From where do the main shoots grow, and when?

From where do the main shoots grow, and when?

• A. They grow in autumn from buds formed this season
• B. They grow in spring from buds retained from the previous year
• C. They grow in winter from root buds
• D. They grow in summer from leaf buds

Answer: (B)

Grapevines produce their main shoots in spring from buds that were formed on last year’s canes. After winter dormancy, warmth and sap flow trigger these retained buds to break and push out new growth. The buds used for this growth come from one-year-old wood, which is why winter pruning focuses on leaving the right buds on last year’s canes. Growth from root buds or from leaf buds in other seasons isn’t how the primary shoots arise, and autumn, winter, or summer aren’t the times when the main shoots begin to grow.

Grapevines produce their main shoots in spring from buds that were formed on last year’s canes. After winter dormancy, warmth and sap flow trigger these retained buds to break and push out new growth. The buds used for this growth come from one-year-old wood, which is why winter pruning focuses on leaving the right buds on last year’s canes. Growth from root buds or from leaf buds in other seasons isn’t how the primary shoots arise, and autumn, winter, or summer aren’t the times when the main shoots begin to grow.