Back to Tropical
🍇

Grapes

Complete care guide for premium tropical seedling. Follow these instructions for optimal growth and maximum yield.

Category

tropical

Price

KES 350

Time to Fruit

2-3 years

Complete Care Guide

Detailed care instructions for growing your Grapes seedling successfully

Watering

Grapes tolerate drought but need water during establishment and dry seasons. Use drip irrigation for efficiency. Young vines need frequent, small amounts of water. As they grow, water less often but more deeply. In the first weeks after planting, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Use mulch to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.

Sunlight

Vines need 6-8 hours of sunlight daily for growth and fruit quality. Avoid areas with frequent fog or too much cloud cover. Full sun exposure is essential for optimal grape production.

Soil Requirements

Ideal soil for grapes is: Well-draining, loamy or sandy, pH 5.5-6.5, at least 1 meter deep, rich in organic matter, free from waterlogging. Avoid heavy clay soils as they retain too much water. If your soil isn't ideal, you can improve it. Site Selection: Air Circulation - Good airflow prevents disease and frost damage. Avoid low areas where cold air settles. Slope and Aspect - A slight slope (2-15%) aids drainage. North or east-facing slopes are best in Kenya, protecting vines from harsh afternoon sun. Water Availability - Ensure access to water during establishment and dry seasons. Protection from Winds - While airflow is crucial, strong winds can harm vines. Consider natural or artificial windbreaks. Planting: Dig holes 45-60 cm deep and wide. Mix in manure or compost. Plant the vine at its nursery depth and water it well.

Temperature

Grapes thrive at 15-35°C, ideally 25-30°C. The Rift Valley and Eastern Province often meet these criteria. Warmer temperatures during ripening boost sugar and balance acidity.

Fertilizer

Fertilization Program: Start with a balanced fertilizer in spring. Switch to phosphorus during flowering and then potassium as fruit develops. Add organic matter regularly. Apply NPK 10-5-5 as needed, adjusting based on growth stage.

Spacing

Space vines 2.5-3 meters apart in rows and 1.5-2 meters apart within rows. Adjust spacing based on variety and regional conditions.

Time to Fruit

2-3 years from planting. Typically 2-3 years to first harvest. Consider the time to first harvest when selecting varieties.

Pest & Disease Management

Varieties:

  • Flame Seedless (red grape, sweet crisp taste, strong disease resistance, good for shipping, high demand, adapts well to heat)
  • Thompson Seedless/Sultana (great for eating, raisins, or wine, steady yields, high drought resistance, long shelf life, strong market support)
  • Red Globe (big round berries, bright red colour, adapts to temperature changes, high market appeal, excellent for shipping)
  • Cabernet Sauvignon (adapts to various climates, top choice for wine, strong disease resistance, high demand)
  • Chenin Blanc (ideal for warm climates, versatile for wines, good acidity, steady yields)

Key Characteristics:

  • Yield Potential - Look for varieties with proven high yields under Kenyan conditions
  • consider consistency of production. Disease Resistance - Choose varieties with natural resistance to common local diseases
  • consider tolerance to humidity-related issues. Market Preferences - Research current market demands
  • consider both local and export market requirements
  • evaluate potential for value-added products. Climate Adaptability - Match varieties to your specific microclimate
  • consider heat tolerance
  • evaluate water requirements.

Market Opportunity:

  • Currently
  • Kenya imports 90% of its grapes
  • creating a big opportunity for local farmers. The benefits of grape farming go beyond just growing grapes. There's a market for fresh grapes
  • wines
  • and juices. Small farmers can start small and grow. Bigger farms can sell locally or export. Starting a grape farm also creates jobs in managing
  • processing
  • and marketing. Kenya's grape farming mainly features table grapes. However
  • wine grapes are on the rise
  • thanks to the growing local wine industry.

Growing Timeline

Phase 1

Planting

Prepare soil, plant seedling, water thoroughly

Phase 2

Establishment

Regular watering, fertilizer application

Phase 3

Growth

Pruning, maintenance, pest management

Phase 4

Fruiting

Harvest and ongoing maintenance

Common Issues & Solutions

Water Stress

Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Use mulch to retain soil moisture. Install drip irrigation for efficient water delivery. Water deeply but less frequently.

Cold/Frost Damage

Protect plants during cold periods with covers or windbreaks. Choose appropriate planting locations. Consider frost-resistant varieties. Water plants before expected frost to help protect roots.

Slow Growth

Ensure adequate sunlight (6 hours) as specified. Apply appropriate fertilizer and maintain proper watering schedule. Check for root-bound conditions.

Poor Fruit Set

Ensure plant has reached maturity (2-3 years from planting. Typically 2-3 years to first harvest. Consider the time to first harvest when selecting varieties.). Apply potassium-rich fertilizer during flowering. Maintain proper temperature and pollination conditions. Ensure adequate water during flowering.

Quick Reference

Min Temperature

10°C

Ideal Sunlight

6+ hrs

Water Frequency

Regular

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Ready to start growing?

Order this premium Grapes seedling today and begin your agricultural success story