Own Rooted or Grafted Vines
I am basically a small farmer who will be custom-producing grafted and own-rooted grapevines.
I have tailored my rootstock selection for the hot and Dry texas climate, though these rootstocks will produce well in a variety of soils.
Own rooted vines
These are available as green growing and dormant 1-year-old vines. On the right soil types, own-rooted vines offer several advantages. Sandy soils are not susceptible to phylloxera or cotton root rot but do have increased susceptibility to nematodes.
Own-rooted vines are likely to survive extreme cold events without hilling up, even when they are young. They will regrow from under the ground, even if all of the top material is killed.
Own-rooted vines can be planted deeper into the soil. I usually recess the hole in the ground, and then fill it in after the vine has lignified in the fall. This gives them better drought resistance and increased cold hardiness.
Own-rooted green potted vines perform almost as well as dormant vines and can be ordered and planted in the same year. So if you want to plant now, this may be a good option for you. Dormant vines require an extra year's notice because they will be a year old when you receive them. We sometimes have a few extras so ask about what is available.
Grafted Vines
Grafted vines can also be planted as 1-year-old dormant vines or as green-growing vines.
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There are several advantages of placing vines on rootstocks. Rootstocks can give your vines resistance to phylloxera, cotton root rot, nematodes, and drought. They can also influence bud break, fruit set, and vigor. Some varieties do not grow well on high ph soils. grafting onto a rootstock can allow you to grow your vines in a higher ph soil, which is very common in Texas. Choose your rootstock based on your soil and climate.
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Grafted vines should be planted with the graft union 2-3 inches above the soil line. This is to ensure that the scion will not sprout roots, and also give you the ability to hill up in cold weather to protect the graft and the scion. Young vines (especially green-grown potted grafted vines) are susceptible to cold injury. If an extreme cold event is predicted, hilling up the vines can ensure they will be healthy the following year.
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I am currently offering custom grafting of the five Andy Walker varieties onto four different rootstocks; 140 Ruggeri, 1103 Paulson, Black Spanish, and 420A.