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CALIFORNIA FRUITS: HOW TO GROW THEM 



In firm ground, for small-growing vines such as Zinfandel, a 

 stake 1 1-4 by 1 1-4 inches and 27 inches long will be sufficient. 

 This will allow 15 inches to be driven into the ground and leave 

 12 inches above, which is enough for vines to be headed at 10 

 inches. If the ground is loose or sandy a 30-inch stake driven 18 

 inches into the ground will be needed. For strong-growing vari- 

 eties, such as Carignane or Tokay, especially when planted in rich 

 soil, a stake 1 1-2 by 1 1-2 inches and 36 inches long will be neces- 

 sary, and 15 or 18 inches of this should be left above the ground. 

 This will permit the heading of the vines at 15 inches. 



If the vines are to be trellised with one wire, a 36-inch stake 

 driven 18 inches into the ground is the proper length. If two 

 wires are to be used, a 48-inch stake will be needed, leaving 30 

 inches above the surface. 



If the vines are to be pruned long and the canes tied to the 

 stake, a 5-foot stake will usually be needed, and this must be 

 stronger, 2 by 2 inches square. This stake should be driven 2 

 feet into the ground. 



These dimensions are all smaller than are usual in California, 

 but are quite sufficient for all practical purposes. The stake should 

 be placed 1 to 2 inches from the vine on the side opposite to the 

 prevailing heavy winds. The force of the wind will thus keep 

 the vine pressed against the stake and the tying material less liable 

 to break. 



First Winter Pruning. In California, the young vines may be 

 pruned at any time after the leaves have fallen, except in sections 

 very subject to spring frosts, where it is sometimes advisable to 

 defer the pruning until after the top buds of the canes start. 



The way the vines are to be pruned will depend altogether on 

 the growth they have made. If the growth has been small the 

 tops are pruned exactly like rooted vines before planting. All 

 the canes are removed entirely, except the strongest, and this is 

 cut back to two buds (see Fig. 1, a). 



Any vines which have made a strong growth and possess at 

 least one cane of which a sufficient length is well ripened may be 

 pruned for tying up. All the canes are removed entirely, except 

 the strongest, and this is cut back to 10, 15, or 18 inches, accord- 

 ing to the height at which it is intended to head the vine (see 

 Fig. 2, a). The top cut is made through a bud, just as in making 

 cuttings. This will facilitate tying up and insure the healthy 

 growth of the top bud. 



Sometimes, even when the vine has made sufficient growth, the 

 canes are prostrate or crooked and none can be tied up straight 

 to the stake. In this case the vine must be pruned like a weak 

 vine that is, thinned to one cane and this cane cut back to two 

 buds. 



