To fall in love with any grape variety does not need much time.
Sometimes it is enough just to look at a beautiful bunch, feel the intoxicating-sweet aroma of its berries and the stomach itself will immediately respond to all these stimuli with the arisen feeling of hunger.
Such is the grape having the proud name "Victor".
Despite the fact that it belongs to the works of an ordinary amateur winegrower, today "Victor" is considered to be one of the most famous and popular both in the same amateur winegrowing and in the industrial.
Below we will tell not only about this grape, but also about the rules of its planting and care, in order to demonstrate the simplicity of viticulture.
Features of the grapes with the name of the winner: a detailed description of "Victor"
Today, this grape is not considered a variety, since it is more correct to call it a hybrid form.
Indeed, for the grapes “Victor”, its author N.V. Kraynov used genetic materials of such varieties well-known in breeding as “Talisman” and “Kishmish Radiant”.
The result was a very fertile form with many advantages and advantages in comparison with other varieties and forms, which is very often called even the highest class of grapes.
It is worth noting that due to the use of these parent forms, the same N.V. Krainov produced the grape "Nizina", which, in other matters, has almost no similarities to describe.
As for the "Victor", then this grape, thanks to its stable qualities, is very widely zoned. Bushes adapt well and quickly to both hot and more unstable and cold conditions. Today it is also found on the territory of the middle climatic zone and even slightly north of the Moscow region.
Distinctive features of brushes "Victor": features of size, shape and berries
Bunches of grapes described varieties are quite recognizable, which contributes to both their shape and color of the skin of the berries.
As for their size, they can rather be attributed to fairly large.
In particular, the weight of one bunch can vary from 0.6 to 1 kilogram or more (for amateur winegrowers, with good agricultural technology, the grapes grow to 2 kilograms). At the same time, the berries on them are placed evenly, with an average density.
Very often, clusters can be shapeless, although their characteristic shape is cylindric.
The berries of this grape have an oval, but elongated shape. Also, their distinctive feature is a slightly pointed tip. In size, they are also very large, there are berries from 3.4 x 2 centimeters to 4.2 x 2.6. Some lovers brag on the forums that they have these berries even reach 6 centimeters in length.
As for the mass of Victor grapes, in average their indicators can vary from 9 to 14 grams, and as much as possible reach all 20.
Externally, the berries are also very beautiful: the color of their skin can be as deep pink, and yellow-pink, and even dark red-purple. Everything will depend on the illumination of the bunch by the sun, as well as on the aging stage at which it is located.
They have a very pleasant taste and at the same time harmonious. The flesh has an average density, very tender, contains a large amount of juice. The skin is rather dense, but easily eaten, does not affect the sensation of taste.
Characteristics of yield "Victor": especially the fruiting and harvesting time
In general, the yield of this grape is characterized as high, and most importantly - stable.Often, from one bush can collect at least 6 kilograms of good fruit.
As for the potential yield of this grape, then it should be attributed to a vigorous shrub that is able to withstand the load with eyes up to 30-35 grams, and shoots - up to 22-24. With good care and regular feeding the bush grows very much and occupies an impressive space. For this reason, it requires extensive soil area for nutrients.
In terms of ripening "Victor" refers very early varieties. Its berries reach absolute maturity already on the 100-105 day of the growing season of the bush. This allows you to start collecting grapes at the very beginning of August. Such a short ripening period is a very good and important indicator, due to which these grapes can be easily grown in regions with a short period of heat.
The virtues of grapes "Victor", which make him famous and loved
- The variety is the best in terms of appearance and taste. Perfect for eating fresh berries.
- The flowers of this hybrid form have both articles, which allows them to be perfectly pollinated without help.In addition, these flowers ensure the stability of the fruiting shrub and the absence of pea berries.
- Yields at "Victor" is not only very high, but they ripen in a very short time.
- The bush grows very quickly and intensively, the vine matures about 2/3 of its entire length.
- This form reproduces very easily, which is promoted by the excellent rooting of its cuttings and the good adaptability of the seedlings.
- The frost resistance of the grapes described is at a very high level, since it is capable of withstanding the lowering of thermometer readings down to -23ºС without damage.
- Defeats with gray rot, mildew and oidium on the "Victor" were practically not observed during the experimental observations of them.
We analyze the shortcomings of grapes "Victor" and how to deal with them.
In fact, the Victor grape is a highly resistant hybrid form. Its only very important disadvantage is frequently occurring wasp disease. These pests are attracted by the sweetness of the grapes, and it is often difficult to fight them.
Only the exposed traps in the form of cups with a solution of sugar and some poison help.
Another difficulty is early start of flowering. In this regard, the inflorescences can be damaged by unexpected spring frosts, which requires special care of the grower.
Rules for planting vines on the plot: detailed description
Planting grapes is a pleasure. Especially if you have a clear idea of how wonderful harvest he will bestow on you in 2-3 years. Therefore, be enthusiastic, and we will describe in detail how, when and how best to plant vines, using the example of the same “Victor”.
How to propagate grapes and what are the differences between each of the methods?
There are 4 ways to reproduce grape bushes, each of which has its advantages. It is impossible to say which of them is best, since you have to choose it for yourself individually, relying on your own capabilities and features of your site.
- Use of grape seedlings as planting material. The best known method and the best if no grapes were grown on your site before. Saplings can be dormant (those that were grown in nurseries and dug for transplanting) and green (grown from cuttings as a houseplant, planted in a pit in late spring / early summer).The great advantage of this method is that the grapes you need will grow out of a varietal seedling, with all the characteristics indicated in the description.
