Grapevines in Greenhouses
German grapes from greenhouses have long ago been out-competed by cheap imported grapes. Part of the demise of that grape cultivation era also came about by the much feared powdery mildew, a disease which started in an English glasshouse around 1850. However, with the new resistant Grapevine Varieties every enthusiast can again produce delicious table grapes under glass, on carports, porches or in plastic tents.
Particularly suitable varieties for greenhouse cultivation are "Blue Muscat" and "Birstaler Muscat," as they thrive without ever getting rainwater or dew on their leaves and without requiring sulphuric spraying. Their cultivation can be shared with other, low-light loving plants.
The training usually occurs as oblique cordon, a form derived from the Vertical Cordon. The side shoot positions are Spur Pruned.
- Grapevines under glass.
- Grapevines in the glasshouse
- Grapevines on a carport.
- Often the vines were planted just outside the glasshouse then trained to the inside.
- Restoration of ancient glasshouse-vines on tension cables - see photo of grapes above.
- Ripening grapes in the glasshouse, "oblique cordon", spur pruned.
- Grapevines on a porch.
- Vine cordons in the glasshouse. The stems were laid down in winter and lime washed to reflect the sunlight and prevent premature bud break.