Grapes Cardinal: variety description and characteristics, cultivation with photo

The Cardinal grape has a wayward character. But experienced gardeners who have created all the right conditions for the growth and ripening of fruits will be rewarded according to their deserts. The table variety has a sweet nutmeg flavor and is easy to transport.

History of variety breeding

The Cardinal grape variety comes from distant sunny American California, where in 1939 it was experimentally bred in the city of Fresno by Dr. Snyder and Harmon. Years later, the grapes were transported to Europe, to the southern countries.

Description of Cardinal grapes

Early table grape variety. The ripening period ranges from 115 to 120 days, harvesting takes place at the end of August. The variety is extremely fruitful, but with the amendment that the conditions of detention will be observed.

Describing Cardinal, it is worth mentioning that the variety is not resistant to fungal diseases. Clusters are large, but loose. Berries are red-violet, oval or semi-oval. The mass of one berry is within 6 grams, with several seeds. On the palate there is a spicy nutmeg note that sets off the main sweetness. Sugar content - from 16% to 18%, acidity - 8 grams per liter.

Species diversity

Based on the Cardinal grape variety, scientists have bred three improved subspecies: Lux, Azos and Black.

The "second parent" of Lux was the Criulyansky variety. The subspecies is more resistant to disease and frost. But the ripening period increased, and amounted to 125 days. The subspecies is characterized by high bush growth rates and heavy clusters, sometimes reaching one kilogram.

Anapa variety Azos is able to withstand frosts down to -23 degrees, actively resists fungal diseases. Ripens in 130 days. It differs in a cone-shaped bunch - they are very heavy in weight. The taste is sweet, with a pronounced nutmeg aftertaste. Fruit color ranges from pink to dark blue with a black tint.

What are the pros and cons of the variety?

The advantages of this grape variety are:

A taste that was appreciated (8-9 points).
Versatility of the variety - grapes can be used for many purposes.
Transportability, long-term storage.
Quality wine made from this variety.
Rich harvest.
Quick ripening.

To appreciate the Cardinal, you need to know about the shortcomings:

Predisposition to disease.
Heat-loving plant, does not tolerate low temperatures
In order for the harvest to succeed, you need ideal conditions. Otherwise, the flowers and ovaries will fall off, the berries may pea, their size will decrease.
The bunch ripens unevenly, and therefore one side always remains underripe.

Fit features

Cardinal grapes love warmth, so analyze your garden plot and choose a place filled with sun and protected from the winds. Often this place is located south of the house or other buildings.

It is desirable to plant in black soil, as it is the most saturated with nutrients, but it is also possible to grow in clay or sandy soils.

Important! The sand should have a temperature no higher than 10 degrees.

Yields will increase if you graft a cutting into a perennial vine. In this way, immunity against diseases can also be increased.

Planting is best done in the spring, when there is no risk of returning cold weather.

Care instructions

The most acceptable soil for the Cardinal is black soil. But, being planted on loamy or sandy loamy soil, it also gives a good harvest. Control the amount of moisture you consume. It is necessary not to be greedy with watering, but in moderation so as not to overwater the plant. Having received an excess of water, the fruits will become too watery and will begin to burst. Water before and after flowering. In the same period, treat the plant with fungicidal solutions, protecting the bush from powdery mildew.

Important! If the summer is rainy, install a drainage system to remove excess water. Otherwise, the plant may be subject to diseases.

Mulch the plant twice a year: in autumn and spring. Pay attention to the need for especially careful protection of the bush and root system in preparation for wintering. Use handy tools such as mulch, hay, straw. If the grapes have their first winter, place the vine in a wooden container without a bottom, and cover it with earth on top. This will allow the plant to survive at low temperatures.

Diseases and pests

Diseases often affect the Cardinal. The reason lies in the fact that the variety was bred on another continent, and is not adapted to the climatic conditions of our mainland. Often the plant is affected by mildew, gray rot, oidium, bacterial cancer, cluster leafworm. Basically, this happens in the fall, when the crop is already harvested.

Preventing a disease is easier than curing it. Spray with fungicides before and after flowering, twice per season. If the plant is still sick, you need to carry out additional spraying.

Where is the best place to grow?

The most acceptable regions among the countries of the former USSR for growing are warm regions with black soil.

These include the south of Russia (Krasnodar Territory), Ukrainian steppes, Moldova, Transnistria. Of the European states, these are France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Yugoslavia.