Position – Hanepoot grapes grow well in full sun. They prefer areas with little to no humidity and are adept at weathering the heat.
Size – Grapevines grow well on a structure like a pergola or a strong fence. Usually, the plant will reach a mature size of about 3 metres tall, with a 3 metre spread. Hanepoot vines produce medium-sized bunches of greenish grapes.
Soil Type – It is optimal to plant your Hanepoot in sandy loam soil with good drainage and is slightly on the acidic side, in terms of its pH. However, it will thrive in almost all soil types if they drain well.
Mulch – Although it may not always be necessary, well-rotted compost can be applied once a year for best results.
Watering – Keep your Hanepoot vine moist during its growing season, but never overwater it. Once it is fruiting, reduce the amount of water you give it. This plant is susceptible to fungal diseases. To protect it, spray it with a copper-based fungicide in hot, humid conditions and with lime sulphur during its winter dormancy.
Fertilising – Grapevines have roots that extend deep into the soil, soaking up its nutrients. However, for even healthier plants, good manure and some Epsom salts should be given to the plants once a year.
Pruning – Pruning helps the Hanepoot grapevine to produce bigger bunches of grapes. When pruning, cut the part of the shoot that has already had grapes and any unwanted shoots on the vine. Remember that bunches only form on shoots that are one or two years old. So, older shoots can be taken off. They can be pruned just after harvesting.
Harvesting – Your Hanepoot grapes are ready to harvest when they have that unmistakable honey-sweet flavour. This is usually around mid-summer. The skin is green with little brown flecks, and the flesh inside is soft.
