The Story
Plant Bio
A vigorous, woody, deciduous vine, widely cultivated for its edible fruit (grapes) used for wine, juice, and fresh eating. Climbs by tendrils.
'Cabernet Sauvignon' is a classic wine grape producing full-bodied red wines. Features small, dark-skinned berries that ripen late, with flavor notes of blackcurrant and cedar.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Vine
Height
96 inches
Width
72 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Decades
Native To
Mediterranean region, Central Europe, and southwestern Asia
Toxicity
Fruit is toxic to dogs and cats.
Bloom period
Late spring – Mid-summer
In flower about 3 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
- Tuck cuttings or grafts into moist soil in early spring.
- Water deeply after planting to establish roots, about 6 weeks.
- Prune vines annually to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
- Apply mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced vineyard fertilizer.
Pro Tip
Use trellises or support structures to encourage healthy vine growth and airflow.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune annually to maintain shape and productivity
- Apply balanced fertilizer in spring
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Neglect pruning, which can lead to disease
- Use chemical pesticides without proper identification ❌
- Plant in poorly drained soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spray | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Cabernet Sauvignon Grape questions
What zones can Cabernet Sauvignon Grape grow in?
Cabernet Sauvignon Grape is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Cabernet Sauvignon Grape deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Cabernet Sauvignon Grape, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Cabernet Sauvignon Grape bloom?
Cabernet Sauvignon Grape typically blooms in late spring through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Cabernet Sauvignon Grape need full sun?
Cabernet Sauvignon Grape does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Cabernet Sauvignon Grape drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cabernet Sauvignon Grape handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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Vitis vinifera 'RazzMatazz'
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Vitis x californica 'Roger's Red'
Thompson Seedless Grape
Vitis vinifera 'Thompson Seedless'
Emeryville Pink Grape
Vitis vinifera 'Emeryville Pink'
Blue Concord Seedless Grape
Vitis vinifera 'Blue Concord Seedless'
Grape
Vitis vinifera
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Cabernet Sauvignon Grape with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.