Annual cycle

The vegetation period (also vegetation phase or period) is the rhythmically repeating part of the year in which a plant actively grows and develops. The study of the associated biological processes is known as phenology. In viticulture, the vegetation period is the period from the last frost (late frost) in spring to the first frost (early frost) in autumn. This should be at least 180 days. The remaining part of the year in which a perennial plant does not grow is called the dormancy period. The entirety of the annual growth phases including the dormant period is the vegetation cycle. Sometimes, however, the vegetation cycle of the vine is understood as a period without a dormant period.

Phases of the cycle

The months or periods listed in the table below for the individual cycles of the grapevine are average values; the range of variation can be relatively large. Possible influencing factors are environmental conditions such as climate (microclimate), weather, soil conditions and environmental conditions such as vine enemies. The period or speed of development is also strongly dependent on the grape variety.

Very early-ripening grape varieties go through the cycle from budding to maturation (ripening) very quickly in around 130 days and are therefore suitable for cooler wine-growing regions. Late-ripening varieties such as Riesling and Grüner Veltliner require more light and warmth and have a long growth cycle of up to 200 days (see ripening time). Last but not least, the work of the...