Bacchus Grapevine

Grape Vines are surprisingly well suited to the UK climate. In the right spot they are vigorous growers and can produce heavy crops of fruit from August to October.

Your grapevine will do best in a sunny but sheltered spot, ideally south facing with shaded or cool roots in summer. Bacchus grapevines need to be protected from cold winds and hard frosts when planted further north in the country but they are a tasty variety that are known to do particularly well in the UK and will put on fresh and vigorous leaf growth in the spring. These grapes are famous for use in a variety of wines but in a sunny spot these green grapes will ripen to be sweet enough to eat too.

Ideally your grapevine should be transplanted shortly after arrival either into a larger pot or barrel or into the ground. Grapevines can be planted at almost any time of year as long as the ground is frost free. Before planting, submerge the pot in a bucket of water for 10 minutes and add a top dressing of seaweed feed or fish, blood and bone to help it get settled in. If you want to keep your vine in its existing pot for a little longer for whatever reason, it will need regular watering, and will appreciate some ordinary liquid feed.

To get the best fruit from your grapevine, you do need to start pruning it next year. The results are well worth the effort!

Problem solving

Mildew is the most likely problem with grapevines and is caused by prolonged damp conditions or by irregular watering, if your plant is in a pot try moving it to a sunnier position and always train it to encourage airflow round each branch.

Grapevines are deciduous so don’t be alarmed if it drops its leaves over the winter. Different varieties are better suited to wine making or eating but don't forget the more sunshine the fruits receive the sweeter the grapes will taste.