What Victoria Grapes Are and What Are Their Benefits
Content
History and zoning of the Victoria grape
The birthplace of grapes is the city of Novocherkassk, where Victoria was bred by Russian breeders. The variety is obtained as a result of crossing several varieties of culture, therefore it belongs to the category of hybrids.
The description of the variety is very similar to the Japanese grape varieties that were harvested at Uehara Station. By the way, this is what this variety was originally called. It is worth noting that Victoria grapes exist in many countries of the world, but their properties differ from those of the domestic variety.
The frost resistance that Victoria grapes possess determines the recommended growing regions:
- Ural;
- Siberia;
- Volga region;
- Moscow region.
However, the frost resistance of the variety does not exclude the need for a winter shelter. In this matter, one should focus on the growing region. In the northern latitudes, good insulation is required, in the southern ones, the grape bushes do not need additional shelter.
Video "A complete description of Victoria grapes"
This video presents the quality and decorative characteristics of the variety.
Description and characteristics of the variety
The variety has already managed to fall in love with many gardeners. What are the features of this grape variety? A detailed description of the culture will tell you about this.
The appearance of the bush
Shrubs are characterized by medium vigor. The leaves are medium in size, dark green in color and characteristic pubescence. The shrub has a powerful root system that easily tolerates drought and is practically not susceptible to fungal diseases.
It should be noted that the appearance of the Victoria group shrubs differs depending on the variety:
- Pink. The fruits are purple, large. Abundant fruiting.
- White. The variety is distinguished by the presence of immunity to many fungal diseases. The berries are yellow with a greenish tinge.
- Romanian. The variety forms large brushes weighing more than 0.9 kg. The fruits are white, pink and yellow.
Description of bunches and berries
Victoria grapes are conical in shape, small in size and of medium density. As a rule, 2-3 clusters are formed on one shoot. The weight of each bunch usually does not exceed 0.7 kg.
The berries are characterized by a crimson color and an oval shape. Their weight is 6–8 g. The skin of the grapes is thin. The pulp is juicy and fleshy. The berries of the Victoria variety are very fragrant, have a nutmeg taste, and are sweet.
Drought and winter hardiness
The hybrid is characterized by high winter hardiness. Victoria comfortably tolerates temperatures as low as -28 ° C. In addition, the variety is quite drought-resistant. However, in order to get a rich and high-quality crop, one should not violate the irrigation regime. Dried soil will cause small and dry berries, and waterlogged soil will provoke root rot processes.
Fruiting and productivity
The berries ripen rather slowly, which is fully compensated by the fruitfulness of the branches.
About 95% of all shoots are fruitful. As a result, small berries ripen on the bush, which tries to distribute nutrients evenly. That is why experienced gardeners recommend removing some of the vine. Even after this procedure, the crop yield remains high.
A shrub that is grown on nutritious soil forms strong shoots with many berries. In addition, the yield of this variety is uniform and abundant.
Commercial and taste qualities of fruits
The berries are distinguished by an excellent presentation. They are large, have a thin skin and a light velvety texture. The pulp is very juicy and fleshy, has many seeds. The fruits are characterized by 19% sugar content and only 6% acidity. From this it follows that the taste of the berries is very sweet, slightly nutmeg.
Storage and use of the crop
Considering the fact that the skin of the berries is thin, storage and transportable qualities of the crop are low. That is why the culture is not grown for industrial purposes, but it is especially appreciated in private viticulture. Store berries in the refrigerator or freezer.
The fruits of the Victoria variety are excellent for harvesting home preservation.
When you start making homemade wine based on Victoria grapes, you should consider the sugar level in the berries. It is recommended to withstand such a drink for at least a year. If all the conditions have been met, the wine turns out to be very tasty and aromatic.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
- High probability of engraftment of cuttings.
- The ability of a culture to quickly adapt to weather conditions.
- Plant resistance to pests and fungal diseases. The main rule for preventing the occurrence of any disease is to regularly spray the shrub with a fungicide solution.
- High fruiting rate. 95% of all shoots form bunches of grapes.
- Possibility to increase the level of yield. Proper care of grape shrubs almost 100% guarantees an increase in planting yields.
- The ability to grow crops in regions with a harsh climate.
- The predominance of female inflorescences. As a result, the culture is poorly pollinated and tends to form small berries.
- The need for regular pruning of the bush. If this rule is disregarded, the plant gradually loses its previous yield indicators.
- A high percentage of sugar in berries. As a result, grapes become especially attractive to wasps. Insects harm grape bushes significantly.
Features of growing grapes Victoria
The Victoria variety has individual characteristics that you should familiarize yourself with before cultivating a plant.
Algorithm for planting seedlings and cuttings
The culture is propagated by two methods: seedlings and cuttings. The choice of high-quality planting material is considered fundamentally important, which should:
- be deep brown in color;
- have at least 3 roots;
- be at least 15 cm in length;
- show no signs of damage, mold, rot.
The seedling planting algorithm is quite simple and includes the following points:
- site preparation (site selection, fertilizing the soil, preventing the appearance of fungal diseases);
- observance of the interval between seedlings;
- mulching.
Watering, feeding and pruning the bush
Watering should be carried out in accordance with the condition of the topsoil. When it dries, the root zone is watered abundantly. Top dressing is an equally important condition for the successful cultivation of grapes. At the beginning of March, it is recommended to introduce organic and mineral compounds. After that, the soil is moistened.
The shrub is pruned twice a year. In the spring, sanitary pruning is carried out, during which dry and damaged shoots are removed. In the fall, the shrub is pruned to give it the desired shape.
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- Watering the grapes
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- Formation of the fruit link
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- Protection from wasps and insects
Disease and pest resistance
The culture is resistant to diseases, but sometimes the plant is susceptible to:
- powdery mildew;
- gray rot;
- chlorosis;
- spotting.
To prevent these diseases, it is recommended to treat shrubs with special means during the growing season.
Gardeners reviews
The Victoria variety has gained wide popularity, as evidenced by the numerous reviews of summer residents.
“The variety took root quickly, even tolerated frost. In principle, we are satisfied with Victoria, but in order to get a good harvest, we will have to try. "
“We have been growing Victoria for a long time. The berries are large and sweet. The father makes delicious wine out of them. The only disadvantage of this variety is the tendency to root rot. Therefore, it is necessary to organize a clear watering regime ”.
Victoria grapes are famous for their bountiful harvest. But in order to get high-quality berries, you should pay special attention to moisturizing and feeding the soil. Compliance with the key points of crop care guarantees high yields.