- Inoculation cuttings. The cuttings are the best planting material, since they root simply beautifully. At the same time, if we vaccinate them against such stocks, which already have a large supply of perennial wood and still a well-developed root system, the new bush grows with extraordinary speed and productivity. Also, it is able to rejoice in the first year after the first vaccination. But, in this way there are two important nuances:
- If there is no stock, that is, the hemp from the old grape you wish to remove, this method is automatically excluded.
- When grafting cuttings to stocks of other varieties, in the future it may exhibit some of its properties.
- Not all grapes may be compatible for vaccination.
- Use taps for breeding a new bush. In this case, be sure to need an adult bush of the variety you need. Taps can be asked to make your friends or acquaintances, because this is the easiest way.You just need to choose a good and long shoot on the bush, which grows closest to the ground. He bends down to it and falls asleep with a small amount of soil. If he has enough moisture and heat, he will root very quickly and start his own growth. In this form, it can be transplanted in the same way as seedlings.
- Sowing grape seedlings with seeds. Method, which also does not cause any difficulties. It is only important to properly preserve and germinate the seeds, from which grape seedlings will germinate very quickly. At the age of two they can already be transplanted to a permanent place of growth. The only drawback of this method is that you have to wait long enough for the bush to begin fruiting.
We study the whims of grapes "Victor" and select the best place for its planting.
It is very difficult to call these grapes whimsical, but still when choosing a place to plant it you should choose carefully.
Firstly, because this plant is in great need of sunlight. All places on your site that obscure buildings, fences or some other plants automatically disappear.
Secondly, the place for planting vines must be located on small elevations or hillocks, that is, where cold air flows do not stagnate. In addition, it is worth considering the fact that the vine culture does not like through windsthat can wind it from the north. After all, they can greatly damage the inflorescences and leave the bush without a crop.
Based on the foregoing, according to the recommendations of experienced growers, the bush of this plant is recommended to be planted exclusively on the southern (or at least southwestern) side of the site, which would be closed from the northern winds by buildings or a garden.
Another whim of grapes "Victor" is the fertility of the soil. Of course, it will grow beautifully on any other soil, but the better it is, the better the harvest will be on it.
Grape soils or any other light soils with good moisture capacity are best suited to grapes. Important take into account the depth of groundwaterwhich can be very dangerous for the root system and the bush as a whole. So, if their depth is less than 2.5 meters,it is better not to plant vines without a special drainage system.
How to plant on the site a few vines?
We are talking about the scheme of planting grapes. Indeed, vigorous bushes, such as the Victor bushes, need a very large space for the growth of shoots and root system.
Also to him many nutrients requiredand, therefore, a large area to receive them. In this case, the distance between the two bushes should be no less than 5 meters, since the optimal food area for this grape is 6 m2.
We prepare and carry out the planting of vines
The most important thing in planting grapes with seedlings is preparing the pit. In particular, it should be implemented as follows:
- Depth and width need to do at least 80 centimeters, so that a large amount of fertilizer can be poured into the pit.
- The fertilizers used are: fertile soil, humus, mineral fertilizers, such as nitrogen, potassium salt and superphosphate (they need to be taken somewhere 1/3 of the pit).
- Above the fertilizer is poured another 5-10 centimeters of non-fertilized soil, so that the roots of the seedlings planted in the future do not burn over the high concentration of top dressing.
- The pit is left at least for 2-3 weeks.This time is necessary so that the soil in the pit sags, which would be extremely undesirable when you plant a seedling in it.
It is necessary to choose the seedling itself according to criteria such as healthy and unaffected white roots, as well as the green color of the cut of its top. After purchase, the seedling is kept in a damp room, and just before planting - in the water. Due to this, its stability will significantly increase during adaptation to a new place.
When planting, the seedling is lowered into the pit so that even when the soil subsides, its root neck is not underground.
It is necessary to fill a hole carefully, but also to try not to leave air pillows near roots. After planting, the seedling needs to be watered, for which at least 2-3 buckets of water are used. After that, the soil is covered with a thick layer of sawdust (moss can also be used).
Inoculation of cuttings: small tricks of the big business
The graft to the adult rootstock consists in placing the graft in a shallow split made in the latter and holding it very tightly, after smearing the grafting site with wet clay. But for everything to be of high quality, it is important to consider:
- The stalk should have 2-3 eyes.
- To increase the adaptability of the cutting can be due to its waxing.
- The lower part of the cutting wedge-shaped cut from two sides and placed in water.
- The cut of the stock must be very carefully cleaned, making it almost perfectly smooth. Also, all the dirt is removed from it.
- The split should be done with the help of a small hatchet, a hammer and a chisel (the latter should be inserted into the split so that the stock does not shrink back).
- The stalk is placed in the stock only with its trimmed part.
After grafting, the stock must be watered, the soil around it is covered with mulch.
Caring for grapes: how to improve the livelihoods of the culture?
- For better growth and fruiting bushes of grapes require additional moisture, which you can feed them yourself.
- In order for water not to evaporate quickly from the soil, it must be covered with 3 centimeters of mulch. The role of the latter can perform both moss and sawdust.
- It is important to feed the bush every year from the beginning of fruiting. Organic fertilizers and mineral fertilizers are used for this.
- Pruning for this grape is permissible both short, with the removal of 2-4 buds, and long - shortening each shoot by 8-10 buds.
- "Victor" is resistant to frost, but it is necessary to cover its seedlings for the winter.
- At least 3 times a year it is necessary to carry out chemical treatment of grapes against fungal diseases. This is done for the prevention and, best of all, before the flowering of the bush and during the beginning of the pouring of the berries.
