CHAPTER XXVI 



PROPAGATING AND PLANTING VINES 



The grape is propagated from seed or by layers, or by cuttings 

 of various lengths. Growing from seed was somewhat resorted 

 to in California to get stocks for resisting the phylloxera, but such 

 wide variation in resistance occurred in seedlings that propaga- 

 tion by cuttings, of varieties demonstrated to be best in this 

 regard, has become universal. There is at present little dispo- 

 sition to grow grape seedlings in the hope of securing better and 

 hardier varieties, as is so largely done in other parts of the country. 

 The vast numbers of varieties of the European species, vinifera, 

 which we have to draw from, makes the effort for new seedlings 

 of little object. 



Growing Vines from Seed. Seed is easily removed from the 

 grapes by crushing the berries and stirring the pulp rapidly in 

 water. From one pound of good, fresh seed one might get from 

 two to three thousand seedlings. Some advocate sowing grape 

 seed in the fall, just as it is taken from the fruit, but best 

 results are usually obtained by spring sewing, after danger from 

 frost is over. It is advisable to keep grape seed moist for some 

 time before sowing. Seed soaked one week in water, and after- 

 ward-allowed to lie in a heap for three weeks germinates quickly, 

 starting in ten days or two weeks after being put in the ground. 

 Professor Husmann advised pouring hot water on the seed and 

 allowing it to cool, the seed remaining in the water for twelve 

 hours, and after that it is kept for a week in a sack, exposed to 

 the sun, and covered at night, the sack being moistened from time 

 to time. 



The seed should be sown in the open ground, the soil having 

 been worked deeply and finely, as for a garden. Sow the seed 

 about an inch apart, in drills far enough from each other to admit 

 the use of the cultivator in the summer; cover not to exceed an 

 inch in depth, and after moderate pressing of the ground, cover 

 the whole bed with rotten straw, which should be gradually 

 removed as the sprouts appear above the ground. This mulch 

 will not only retain moisture, but will prevent the surface from 

 being crusted by heavy showers. Summer cultivation with cul- 

 tivator and hoe should be given. 



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