The most popular — ranked by 95 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Vitis grow in?
Across its varieties, Vitis covers USDA Zones 6–10. 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, late spring, early summer. 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.