Raisins may be "nature's candy", but when the kids have their hands out for a treat, they may not be their first choice. Instead, let them try a variety of grape that manufacturers often use to produce the sweet snack, Black Monukka (Vitis vinifera "Black Monukka"). This variety of sun-loving seedless grape grows well in Sunset Climate Zones 6 through 24. After the first year, this drought-resistant table grape requires minimal care, allowing you to enjoy the fruits of your labor, without much actual labor.
Clear a site in your yard that provides at least seven to eight hours of southern or southwestern sun exposure everyday. The University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (see reference 4) also suggest locating an area that features a 3- to 4-foot-deep, well-draining soil layer above the hardpan, or stratifying layer of rock. This ensures the Black Monukka’s roots have enough room to spread.
Work a thin layer of compost or manure into the soil, as this is sufficient to provide enough nutrients for the vines to thrive. Spread the compost or manure over the ground and work it into the soil with a hoe.
Dig holes in rows that are approximately 8 feet apart and large enough to accommodate the grape seedling’s root balls. Providing this much space is crucial to ensure the growing vines have enough room to spread.
Remove the Black Monukka seedlings from their pots or burlap sacks. Examine their root balls for any infestations and remove any damaged or decaying roots and foliage. Carefully lower the root balls into the holes and backfill with the surrounding soil, paying attention that tops of the root balls are level with the soil’s surface.
Provide the newly planted grapes with enough water to moisten the ground, not create a muddy disaster. Pour the water directly over the vine’s base.
Continue to monitor the grapes during the first year of growth. Provide enough water to keep the ground around the vines moist, but avoid overwatering. After the first few weeks, only water the grapes during periods of drought.
Things You Will Need
- Compost or manure
- Wait until the second spring after planting before training the Black Monukka’s canes to grow along a trellis. When ready, secure two wire trellis’ that feature lower wires at 3 feet and upper wires at 5 to 7 feet. The grape’s canes are secured to the trellis at the two heights and trained to grow along the trellis over the following three to four years.
- Four Wind Growers: Grape Care
- University of California Garden Web: Growing Grapes in Your Backyard
- Gardening from the Ground Up: Growing Grapes in New Mexico
- BBC: How to Grow Grapevines
- University of California-Davis Integrated Viniculture: Black Monukka
- Grape Seek: Frequently Asked Grape Growing Questions...
- Learn2Grow: Vitis vinifera "Black Monukka"