How many buds should you ideally leave on a cane during cane pruning?

Leaving 8 to 15 buds on a cane during cane pruning is ideal because this range allows for a balanced approach to vine vigor and fruit production. Pruning at this level promotes healthy growth while ensuring that the plant does not become overly vigorous, which could result in excessive foliage at the expense of fruit development.

Having too few buds, like in the lower range, could lead to insufficient fruiting, while leaving too many might cause overcrowding and compete for resources, ultimately affecting the quality of the grapes. The 8 to 15 range helps achieve optimal yields and fruit quality, enabling the vine to allocate energy effectively between vegetative growth and fruiting.