Planting Location

Author: Knut Sætrevik

How should the grapevine be placed?

Figure: Don Muscat on south-facing house wall

Figure: Triomph d’ Alsace against a wall

In Norway, grape plants must be given absolutely the best location when it comes to heat and sun. A south-facing house wall or rock wall can be good alternatives. Rock will hold the heat longer into the night and can give higher daytime temperatures for the grapes. On open ground, a steep slope facing south is preferable, since it will be warmer there than on a flat piece of land. The rows are then set running north-south. The soil should be well drained and preferably contain sand and stone. Some grape plants prefer calcareous soil. Some of the Baltic varieties that are crossed with “Vitis Labruska” (American wild grape) will prefer acidic soil.