Grapes Sofia: description and characteristics of the variety, yield and frost resistance

Among horticultural crops, one cannot fail to note those varieties that were bred not by breeders, but by amateurs. Every summer resident knows about Sofia grapes. This table hybrid has many advantages. And in the southern regions it is widespread everywhere. But fruit lovers in temperate regions also cultivate the vine, creating favorable conditions for it.

History of selection

Ukrainian gardener V. Zagorulko, well-known among viticulturists, has been breeding new varieties for many years. And he got such a hybrid, which combines the best qualities of Arcadia grapes and Radiant Kishmish.From the parents, the Sofia variety received the sweet taste of berries, fleshy and juicy. In addition, the grapes have a strong vine and bear fruit abundantly.

Description

The Sofia grape has a distinctive feature:

• bush strength with large leaves, slightly dissected;
• large conical brushes, reaching a weight of 1.5-2 kilograms;
• pinkish berries weighing 10-20 grams;
• juicy sweet fruit pulp, almost pitted.

The description of the variety also includes a high yield of the vine. In favorable conditions, you can remove up to 40-50 kilograms of berries from one bush. In addition, the vine has a decorative effect and will become a true decoration of the garden. The leaves on brownish stems are slightly wavy, large, bright green, turning yellowish in autumn.

Grape characteristics

The main advantage of the Sofia variety is the power of the vine, the appetizing fruit. Among the large leaves, giant brushes of grapes look great. There are a lot of berries on each, and they fit snugly together. Interesting grape color. Pale pink fruits seem to radiate when illuminated by the sun.

Despite the predominance of female flowers on the vine, the Sophia variety sets fruits perfectly, taking pollen from neighboring bushes.

Long flowering of grapes is noted, and the duration of fruit ripening reaches 110-115 days. In early August, the first berries are already being harvested. You should not keep them on the bushes, otherwise they will begin to crack and fall off.

Different grapes Sofia:

• drought tolerant;
• excellent survival of seedlings during planting;
• medium immunity to fungal infection;
• poor cold tolerance.

Although the variety requires special growing conditions, it is grown in Siberia and the Far East.

Rules of planting and care

Vine seedlings for planting choose one- or two-year-olds. Pits are prepared in advance with a depth of up to 80 centimeters, a width of 50-60. Be sure to mix the earth with compost or humus, superphosphate and potassium s alt. Before planting, the roots of the cuttings are shortened to 20 centimeters. You can lower the seedling into the Kornevin solution, and then place it in a mash of clay and manure. After planting, it is necessary to water the seedlings abundantly. Watering should be moderate. Sofia grape variety does not like excessive waterlogging, but does not tolerate long-term drought.

It is necessary to form bushes of berry crops with annual pruning.Every year, 10-12 buds are left on each vine. Lateral processes completely break off. It is imperative to thin out the branches, creating better planting permeability for air and light. Berries in bunches also need thinning, otherwise they begin to rot at such a high density. They are cut with scissors, unloading the brush by 30-40% in the peating stage.

Disease and pest control

To prevent infection of the variety with oidium or mildew, the bushes are sprayed with a 1% solution of Bordeaux liquid in the first spring, when the leaves have blossomed. The next treatment is needed in 10-15 days. Among the drugs that are active against pathogenic fungi, we can distinguish "Skor", "Topaz". They are also used in the treatment of diseases.

Wasps are greedy for the sweet berries of Sophia. They can ruin the entire crop. Insects are repelled from the vine with sticky baits. Nests next to the vineyard are sprayed with Dichlorvos, Karbofos.

Reproduction

There is such a common method of propagating Sofia grapes as cuttings. They are grown in pots and then transferred to the open field after the development of a strong root system.

Vaccination is used as a breeding to increase the resistance of the variety to frost. The Arcadia variety is suitable as a rootstock.

Recommended