Instructions / Assembly

Pruning and Training Systems for Grapes
Two common systems for training grape vines are the Four Cane Kniffin System and the Cordon System.
Both systems require a support system that is easy to build and maintain. The systems start with the plant be-
ing trained to a stake the first year. Prune canes as shown below each year from January through March.
First Year
Train two or three shoots along a
stake.
Second Year
Train the most vigorous cane
that reaches the top wire. Re-
move all other shoots.
Third Year
Train two along the wires for the
Cordon System and four canes
along wires for the Four Cane
Kniffin System.
Four Cane Kniffin System
The Four Cane Kniffin System uses a two wire trellis. Canes are trained along the wires to provide ample
sunlight and air movement. Select two canes one each direction from the main trunk on each wire. Tie the
canes to the wires using twine. Each year remove last year’s growth, leaving the main canes 10 to 12 buds
long. Remove side shoots on main canes to 2 to 4 buds or spurs. This will maintain productive vines year
after year. (A spur is a small cluster of buds along the canes that will produce new growth and fruit).
Four Cane System
Before and after canes trained to two per wire.
Four Cane System
Mature vines pruned 10 to 12 spurs or buds per
side and 2 to 4 buds per spur.
Cordon System
There are a number of cordon systems. This is an example of one where the main trunk and two lateral
canes attached to a wire. The lateral canes are pruned each year to spurs every 6 to 10 inches apart. The
length and number of spurs is based on the vigor of the vine. More vigorous vines can have longer later-
als and more spurs.
Spring
Third season
Winter
Third season
Spring
Fourth and following seasons