Garpes are extremely decorative and productive with a worthwhile crop of fruit under UK conditions, our varieties are selected for growing both outdoors or under glass. The vines are best grown on a framework of wires. The vine should not be allowed to fruit for the first two summers after planting. but thereafter it will crop heavily for over 50 years if pruned and tended carefully. Laterals, where the fruits will form, are maintained at 23-30cm apart. Each winter cut back each lateral to two buds from the main stem. Allow the length of the main stem to increase gradually each year. Allow two bunches of grapes to form on each lateral. Once fruit has set stop further lateral growth 2 buds past the second bunch of fruit.
If left untended, vines can grow rampantly so can be grown over pergolas to provide shade, or cover an unsightly fence or shed. Many bunches of fruit would form but these should be smaller fruit of inferior quality.
