Viking grapes: variety description and characteristics, pros and cons with photo

Viking is a black table grape, one of the earliest ripening in its category. It has a specific taste, not everyone likes it. Suitable for cultivation in most regions of Russia, but not everywhere gives a stable harvest. The variety is characterized by rapid growth at the beginning of the growing season, so the bushes require long pruning. Viking refers to medium-sized grapes.

History of selection

Viking was bred by Ukrainian breeder Vitaliy Zagorulko. This grower has created many varieties with unique taste characteristics. All of them are suitable for cultivation in Ukraine and Russia, but mainly in its southern and southwestern regions.

The Viking variety arose as a result of crossing Kodryanka and Red Delight (SOZ-1, Zosya). Both species have early maturation, are distinguished by large berries and clusters. Viking has "roots" of Amur grapes, since the Zosya hybrid was bred from European and Amur varieties.

Grapes have not been tested in Russia, but despite this, it has been actively grown in the country for several years.

According to Zagorulko himself, Viking is ideal for regions with a climate close to Zaporozhye (dry summers, moderately cool, mild winters).

Key Features

Grapes ripen in 100-110 days (on average), the harvest can be harvested at the end of summer. The sugar content of the berries is average (15-17%), as is the acidity. Low productivity, optimal load per bush - 22-26 shoots. Often the bushes are underloaded.

The berries are firm and juicy. The skin is not felt when eaten, but at the same time it protects the fruit from flying insects. Viking is intended primarily for fresh consumption, but is occasionally used for the production of blended wines. The variety is distinguished by a characteristic berry aroma and an unusual taste, which combines notes of cherries, prunes and plums. Fruits quickly accumulate sugar in warm and even hot weather.

Appearance description:

• bunches of conical shape, above average in weight - from 600 grams to 1 kilogram;
• berries are large, weighing from 8 to 14 grams, larger than a five-ruble coin, dark blue;
• bisexual inflorescences (this contributes to rapid pollination);
• five-lobed leaves;
• shoots are powerful, quickly grow up to 2-3 meters.

Cold does not tolerate well, begins to die at a temperature of -21 ° C and below. Persistent frost does not survive without good shelter.

Pros and cons of the variety

The variety tolerates transportation well, its berries retain their presentation until the end of September. On the bushes, the fruits do not crack, but dry up to the state of raisins. Despite all this, the species is not commercial, as it does not have a sufficient level of productivity. The main advantages of the variety are its interesting taste, fast maturation and large size.

The main disadvantages of the view:

• instability to temperature extremes;
• low resistance to most diseases;
• capriciousness, because of which not everyone succeeds in growing grapes.

In conditions of increased heat, there is a decrease in the yield of bushes. The berries become small and change the taste. As a rule, such changes occur at the 3rd year of cultivation.

How to plant correctly?

The hybrid does well in black earth soil, it is best planted in the southwestern or southern part of the garden. There should not be strong winds and high groundwater in the landing area. If the land is waterlogged, then drainage is performed or another place is chosen for grapes.

Infertile soil is saturated with microelements before planting. Special mixtures are used (Novofert), wood ash, humus, prepared since autumn. It is optimal to plant cuttings from mid to late spring, during the daytime, at a temperature of +14 to +22 °C.

Before planting, you need to check the integrity of the root system of each seedling.It is desirable that he had 3-4 roots 10-15 centimeters long and 2-3 millimeters thick. The plant should be elastic, not brittle. After checking the seedling, cylindrical holes are dug 60-80 centimeters deep. A prerequisite is to maintain a distance of 2.5-3.5 meters between the bushes.

Before planting, humus or other fertilizer can be placed in the hole (layer - 25 centimeters).

A mound of fertile soil is formed on the surface, the roots of the seedling straighten out. The plant is placed in the hole at an angle, immediately fixed with a support and watered with warm water (2-2.5 buckets per 1 hole). The soil is being loosened.

Growing and care

The main condition is not to overmoisten the soil. Frequent watering has 3 consequences:

• development of fungal diseases;
• fruit cracking;
• change in taste, lower sugar content.

Therefore, the variety is not suitable for growing in regions with frequent summer rains. On average, it is watered 6-7 times from planting to the end of harvest. Bushes are not moistened during flowering and ripening of berries. Grapes are pruned in the middle or at the end of autumn, leaving from 3 to 10 fruiting shoots. The first 3 years it is better to leave the minimum number of shoots. For the winter, the plant must be covered, a protective layer of sawdust or peat is laid around the roots.

Disease resistance

The variety is resistant to mildew due to early ripening. It is not resistant to other fungal diseases. It is desirable to treat the plant with fungicides at the beginning of the growing season, and then before and after flowering.

You can use Bordeaux liquid or other preparations, such as Strobi and Ardent. The plant is resistant to flying insects due to its dense skin.

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