By Timfoster
United Kingdom
Why do my grapes not grow in the UK? I have a house in Bulgaria with grapes planted in 8 rows (each row is about 100m long) and these grow absolutely tons of grapes every single year (way too many to eat and make wine with). These vines have been in place and established since at least the 80s though. I never touch them (no pruning or feeding) but they still produce a gazzilion grapes every year. In the UK I have one plant that grows plenty of grapes, but they are tiny and not very nice to eat.
I'm not the best, or keenest, gardener, but I do like nice fruit plants, so what can I do to make the UK plant fruit like the Bulgarian ones?
- 5 Jul, 2018
Answers
I suspect the soil/lightlevels and water are all different and that's why they don't do as well.
5 Jul, 2018
We're in Northampton and it is just planted in the garden. It's planted against a fence and is relatively sheltered by the large trees in the forest behind. The garden gets sun in the afternoon (but not so much in the morning). It's been in the ground for about three years.
Is there something that I can do to help it? It seems to be thriving as a plant, but not so much as an edible fruit producer.
6 Jul, 2018
Are you growing the same variety as th ones in your other garden? Worth checking which varieties are hardier in GB?
6 Jul, 2018
Ah, now there's a question :) Unfortunately, the house in Bulgaria had the vines planted when we bought the house. It was an estate sale so I have no idea what variety they are. The ones in the UK I have no idea about either. I've had a search through my mailbox and can't find the confirmation email from the order. I realise this doesn't make it any easier for anyone to help me :) so general advice is probably the best I'm hoping for.
Should I give it more water? Should I try some lights to help it? ANy other general good advice I could try?
6 Jul, 2018
Sorry, I've never grown one - never trusted the climate! But I seem to remember that some of the UK hardy ones do indeed have small unappealing fruit. Best grown in a glasshouse here in many parts of the country(You didn't put your county on your profile)
6 Jul, 2018
I think you may get some help from http://www.brynnevineyard.com/ which is at Brixworth,. not too far from you
7 Jul, 2018
Where are you in the UK - that makes a big difference, and how long have you had the vine? And are you growing this vine outdoors in the ground out in the open, or planted outdoors with the growth under glass, in a south facing position, or growing it some other way?
5 Jul, 2018