Storing grape cuttings in winter: how to prepare, how to process and where to store until spring

So, autumn grape cuttings behind, you cut the cuttings (prepared), it remains to prepare them, and then lay them for winter storage so that get it in the spring for germination.

What exactly needs to be done before storing the cuttings? What is the best way to process?

What are some effective ways to store grape cuttings in winter?

Now you will find out everything!

By the way! If you are looking for instructions by the timing and rules of grape cuttings (when and how to cut them correctly)then here is the detailed material.

Preparing grape cuttings for winter storage: how and how best to process

In order to fully preserve the shanks until spring, it is important not to overshoot with their preliminary processing and proper preparation for storage.

Processing of shafts before storage: disinfection

So that mold does not appear on the cuttings during storage, it is advisable to pre-process them iron vitriol or briefly dip in a solution of potassium permanganate.

By the way! Typically to save money and time autumn processing of grapes from diseases and pests carried out after pruning (shortly before the shelter), so that the sprayed area is smaller. If you are going to propagate grapes using cuttings, then the processing can be carried out before pruning, or leave a little solution and sprinkle the chopped shanks after it.

What else needs to be done to properly prepare the cuttings for storage

So that the cuttings do not dry out, after cutting them, preferably immediately put in a container of water onsoaking (by 1/3), because even 15-20 minutes exposure of the shank to the sun / wind can destroy it.

As for the duration of soaking the lower part of the shanks in water, it is advisable to leave them saturated with moisture before storing for a day or two. At the same time, it is not necessary to put them in a cold room: it is enough if the temperature is around + 10-20 degrees.

Important! If during the harvesting of cuttings there was rainy weather for a long time (a lot of precipitation), then the soaking time should be significantly reduced.

After the cuttings are saturated with water, you will need them slightly wipe off excess moisture, put on some dry surface and let dry a little within 30-60 minutes.

And already before directly laying the cuttings for storage, they should sort, tie into bundles (with ropes or wires, you can also use masking tape) and be sure hang tags with the names of varieties (so as not to be confused).

Video: harvesting (preparation and processing) and storage of grape cuttings

How to save grape cuttings in winter: storage methods until spring

There are several ways to store grape shanks in winter. We will talk about each of them in detail below.

In trenches underground

Important!If you put cuttings in the ground for storage, then before that they do not need to be kept in water. The necessary humidity is always kept in the ground, for example, unlike a basement or a refrigerator.

So, you need to dig a long trench (or a separate hole for each bundle) about 40-50 cm deep and put the shanks in it. Then bury it with the same earth, making a small mound on top so that moisture does not flood your "storage". Under such a shelter, the cuttings will not freeze, and in the spring they will not warm up ahead of time.

Note! Never wrap the shanks in bags! They can get moldy in them, but you can't check and get them out in winter to wipe them.

However! It may not work to get cuttings for early spring germination, because you will hardly be able to dig early shafts from the frozen ground.

Another serious disadvantage (risk) is uncertainty - after all, winter can be either warm (wet) or, on the contrary, very cold, which means that the cuttings can either rot or freeze out.

In boxes in the snow

If your winters are snowy, then you can simply put the tied bundles of cuttings in wooden boxes in layers (chubuki-snow, chubuki-snow), put them in an open-air area and store them like this until spring just under the snow.

In a cellar or basement

Similar to laying in a trench, you need to fill the box with loose peat, sand, sawdust or moss by 10-15 cm. Then put the bundles with shafts on top, again make a layer of sand or sawdust, put the cuttings again, and so on. After that, put in a cool room, that is, in a basement or cellar, where the temperature does not drop below zero, but does not rise above +5 degrees.

Important! Peat, sand, sawdust or moss should be wet, but not wet, much less dry. Therefore, during storage, they need to be periodically moistened.

You can simply wrap the cuttings hermetically in cellophane and plastic bags (for example, from under the garbage), put them in a basement or cellar.

Worth knowing! Wrapping in bags or shifting with damp earth (sand) is necessary so that moisture does not evaporate from the cuttings.

In a refrigerator

If you do not have a basement or cellar, and you don’t like the idea of ​​digging in the shanks right on the site, then you can store grape cuttings right in the refrigerator until spring (preferably on the bottom shelf).

It's worth remembering! Before putting the shanks in the refrigerator, they must again be wrapped in bags (cellophane or plastic) or wrapped in cling film.

Alternatively, you can store grape cuttings in the refrigerator by filling a 5 liter bottle.

Important! Periodically (1-2 times a month) cuttings stored in the refrigerator or elsewhere should be checked. If they suddenly become moldy, then they must be promptly rinsed under running water. Better yet, immerse the cuttings in a 3% solution for a few seconds. ferrous sulfate (30 grams per 1 liter of water) or a pink solution of potassium permanganate, dry and return to storage.

Video: how to save grape cuttings until spring

Waxing cuttings

Interesting! Some gardeners who do not sit around offer to paraffin cuttings for storage. In general, the idea is good, but this process takes a lot of time. In addition, in an amicable way, it is necessary to initial the shafts along the entire length, and not just the ends, otherwise drying cannot be avoided.

Well, now you know how to properly prepare grape cuttings, how and with what they need to be pre-processed, as well as all the most effective ways to preserve shanks in winter. It seems nothing complicated ... Good luck!

Advice! And about that when to get it for germination and how to root grape cuttings in spring, read in this article.