The subject of the offered product is an annual seedling with a so-called bare root
To see the full article about the differences between annual and perennial seedlings, bare root from those in pots and grafted from ungrafted see the article: types of grapevine seedlings
An annual seedling with a so-called bare root.

The basic type of grapevine that should be planted is an annual seedling with a so-called bare root dug from the ground. This type of grapevine is the basic type of seedling used to establish a vineyard all over the world. For professional plantations, nurseries and gardening companies, this should be the only choice. It is also recommended for amateur cultivation in home gardens, plots or small plantings. However, what is very important, this type of grapevine can be planted only and exclusively in the spring season (from March to the end of May) and autumn (from the beginning of October to the end of December until the soil freezes).

In a few sentences, the process of producing this type of seedling looks like this:

1. Preparation for grafting begins in winter. The mother plant is checked, it is assessed whether it is healthy and strong enough to be the material for the production of new vines.

Based on the selected mother plant, the vine is cut to the appropriate length and protected against infections with special preparations and fungicides. After pruning, the vine is sorted to reject not very strong or with the wrong number of eyes.

2. In the meantime, a similar procedure is performed with the rootstock, which will be used to graft the proper vine. This rootstock must also be properly cut and secured. Using a diseased rootstock or proper material at this stage will result in the vine never achieving full fertility, there may be a problem with fruiting in some years and it will be more susceptible to all diseases. Therefore, this initial stage is already very important.

3. In spring, depending on weather conditions and forecasts, the grafting date is selected using specially designed machines.

4. The grafted vines are protected with a special type of wax and paraffin in selected proportions, as well as fungicides.

5. The seedlings prepared in this way, after a few days of quarantine in a cold store, are transferred in specially prepared containers to the place of first growth with prepared conditions with precisely controlled temperature and humidity. This is the most critical moment. This is the most critical moment subject to strict control. Too low or too high temperature and humidity will cause poor grafting, drying out or rotting of sensitive places. This stage is subject to strict and frequent control in our nursery. The isolation of the vines from fungi-causing factors is constantly monitored.

6. The initial growth period ends with the grafting fusion. The proper vine must be fused with the rootstock around the entire circumference. The so-called callus, i.e. the place of fusion, cannot be too thin or thick. This is therefore the next stage of sorting seedlings.

7. These types of seedlings are planted in the ground in late spring.

8. During the entire vegetation period, the vines are cared for, pruned and watered.

9. In late autumn, usually after the first frosts, the vines are dug out of the ground.

10. The next stage is sorting the vines and pruning them to a height of two to three buds. Short pruning is always recommended after the first year. Thanks to this, you no longer have to deal with it and the vines will be strengthened for the next years. Only the strong ones with thick vines and appropriately woody will be intended for sale. Only the strongest ones will reach you. We do not sell second-class vines at all, this type of seedlings are intended for our internal purposes. The sorted seedlings go to a cold store where they are kept until spring. During this time, they are systematically protected with fungicides.

11. In spring the seedling is ready for sale
A proper seedling should have a well-developed root system (strong roots on one side and their absence on the other is incorrect). There should be at least 25 cm between the grafting site and the point of root growth. Thanks to this additional length of the stem, the vine can be planted deeper. At the height of the stem, it will grow so-called dew roots and the main root system will be at least 30 cm below the ground surface, which significantly protects the vine from freezing. An additional advantage of this is that such a deeply planted vine slightly delays the start of flowering in spring, which is very beneficial in our climate. And it allows you to protect the bush from May frosts. The osier should be short after cutting to two or three buds but relatively thick.

To sum up, we present the advantages and disadvantages of a seedling with a bare root.