Helios grapes: description and characteristics of the variety, fruiting and care for the hybrid

One of the most ancient cultures, which has a thousand-year history, is grapes. The berries of this plant are high in calories, juice from the fruit increases hemoglobin, and fragrant natural wine helps in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, almost every year new varieties and hybrids appear that are characterized by increased resistance to diseases and make it possible to grow a vine even in regions with a cold climate. Grapes of the Helios variety appeared on the market recently, but have already managed to win fans among both summer residents and farmers involved in the industrial cultivation of berries.

History of the hybrid

Thanks to the work of breeder Krainov, a new hybrid called Helios has appeared on the market. Another name for the variety Arcadia Pink. A hybrid was obtained by crossing Arcadia and Nakhodka raisins.

Biological characteristics of grapes

Early ripe Helios hybrid belongs to table grapes. The bushes of the variety grow strong, of medium height. Shoots are well developed. Helios has both male and female flowers, which contributes to pollination, despite the weather conditions.

Description of external parameters

Cone-shaped brushes of Helios grapes reach a mass of 700-800 grams, and with good care and observance of agrotechnical measures, they can weigh up to 1.5 kg. The berries of the hybrid have a pink color, the weight of one reaches 15 grams. The taste of grapes is sweet, with a persistent nutmeg aftertaste.

Frost resistance

The hybrid form is characterized by a high degree of frost resistance (up to - 25 degrees). With a more significant decrease in temperature, it needs additional shelter. This is especially true for young grape seedlings that have not yet gained strength.

Pest and disease resistance

The Helios hybrid has good immunity to the most common diseases of the vine and is rarely affected by mildew and oidium with proper care. The plant can infect phylloxera, so regular preventive treatments are required.

Pollination

Since the hybrid has male and female flowers, it does not need additional pollinators. However, experienced gardeners recommend planting nearby varieties that bloom at the same time as Helios to increase yields.It is also worth taking care to attract pollinating insects to the garden.

Beginning of fruiting and taste of berries

Since Helios is an early ripening variety, the first fruits can be tasted as early as early August. The yields of the hybrid are consistently high, the berries should be immediately removed from the branches when fully ripe.

When cracked, their sweet smell attracts wasps, which spoil the presentation of the fruit.

As for transportability, then all gardeners note that grapes do not lose their characteristics and aroma when transported over long distances. This moment is very attractive to farmers who grow grapes for commercial purposes.

Pros and cons of Helios

When choosing a variety for planting on a plot, gardeners pay attention to the features of growing, the advantages and disadvantages of the variety they like. It is worth noting that the Helios hybrid has much more pluses than minuses.

The indisputable advantages of the variety include:

Early ripening of berries, which is especially important for regions with a short summer period.
Taste characteristics of grapes: sweetness, coarse skin, few seeds (1-2).
Immunity to diseases and high frost resistance of the hybrid.
Quick survival of seedlings.
Rare fruit damage by wasps at timely harvest.
Stable yield returns and virtually no peas.
The ability to maintain attractive product characteristics during long-term transportation.
The versatility of the use of Helios berries.

But it is worth remembering that the hybrid is demanding on soil composition and care. Only if all the rules of cultivation are observed, its benefits are fully realized.

Steps of cultivation and care

When starting to grow a Helios hybrid, they first study all the stages of planting and care, and only after the theory they move on to practice. There is nothing difficult in this process, even a novice gardener can handle it.

Selection of seedlings

One of the factors in the successful cultivation of vines experienced farmers call the choice of seedlings. The rate of survival and the further development of culture depend on his he alth.

It is recommended to purchase planting material only in nurseries specializing in grape crops. In this case, it is much more likely to get high-quality material that will take root and not die in the first winter.

Buy a seedling with a fully developed root system, without damage. The length of the shoot must be at least 20 cm, the color is green.

You can plant Helios grapes in prepared soil both in autumn and in spring.For the southern regions, an autumn landing is considered preferable, and for the northern, colder regions, a spring one. In any case, young bushes are insulated for the winter, which will make it possible for the bushes to survive the cold period without problems.

Plant and planting depth

Hybrid Helios does not like the proximity of other cultures. The minimum distance to another plant should be at least 2.5-3 meters. Only in this case, you should count on a bountiful harvest of grapes.

Before planting, the grape roots are soaked in a growth stimulator for better rooting. They dig a hole, the size of which should be at least 808080 cm. The lower soil layer is mixed with potassium s alt and superphosphate, humus is added and laid back into the hole. A seedling is placed on this nutrient pillow and covered with the remnants of the soil. Moisten abundantly with warm water and mulch with sawdust.

Water Regularity

The subsequent yield depends on the correct watering. Variety Helios does not tolerate excess moisture and reduces yields. The first moistening of the soil is carried out in early spring, but it is necessary to ensure that the temperature does not fall below 0 degrees at night. Otherwise, freezing of the roots will lead to the death of the culture.

The second irrigation of the hybrid is done after spring pruning, the third during bud break. It is important to provide the plant with abundant watering at the time of fruit pouring. The last time the grape bushes are watered before preparing for winter. Approximate water consumption per 1 sq. meter about 25-30 liters.

Fertilizer

In the first year, the vine will have enough nutritional components laid in the hole when planting. In the future, mineral fertilizers are used 1 time per year, and organic 1 time in 3 years.

In the spring, it will be appropriate to introduce ammonium nitrate into the soil, it helps to build green mass. At the time of flowering, superphosphate will be the recommended top dressing. At the fruiting stage, fertilizers are not applied. Humus is added before wintering.

Mulching

Mulching is considered an obligatory step in the care of the Helios variety. This procedure will retain moisture in the soil during the dry season, reduce the development of weeds, and before wintering helps to warm the root system. Sawdust, vegetable tops, straw and foliage are suitable as mulch. The minimum layer should be about 5 cm.

Pruning and pinching

Helios gives a bountiful harvest, under the weight of which a bush can break. In the spring, be sure to prune up to 7 eyes to reduce the load on the bush. The optimal number of eyes per 1 Helios bush is no more than 35.

Shelter for the winter

In the southern regions, grape bushes can not be covered with foil, but only mulch can be used. In colder climates, despite the frost resistance of the hybrid, the vine is additionally insulated. The lashes are removed from the supports, divided into 2 parts and placed on the soil, previously lined with agrofibre.Arcs are installed on top, on which a plastic film is stretched.

Important! The film should not touch the grape bushes, so as not to provoke a plant burn.

Protection from insects and infections

Despite the immunity to fungal diseases of the vine, prevention is still necessary. For spraying the hybrid, folk remedies, copper-containing preparations and fungicidal agents are used.

To protect against wasps and birds, a special mesh is pulled.

Variety propagation technology

Helios variety receives positive feedback from gardeners for ease of propagation. Cuttings are considered the most popular method, this process gives good rooting and survival. It is also possible to propagate the hybrid using layering. Everyone chooses the most convenient way for their forces.