Grapes Farming: How To Make Your Grapevines Produce a Lot of Flowers That Mature to Fruits

How to prevent grapevines from aborting flowers is one of the queries we have been getting quite frequently. A few grape farmers in Kenya have also had scenarios in which their vines take too long before they start flowering. So we have compiled a list of 10 important things that you should do to ensure your vines produce a lot of flowers and maintain them to give you a bumper harvest. 

Grapes Farming in Kenya: Heavy Flowers

Please note that flower abortion can occur due to various reasons: we have often picked out nutrient deficiencies, poor irrigation schedules and pest infestations as the 3 main causes. We shall delve deeper into these as we also explore other possible causes and their solutions. 

Here are some steps you should take to reduce the likelihood of your grapevines aborting  flower:

1. Site Selection: Plant your grapevines in a location that receives adequate sunlight, has good air circulation, and proper drainage. Adequate sunlight is essential for flowering and fruiting. and must not be compromised. 
2. Pruning: Proper pruning is often overlooked but is very crucial in inducing flowering and helping the vine keep the flowers. Prune your grapevines during the dormant season (that is after harvesting) to remove excess canes and maintain an open canopy. This allows for better air circulation and light penetration.
3. Fertilisation: Ensure your grapevines receive the necessary nutrients, especially during the growing season. We have always emphasised the need for soil testing since it is the only way to find out if your soils have balanced nutrients as needed by your grape vines. Carry out a soil test at least once a year to determine nutrient deficiencies and adjust your fertilisation regimen accordingly.
4. Irrigation: Consistent and appropriate irrigation is essential to prevent water stress. Grapevines should receive regular, deep watering to maintain soil moisture. However, you should be careful to avoid waterlogged soils as these might also cause flower abortion or a complete loss of the plant all together.
5. Pest and Disease Management: Pests and diseases are a serious cause of flower abortion in grape vines. Hence you must ensure that you conduct regular scouting across your farm to identify any pests or diseases that might be there. Then implement an appropriate pest and disease management program matching the specific pests or diseases that have been identified. While powdery mildew, downy mildew and insects are the most common threats, I do not encourage following a specific spray program blindly. Identify the problem and implement its appropriate solution.  
6. Thinning Clusters: If you notice that your grapevines have excessive flower clusters, consider thinning them out. This allows the vine to allocate resources more effectively the clusters you choose to retain. This helps in reducing the risk of losing the flowers you desire.
7. Pollination: Ensure that pollinators (e.g., bees) have access to your grapevines during flowering to aid in successful pollination. Avoid the use of pesticides that may harm beneficial insects.
8. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly inspect your grapevines for signs of stress, disease, or insect damage. Adjust your care regimen accordingly to address any issues promptly.
9. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your grapevines to help maintain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Mulch also improves soil structure over time.
10. Training and Trellising: Properly train and trellis your grapevines to ensure good air circulation and support for the growing vines and fruit clusters. 

Remember that grapevine care is an ongoing process, and it's essential to monitor your vines regularly to address any issues as they arise. By implementing these steps, you can reduce the likelihood of grapevine flower abortion and increase your chances of a successful grape harvest.