growing grapes

[culnatchee]

Ok experts, don't laugh at me. I live in Michigan and am interested in growing a few vines. I know its a couple of year process. Any websites or addresses where I can get some seeds and start growing this spring?

[mrdutton]

Try Burpee.............


More than a couple of years if you start with seeds.

Usually one starts with root stocks and then it takes a few years for the root stock to generate into productive vines.

Kinda like roses. Never planted a rose seed, but put plenty of root stock into the ground only to have them fail.......

I dont remember the specific campus, I think it is University of California, Davis. Get in touch with them and you will learn a lot. (Just touching base with them you will learn a lot more than I know!!)

[This message has been edited by mrdutton (edited 02-14-2003).]

[Kcwhippet]

Here's a Michigan State web site that lists the best grape varieties for your area - www.msue.msu.edu/msue/imp/modfr/26439701.html. Also, go to www.michiganwines.com. You'll find all the wineries in Michigan. Go to or contact one near you and ask where they get their grape stock.

[Thomas]

See if you can find the Agricultural Cooperative Extension Service in Michigan--usually run by a university.

Before that, however, you should get a book or two. Grapes Into Wine, by Phillip Wagner, is a good place to start. It's an old book, but it should be available at your library.

Incidentally, just about all grapevines are hybrids of some sort; if you plant a seed, you might get a vine that represents one of the many parents and relatives of the seeds you planted, but you won't necessarily get the vine you wanted. You must use rootstock.