Attica grapes: description and characteristics of the variety, cultivation and care of sultanas

Breeders all over the world are working on improving grape varieties, and often the result of their work becomes known and popular not only in their homeland, but also far beyond its borders. So it happened with the Attica grape variety. Despite its Greek origin, today it can be found on the plots of gardeners throughout Europe and the CIS countries. And all this thanks to its characteristics and unpretentious care.

History of Attica breeding

The seedless hybrid is the fruit of the work of the Greek breeder Mihos.Two varieties were taken as the basis of the hybrid: Central Asian Black Kishmish and French Alphonse Lavalle. For the first time, this variety of raisins was presented to the winegrowers in 1979 and immediately received their recognition. The hybrid successfully combines the best characteristics of the parent varieties, but the shortcomings are practically not transferred to the new variety.

Appearance and botanical description

In order to have a complete picture of the Attica grape variety, they study its description and characteristics and, on the basis of this, conclude whether the hybrid is suitable for cultivation in a particular region or not.

Bush and shoots

Attica bushes are predominantly medium and vigorous, young shoots are characterized by good maturity per season. For abundant fruiting, it requires pruning, pinching and removing stepchildren. For cultivation, it is recommended to prepare supports so that the grapes have a rich flavor and receive enough sunlight.

Leaves, inflorescences

The leaves of the Attica hybrid are five- or three-lobed, have a rich green color. The surface of the leaf plate is dull, slightly dissected, there is a slight pubescence below. Due to the fact that Attica flowers bloom both female and male types, pollinating varieties are not needed.

Already in the first year after planting, the gardener will be able to harvest the first crop, which will only increase every year.

Grapes and berries

Cylindrical-shaped bunches of Attica grapes, with proper care, reach a weight of 2 kg. The density of the hybrid brushes is high, but this does not prevent the berries from fully ripening during the season. The berries of the variety have an easily recognizable taste, which combines the sweetness of grapes and the flavor of cherries. The weight of one reaches 6 grams. The color is inky blue, at the end of the fruit there is a dimple characteristic of the variety.

All berries are covered with a wax coating, when biting the flesh is crispy. The main advantage of Attica berries is the lack of seeds.

Quality characteristics of the hybrid

Attica belongs to the table species that gardeners grow both for personal needs and for subsequent sale. The percentage of sugars is up to 18, the acidity is at the level of 5 g/l.

Suitable climatic conditions

A native of warm Greece loves the climate of the southern regions of Russia and Ukraine, takes root well in the Crimea and Moldova. But in the northern regions with frosty winters, it will die. When grown in the middle lane, shelter is required for the winter.

Beginning of fruiting and yields

Hybrid Attica belongs to varieties with early ripening berries. In southern latitudes (for example, in Spain), the first bunches reach ripeness in early July.In colder climates, the grapes are harvested in early August. On average, 110 to 120 days pass before harvest. Another indisputable advantage of Attica is its high yield.

With proper care, up to 30 tons of tasty and he althy berries are harvested per hectare. However, the variety is prone to overloading with berries, experienced gardeners recommend leaving no more than 30 eyes so as not to damage the vine.

Disease resistance

The disadvantage of Attica is low resistance to fungal diseases, especially in cold and damp climates. But insect pests rarely infect the vine. The hybrid also has a high immunity to gray rot.

Frost resistance

The frost resistance of the Attica hybrid is at -21 degrees. At lower temperatures, the bush may freeze and die.

Planting and growing

The field he alth of Attica and the amount of the crop depends on the observance of the agricultural technology of growing the hybrid. When cultivating, there are no difficulties even for beginner growers.

Ground requirements

Unpretentious variety develops on almost any type of soil. Only wetlands and s alt marshes are not suitable. Good yields are achieved on light sandy loamy soils.

Plant pattern

The landing algorithm is simple and consists of several stages:

1. To begin with, they acquire high-quality planting material. It is better to do this in specialized nurseries, so there are more chances to buy a seedling of this particular variety, and not a fake.
2. A young seedling should have a developed root system (up to 3 roots) with no signs of mechanical damage.
3. A place is selected on the site, illuminated from all sides by the sun. Do not plant the Attica hybrid in drafts, in lowlands and places with close groundwater.
4. The size of the planting hole depends on the size of the root system of the seedling. Do not bury a young bush more than 50 cm.
5. The soil selected from the hole is thoroughly mixed with organic matter and complex mineral supplements.
6. Make drainage from crushed stone or broken red brick at the bottom of the hole.
7. Fill up the soil with fertilizers and set a seedling on it.
8. Growers advise to dip the root system of grapes in a clay mash before planting.
9. Then sprinkle with the remaining earth and tamp well.
10. Water and mulch abundantly.

The distance between young seedlings should be at least 2 meters.

Irrigation and fertilization

To obtain the harvest declared by the manufacturer, timely watering and fertilizing is important.Grapes do not tolerate waterlogging, but dry land does not contribute to the full development of the vine. Watering is especially important at the time of pouring the berries. In the first year, the Attica grape bush has enough nutrition introduced during planting. In the future, the bushes are fertilized three times per season: in spring (nitrogen-containing compounds), in summer (potassium and phosphorus) and in autumn (organic matter).

Pinch and trim

Experienced gardeners recommend pinching green shoots a few days before flowering. Then the grapes will direct all the forces to the formation of large clusters. Formative and sanitary pruning is also required.

Seasonal processing

In the season, grape bushes are treated twice with fungicidal preparations for preventive purposes. You can use folk remedies for this.

Shelter for the winter

Heat-loving hybrid needs additional protection for the cold season. Be sure to mulch with peat and sawdust, as well as a greenhouse-type construction.

The ripening period of berries and the duration of storage of the crop

The ripening of Attica brushes falls mainly in August, the specific dates depend on the climatic features of the region. The advantage of hybrid berries is good keeping quality and long shelf life without loss of presentation and taste characteristics.

There is also a good transportability of the crop, which makes it possible to grow Attica on an industrial scale.

Diseases and pests - ways to deal with them

Pests such as aphids, leafworms and wasps rarely damage Attica's crops. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to set traps and carry out seasonal spraying with fungicides.

Of all types of fungal diseases, Attica has immunity only to gray rot. Other diseases are prevented with the help of proper agricultural technology and periodic treatments with fungicidal preparations.If the plant is still sick, they use more aggressive chemistry to save the vine from death.

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