In which dynasty did grape cultivation first begin in China?

Grapes are sweet and juicy, a fruit deeply loved by many. But grape cultivation has not existed since ancient times; rather, it was introduced from elsewhere, so in which dynasty did grape cultivation in China begin?

I. Introduction to grapes

The grape is a woody vine of the genus Vitis in the family Vitaceae, native to western Asia. It has many varieties, the common ones being Cabernet Sauvignon, White Milk grape, Anshan Early Red grape, Kyoho grape, and so on. Grapes also have a very wide range of uses; they can be eaten fresh, made into wine, dried into raisins, made into jam, and so on.

However, grape growth has certain requirements for temperature and moisture. Grapes need more water in the early growth stage or vegetative growth stage. The minimum temperature required for growth is about 12°C-15°C, the minimum ground temperature is about 10°C-13°C, and the optimum temperature during the flowering period is about 20°C, so places with a large temperature difference between day and night will produce grapes with better color.

II. In which dynasty did grape cultivation in China begin?

Grape cultivation in China began in the Western Han dynasty. According to the Records of the Grand Historian · Account of Dayuan, when Zhang Qian was sent by Emperor Wu of Han on a mission to the Western Regions in the third year of the Jianyuan era of the Western Han, he saw the scene that “around Dayuan they make wine from putao, and wealthy people store more than ten thousand shi of wine, which keeps for decades without spoiling”; the “putao” there is the grape. Afterward, “Han envoys took the seeds and brought them back, and so the Son of Heaven began to plant alfalfa and putao in fertile land.” From this period on, China began to cultivate grapes.

III. Points to note in grape cultivation

1. Grape seedlings are best bought locally; if the source is too far away, transport will affect the survival rate of the seedlings;

2. Grapes are not suitable for planting in soil that is too acidic or too alkaline; if the pH value is unsuitable, it should be adjusted appropriately;

3. When planting grapes in our country, autumn is more favorable for the survival of grape seedlings; planting in spring, when temperatures are lower, easily causes damage to the roots of the seedlings, so spring planting requires attention to keeping warm.

If you want to grow grapes, in addition to the points needing attention above, it is best to choose grape varieties suitable for local cultivation, so that the grapes grown will taste better.