Bare-root table grapes

What does bare-root mean and what are bare-root table grapes?

The Schmidt grapevine nursery usually offers its table grapes as container plants in pots. However, some varieties are also offered as bare-root plants. In the online shop, these are always specially marked with the designation "bare-root" next to the variety name. The term "bare-root" means that the vines are delivered without a soil ball around the roots, i.e. the roots are essentially "naked".

Advantage of bare-root table grapes?

Lower price

Bare-root vines are cheaper to produce and purchase than comparable container or balled plants. We pass this price advantage on to you and therefore offer bare-root plants at a lower price.

Easier handling

Bare-root vines are easier to carry, transport and pack. A bundle of, for example, 20 bare-root table grapevines can easily be carried to the farthest corner of your garden or property where you want to plant them. This is not possible with potted plants without tools such as a wheelbarrow – or you will need to make several trips.

Smaller planting holes needed

With bare-root table grapevines, you don't need to dig large planting holes!
If you're planting only a few vines, this may not be a big deal. But if you plan to plant 30-40 vines, it certainly is.

What should I consider when ordering bare-root table grapes?

Bare-root plants should only be planted from mid-October to mid-May, provided the soil is not frozen or completely waterlogged due to rain. During this time, the plants are dormant.

As soon as the bare-root plants arrive, unpack them to let the vines breathe. If you are unable to plant the vines immediately due to time constraints or unsuitable soil conditions, make sure to protect them from drying out. Bare-root plants absolutely dislike dryness!

Storage of bare-root plants

If you wish to store bare-root plants for a while, you can use the foil in which they were delivered by the Schmidt nursery.

Please remove the foil completely and moisten the roots thoroughly. Then wrap only the root of the vine back in the foil. This process is intended only to prevent drying out. You can also "heel in" the bare-root plants (cover the roots with soil). To do this, dig a hole in which you can place the roots and cover them with soil. The roots should be covered a few centimeters above with substrate or soil.

How long does it take before you see no difference between bare-root and container plants?

Usually, there is no visible difference between bare-root vines and potted vines after the first growing season.