Grape vine pruning: feb-march
Add Date: 2026-02-27 by another contributor
New Mexico, the best time to prune grapevines is during their winter dormancy, specifically from late February through March. This timing, after the harshest cold has passed but before buds swell, prevents damage to the vines and ensures better fruit yield.
The Ohio State University
The Ohio State University
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Key Pruning Tips for New Mexico
When: Late February to mid-March is ideal to avoid damage from late-winter freezes.
What to Remove: Prune away 90% of the previous season's growth, as grapes only grow on one-year-old wood.
How: Remove dead, diseased, or weak wood. Select 1-2 pencil-thick canes (last year's growth) to keep and prune them back to 3-5 buds.
Method: Use either cane or spur pruning, ensuring you leave only the necessary, healthy wood to form the new fruiting structure.