How to Grow Seedless Grapes in 5 Steps

Seedless grapes come from grapevines that naturally produce grapes with no seeds or very small, underdeveloped seeds. They are often self-fertile, and many varieties of seedless grapes can generate fruit on their own. They require the support of a trellis, fence or stake to support their vines as they climb. Different seedless grape plants can produce white, red, blue, or pink grapes. Seedless grapes are good for fresh-eating table grapes, wine grapes, or grapes that can be used for making jams and jellies.

It is best to plant new grapevines in the early spring after the last frost has passed. Different varieties of seedless grapes thrive in different USDA hardiness zones, but they tend to do best in climates with long, warm summers with plenty of sunlight (about seven hours a day). They will go dormant in the winter if they are in a cold climate, but pruning them in the winter can prepare them for a hearty summer growing season.

For home grape growers, these are some of the grape varieties that grow best in a home garden.

1. 1. Edelweiss grapes: Edelweiss are pale green grapes that are both cold-hardy and resistant to diseases and fungus. They grow in large, loose clusters and make good table grapes or wine grapes due to their high sugar content.
2. 2. Reliance grapes: Reliance are rose-colored grapes that thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4–8. Reliance grapes are sweet and are often used to make jelly.
3. 3. Somerset grapes: Somerset grapes are large, red, seedless grapes that are self-pollinating and cold-hardy. They are also resistant to most diseases and can be eaten fresh or used to make jam or jelly.
4. 4. Gratitude grapes: Gratitude grapes are green with a crisp, bright flavor and thin, crack-resistant skin.
5. 5. Thomcord grapes: Thomcord grapes are a hybrid of Thompson seedless grapes and Concord grapes. Heat-resistant thomcord vines bear dark blue grapes that are full of flavor.

Rather than growing your grapevine from a seed, the best way is to propagate them from a vine. Follow this step-by-step guide to planting your own seedless grapevines in your own garden.

1. 1. Get your grapevines. Purchase a dormant, bare-root grapevine from your local garden center. Confirm that it is self-fertile and can bear fruit without you having to do any extra work to pollinate them. Soak the roots of your grapevines in water for two to three hours before you plan to plant them.
2. 2. Choose your planting site. Choose a spot in your garden that gets full sun. If you’re planting multiple grapevines, make sure that you’re planting them at least eight feet apart. Make sure there is support for your vines to climb, like a trellis, pergola, fence, or stake.
3. 3. Prepare your soil. Seedless grapes prefer well-draining, loamy soil. Adding compost or mulch will keep your soil healthy and help new plants to grow.
4. 4. Plant your grapevines. Dig a hole that is roughly 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide, or twice as deep as your grapevine’s root system. Fill the hole halfway with soil, covering the bare roots, and tamp down the soil. Back-fill the rest of the hole without tamping the soil down. Water your grapevine immediately after planting.
5. 5. Prune your grapevine. Prune your grapevine down to two stems. This will encourage the vine to grow in two directions on your trellis or fence.

Follow these steps to care for your seedless grapes.

1. 1. Water your grapevines weekly. For the first year of growth, you should water your vines weekly.
2. 2. Fertilize your grapevines. Starting in the second year of growth, lightly fertilize your grapevine soil with organic fertilizer.
3. 3. Prune your grapevines regularly. Pruning unhealthy grapevines will encourage new, healthy growth on your grapevine. Prune your vines down to two or three fruiting canes in the winter when they are dormant. By spring, you should see new growth.
4. 4. Trim your foliage to help them ripen. If your grapes won't fully ripen, trim back some of your grapevine foliage to allow your grapes more sunlight.
5. 5. Test your grapes to check if they are ready to harvest. Your grapes are ready to harvest when they are plump, juicy, and have a deep, full flavor. Pluck a few grapes off of your vine to test their ripeness. When they are ripe, simply pick, wash, and eat.
6. 6. Store your grapes in a cool, dry place. Keep your harvested grapes in a cool place, such as a cellar, in a cardboard box or crate to keep them separate from other foods. Picked grapes can be stored for up to six weeks.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.