Welcome to Nongnghiepvietnam.org – Vietnam’s leading agricultural website, where we share valuable farming knowledge and experience! Today, we’ll explore the secrets to growing delicious grapes in Northern Vietnam, focusing on three popular varieties: Ha Den, Mau Don, and Ngon Tay.
This guide draws from the practical experience of Chimi Farm, a reputable grape farm in Moc Chau, and promises to provide you with the most useful information.
Ideal Grape Planting Season in Northern Vietnam
While grapes can be planted year-round, the ideal time in Northern Vietnam is during February-March or October-November. Thorough soil preparation is crucial before planting. Plow and till the soil deeply to create a rich topsoil layer, facilitating nutrient absorption and drainage.
Preparing the “New Home” for Your Grapevines: Soil Preparation Techniques
Grapes thrive in loose, nutrient-rich, and well-drained soil. Proper soil preparation is vital for healthy growth and development.
Planting Hole Dimensions
Grapevines are climbers with vigorous root systems that require ample space. The minimum planting hole size is 40x40x40cm for each vine.
Soil Fertilization
To nourish the vines during their initial growth, add 8-10 kg of well-decomposed organic fertilizer and 0.5-1 kg of lime to each planting hole for soil disinfection.
Preparation Time
Complete soil preparation 15-20 days before planting.
Choosing the Right Grape Variety for Northern Vietnam
In Moc Chau, the three most commonly grown varieties are Ha Den, Mau Don, and Ngon Tay Den.
Planting Distance
For optimal growth, plant vines 2.5m apart between rows and 1m apart within rows, with an ideal density of 4000 vines/ha.
Planting Techniques
Dig a hole in the center of the planting hole equal to the root ball size. Gently place the grape seedling in the hole and backfill with soil. Water immediately after planting to maintain moisture.
Caring for Young Grapevines: Nurturing from the Start
Weeding and Cultivating
Regular weeding and cultivating around the base of the vines improves soil aeration and promotes root development. Combine this with periodic fertilization every 15 days.
Watering
Young grapevines require consistent watering, especially after planting. Water every 5-7 days to maintain moisture. Ensure proper drainage during the rainy season to prevent root rot.
Staking
When the vines reach 20-25cm in height, stake them with nylon ties for support and prune any axillary buds and tendrils to direct nutrients towards growth.
Trellising
A T-shaped trellis is ideal for grapevines. Use concrete or metal posts with two crossbars at the top for supporting the wires. Space the wires 20cm apart on the first level, 35cm on the second, and 60cm on the third.
T-shaped trellises facilitate easy maintenance and harvesting, while maximizing sunlight exposure.
T-shaped grape trellis
Fertilizing
During the initial growth phase (7-8 months), fertilize the vines every 1-2 months. Use specialized organic grape fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 5-3-4 or other high-quality organic fertilizers, applying approximately 4000 kg/ha.
Developing Primary and Secondary Branches
Once the vines start climbing the trellis (around 90cm tall), pinch the tips. This encourages the growth of primary branches. Select two strong primary branches and train them in opposite directions, perpendicular to the main stem. When the primary branches have 5-6 leaves, pinch the tips again to promote secondary branch growth. Prune any side shoots on the secondary branches, keeping only two healthy branches, and repeat this pruning process for subsequent branch levels. Shape the grapevine canopy into an open pyramid.
Grapevine Care During the Production Phase: Reaping the Sweet Rewards
Weeding and Soil Aeration
Continue weeding and cultivating to maintain soil aeration. Deep tilling once a year after harvest encourages new root growth.
Grapevine care during production phase
Pruning and Cleaning Branches
Prune grapevine branches when the plant is healthy. After pruning, apply a branch cleaning solution to minimize disease for the next season. Collect and compost the pruned branches and leaves.
Pruning Season
In Vietnam, grapevines can be pruned anytime, but avoid periods of intense heat or heavy rain.
Pruning Techniques
- Cutting Point: Leave 6-12 buds, depending on the branch length, diameter, wood maturity, and season. Ideally, leave 8-10 buds.
- Branch Density:
- Low: prune 5-month-old branches.
- High (exceeding 8 branches/m2): prune 10-month-old branches in winter.
Branch Tying and Bud Removal
After pruning, tie and distribute the branches evenly on the trellis, removing weak branches. Maintain a density of around 10 branches/m2. When new buds sprout, tie the branches a second time and remove axillary buds and tendrils to concentrate nutrients on flower and fruit development.
Thinning Grapes
Thin the grapes early when they are the size of corn kernels (about 7mm in diameter) and repeat the process 15 days later. Thin grapes evenly on all four sides of the cluster to promote uniform growth and reduce disease susceptibility.
Bagging Grapes
Bag the grape clusters with specialized bags 30-40 days after fruit set.
Watering
- Sunny weather: water every 5-7 days. Combine watering with mulching around the base to retain moisture.
- Rainy weather: ensure proper drainage.
Fertilizing
Fertilize according to the following recommendations:
| Fertilizer Type | Quantity (kg/ha/season) | Fertilizer Application by Period (%) | |—|—|—|—| | | After Previous Harvest | 10-12 Days Before Pruning | 10-15 Days After Fruit Set | | Organic Fertilizer | 4000 | 1300 | 1200 | 1500 | | Lime | 1000 | 1000 | 0 | 0 |
Note: Combine fertilization with weeding by tilling the soil 20-25cm deep, 50cm away from the base along the grape rows. Spread the fertilizer evenly and cover completely.
Pest and Disease Control for Grapes: Protecting Your Vineyard’s Health
Principles of Safe Grape Production
- Ensure safety for consumers.
- Minimize environmental pollution.
- Prioritize natural pesticides.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
- Balanced fertilization.
- Well-ventilated trellis system.
- Field sanitation, removal of plant debris, disposal of diseased leaves, axillary buds, and weak shoots.
- Effective drainage during the rainy season.
- Prevention of disease spread between fields.
- Simultaneous pruning.
- Maintaining appropriate branch density (6-8 branches/m2).
- Regular removal of weak branches and axillary buds.
- Avoid intercropping mango, chili, onion, or garlic under or near the grape trellis.
- Prioritize biological pesticides.
Grape pest and disease control
Main Grape Diseases and Control Measures
- Downy Mildew: Remove infected leaves and use organic fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: Use organic fungicides.
- Stem Rot: Use organic fungicides.
- Rust: Use organic fungicides.
- Anthracnose: Use organic fungicides.
Main Grape Pests and Control Measures
- Grapevine Moth: Handpick caterpillars, destroy egg clusters, remove infested leaves, and use organic insecticides.
- Thrips: Water regularly and use organic insecticides.
- Yellow Spider Mite: Use organic insecticides.
- Red Spider Mite: Use organic insecticides.
- Mealybugs: Thoroughly clean branches after pruning and use organic insecticides.
Harvesting Grapes: Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
Harvest Time
- Harvest in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Harvest when grapes reach 100-120 days old, depending on the season.
- Select clusters with characteristic color, sweetness, and aroma.
Grape Cluster Sorting
- Remove small, diseased, or cracked grapes.
- Sort based on cluster size, color, and disease-free appearance according to customer requirements.
Packaging and Storage
- Soak grape clusters in Anolyte solution for 5-10 minutes to clean.
- Dry grapes before packaging.
- Use perforated foam or cardboard boxes for long-distance transport.
- Transport in refrigerated vehicles (3-5°C) to maintain optimal quality.
Grape harvest
Conclusion
Growing grapes in Northern Vietnam isn’t as difficult as you might think! We hope this guide has provided valuable insights into grape cultivation and care. Wishing you a bountiful grape harvest!
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