Velika grapes: variety description and yield, characteristics and history with photo

Velika belongs to large grape varieties, suitable for industrial and private cultivation. The plant also carries an ornamental value, as it has a beautiful vine with colorful leaves. The grape variety is large, under optimal growing conditions, gives a tasty, moderately sweet (but not cloying) harvest. The species belongs to the group of table grapes, not universal grapes. That is, the berries are consumed fresh, they are not suitable for further processing.

The history of the creation of the variety

The variety originated in 1987 as a result of crossing two cultures: Alphonse Lavalle, originally from France, and Aleppo (Bulgarian) - from Asia Minor.Both types are canteen and have good ratings from tasters. The Velika hybrid was bred by the Bulgarian scientist Ivan Todor. In Bulgaria, the variety fully ripens by the end of summer and is considered medium early.

The species began to be officially "listed" in 1997, since it was then that it was entered into the state register. It was warmly received by tasters due to its unusual taste and pleasant texture. In Russia, this variety was not distributed until recently due to the high cost and complexity of growing.

Description of Velika grapes

The plant itself is large and unusual. Some summer residents prefer to grow a vine only because of its decorative properties. In autumn, the leaves of the plant turn bright red.

Description of grapes:

• high bush, shoots reach 3-3.5 meters in length;
• leaves are small, rounded, with several lobes;
• bunches are large, gradually tapering towards the end (they have the shape of a cylinder);
• berries are large, also cylindrical elongated.

One berry is the size of a matchbox. Fruits of dark, saturated color. The hue varies from rich burgundy to purple, but on the bush, ripened fruits look slightly washed out, dull. This is because they are coated with wax, which provides natural protection against damage and disease.

A bunch of grapes, on average, weighs from 800 grams to 1 kilogram, but reaches one and a half kilograms. One berry by weight rarely exceeds 15-20 grams. The sugar content of the variety reaches 17-19%; under optimal growing conditions, the fruits quickly accumulate sugar. Moderate acid.

The species does not tolerate persistent and severe frosts, it is unstable to pests. At -23 ° C, it begins to die. In this regard, it is poorly suited for cultivation in the northern regions and even within the Middle Strip. Its maturation in the conditions of the Middle Strip lasts 130-140 days.

Distinguishing Features

This grape has two distinguishing features: unusually large berries and clusters, as well as excessively fast growth. The second quality is a tangible problem for gardeners. However, this can be settled with a rootstock. That is, to graft a rootstock variety of grapes to the root. Other problems are solved with this method, for example, low resistance to frost and diseases.

Velika is a high yielding but unstable species that needs special care.

On average, it brings 8-12 kilograms of yield per tree, or 300 centners per hectare of land. This is provided that the grapes are grown in a region with a warm climate.

What are the pros and cons?

With the proper approach to growing, there are more pluses than minuses.Velika is a tasty variety that tolerates transportation well. It is high-yielding and rare, so it is suitable for sale. This grape is safely stored in the refrigerator without losing its taste. It has a firm texture. Velika tastes like cherry. Wasps hardly touch this grape because of its dense skin.

Cons:

• low resistance to cold, disease, mold;
• difficulties in growing;
• excessive growth, which is regulated only by vaccination.

Grapes should not only be grafted, but also processed.

Selection of seedlings and plot

You need to choose seedlings with a preserved root system. Each seedling should have 3-4 roots. It is good if the shoots give an increase of at least 25-30 centimeters. If the seedling meets these characteristics, then it can be safely planted on your site.

For planting, that part of the garden is suitable, which is well ventilated and located in the southeast or south side. The soil should not be waterlogged, otherwise it needs to be drained.

Planting and care

For a seedling, a hole is dug 90-100 centimeters deep and 50-70 centimeters wide. The hole consists of 3 layers: the bottom one is drainage, the middle one is fertilizers and soil, the top one is soil only. In this case, the roots of the plant are in contact with unfertilized soil. Occasionally grapes are planted in sandy soil. This is done to protect the plant's root system from phylloxera.

Caring for a variety consists of several rules:

• moderate watering (at high humidity, fungi begin to appear);
• grafting - rootstock (in particular phylloxera-resistant varieties);
• processing (Fundazol - from gray rot, fungicides - from fungi, insecticides - from insects).

To preparations for processing, the plant quickly develops immunity, so they need to be alternated. In the cold season, grapes take shelter from frost. Do not cover with plastic wrap, as the vine can rot. Multi-level supports are required to support the plant.

Diseases and pests

Grapes have low resistance to Alternaria, mildew, gray mold, anthracnose, oidium. That is, to all common diseases. The thick skin protects the berries from insects, but birds and grape aphids periodically attack the bushes. Insecticides are good for aphids. Also, this variety is absolutely not resistant to phylloxera, because of which, in the absence of vaccinations, the bushes can die completely.

Features of reproduction

Reproduction occurs in two ways. First, grafting is done (on other types of grapes) with green cuttings in a split.Held in the spring, placed at any height. Secondly, cuttings capable of producing roots are used as seedlings. This method is not suitable if the plant is "sick" with phylloxera.

Also, lignified cuttings are used for grafting. They are placed in a trunk: in its underground or ground part. With the help of a sharpened knife, a cut is made, into which the stalk is subsequently placed. Then this place is pressed, treated with pitch (resin, a special garden "putty") and tied with twine.

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