Position
Autumn Royal grapes grow well in full sun. They prefer areas with little to no humidity and are adept at weathering the heat.
Size
Grapevines grow well on a structure like a pergola or a strong fence. Usually, the plant will reach a mature size of about 3 metres tall, with a 3 metre spread. Hanepoot vines produce medium-sized bunches of greenish grapes.
Soil Type
It is optimal to plant your Autumn Royal in sandy loam soil with good drainage and is slightly on the acidic side in terms of its pH. However, it will thrive in almost all soil types if it drains well. Adding a bage of acid soil will reduce the pH of the soil which is good for your grape vine.
Mulch
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Watering
Keep your Autumn Royal vine moist during its growing season, but never overwater it. Once it is fruiting, reduce the amount of water you give it. This plant is susceptible to fungal diseases. To protect it, spray it with a copper-based fungicide in hot, humid conditions and with lime sulphur during its winter dormancy.
Fertilising
Grapevines have roots that extend deep into the soil, soaking up its nutrients. For even healthier plants, good manure and some Epsom salts should be given to the plants once a year. Alternatively, use our slow-release nitrogen-rich all plant fertiliser. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months.
Pruning
Pruning helps the Autumn Royal grapevine to produce bigger bunches of grapes. When pruning, cut the part of the shoot that has already had grapes and any unwanted shoots on the vine. Remember that bunches only form on shoots that are one or two years old. So, older shoots can be taken off. They can be pruned just after harvesting.
Harvesting
Your Autumn Royal grapes are ready to harvest when they have that unmistakable honey-sweet flavour. This is usually around mid-summer.
