Position – Sultana vines need 80 to 100% full sun every day. They thrive in hot, dry conditions with no humidity, making them ideal for places that experience fairly intense summers. This plant grows well on a strong trellis, fence or pergola.
Size – When mature and in the right soil, this beautiful vine usually gets between 2 and 5 metres tall.
Soil Type – The sultana grapevine does best in deep, well-draining soil that is moderately alkaline, with a pH of between 7.4 and 8. This quality of soil should give it all the nutrients that it needs.
Mulch – While mulch is not essential, an organic layer of something like straw or woodchips is advantageous for keeping the water in the soil (preventing excessive evaporation) and keeping weeds at bay.
Watering – The hanepoot grapevine requires a moderate amount of watering. Ensure that the soil isn’t allowed to dry out for too long, but also avoid overwatering this vine.
Fertilising – if your soil is not optimal, apply a little manure or a standard all-round fertiliser after the vine has flowered. A magnesium deficiency can be treated by mixing about 450 grams of Epsom salts with 9.5 litres of water and spray it on the leaves. If the solution is too strong or applied too often, it will burn the leaves.
Pruning – This vine should be pruned hard in winter. Cut most of the stems off, leaving only 2 to 4 stems, which you should twist together and tie onto a wire. This will increase the yield and size of the grape clusters in years to come.
Harvesting – The sultana grapevine will produce flowers and fruits for harvesting after about 2 or 3 years, which are usually ready to be harvested in March or April. The best way to know that they’re ready is to taste one. It’s ready to be plucked and enjoyed when it is sweet and juicy.
