If you are not lucky enough to have a plot of land or even a small garden, do not give up the idea of growing a vine because it will grow very well in a pot on the balcony or terrace.
Characteristics of the vine
The grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is a vigorous climber that can, over the years, form an impressive vine. The pot and the location should be chosen according to these criteria.
Self-fertile, you will not need to install several plants to see it bear fruit. Only a very sunny and warm location will be absolutely necessary.
Choice of the location
As we have seen, the balcony or terrace should be well exposed and receive several hours of full sun per day. The vine climbs quickly and needs a support. On a terrace, an arbour or a trellis will do the trick. On a balcony, you can use the railing to make it run all along or install it along a wall by providing a solid trellis or wires stretched horizontally so that it clings to it with its tendrils.
Choice of the pot
The pot should be deep enough to allow the roots to sink into the substrate, but also to compensate for the plant's highly developed aerial part and thus keep it well balanced.
A container or a planter of 60 cm deep minimum will be perfect to cultivate your vine. Whatever the container, it should of course be pierced at the bottom, because the vine hates to have its roots constantly soggy, which could cause the appearance of various diseases.
Plantation of the vine in pot
- Choose a variety adapted to the climatic conditions of your balcony and if possible resistant to the main diseases.
- Provide a good drainage layer at the bottom of the pot (about 20% of the volume) with gravel or clay balls. Prepare a mixture of slightly clayey garden soil, potting soil and compost. Spread a layer of the mixture over the drainage bed.
- Place the vine in the center of the container and adjust its height so that only the roots remain well buried.
- Start to fix the stems on their support, they will then climb by themselves.
- Pack the substrate and water.
The culture of the vine in pot
Once installed in a sunny place, the vine will need little care, however watering should be a little more frequent than in the ground but it will support the drought for a short period. Train the new shoots as they appear and prune in winter.
