Can I eat grapes from a vine with spots?

If the spots are just on the leaves, the fruit is usually fine. If the fruit itself is covered in mildew, it is best to discard those clusters.

Will these spots kill my vine?

Mildew rarely kills a healthy, established vine, but it will significantly reduce your fruit production and weaken the plant over time.

Why are there spots on my grapevine leaves? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the underside of the leaves for fuzzy growth.
Check if the spots have a dusty or oily appearance.
Look for poor airflow around the center of the vine.

Likely causes

Powdery Mildew
Most likely
How to tell: You will see a white, dusty coating on the leaves, stems, or fruit. It often starts as small circular patches before spreading.
What to do: Improve air circulation by pruning crowded branches. Apply a fungicide labeled for grapes or a mixture of baking soda and water to affected areas.
Downy Mildew
Possible
How to tell: This shows up as yellow, oily looking spots on the top of the leaf and fuzzy white growth on the bottom. It thrives in humid, wet weather.
What to do: Remove and destroy infected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Keep the vine base clear of debris and avoid overhead watering.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your grape

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the spots cover more than half the leaf surface or reach your fruit clusters, you need to act fast to save the harvest.

Stopping it coming back

Prune your vines annually to ensure good airflow and keep the foliage dry by watering at the base rather than over the leaves.

Grape: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your grape and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I eat grapes from a vine with spots?: If the spots are just on the leaves, the fruit is usually fine. If the fruit itself is covered in mildew, it is best to discard those clusters.
Will these spots kill my vine?: Mildew rarely kills a healthy, established vine, but it will significantly reduce your fruit production and weaken the plant over time.

Why are there spots on my grapevine leaves?

Check these first

Likely causes

Powdery Mildew

Downy Mildew

Find out what's wrong with your grape

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Grape: spots? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Grape