The cultivation of heat-loving crops in areas of risky farming is becoming increasingly widespread. In greenhouses, on individual plots, various plantations appear in ordinary households: apricots, peaches, watermelons, melons. But grapes are confidently in the lead on this list. For a long time in Siberia such landings were neither in the personal nor in the commercial segment. However, the achievements of selection made it possible to obtain plants with the best characteristics of resistance, fruits of a unique taste.
Content
History of Siberian Grapes
Grapes in the northern latitudes appeared about 70 years ago. Active promotion of culture in these areas was undertaken by enthusiasts and professionals back in the 40s and 50s. The healing properties of the berry, the ability to get a rich harvest, even in the most difficult conditions, the development potential of domestic winemaking - all this became an impetus to the active development of the selection direction. Even under the rule of Stalin, projects were launched to develop frost-resistant varieties.
The next stage of development was the attempt of local breeders and lovers expand landing to experimental areas, commercial, to make cultures massive outside the Urals. Clubs and schools of Sharov and Levchenko were created, which made a significant contribution to the development.
Modern economy
Today, the emphasis is shifting towards regional varieties and hybrids. However, the emphasis in many schools is on agricultural technology. One of the centers of active development of the direction was Altai. The vineyards that once existed here were immediately known for dozens of varieties, from which they even managed to get several lots of wine. After mass deforestation for decades, vineyards and wineries remained abandoned, actively reviving.
Early and super early varieties have found their application. Their vegetative period lasts only 120 days. Early awakening according to established rules allows you to get a crop long before the first frost. The last decade has been marked by a real flowering of grape selection in the regions of Altai and Amur.
Non-covering varieties for Siberia
One of the first non-covering agricultural techniques was tested by Potapenko. In addition to the fact that such a planting format saves energy and time, makes it possible to increase crops without additional investments, it is especially valuable that such berries are useful and even especially rich in taste. Varieties can withstand up to –30 degrees Celsius. Under more severe climatic conditions, it is still recommended to opt for one of the covering hybrids.
Amur grape
This is one of the classic varieties that has been cultivated in Siberia for more than 50 years. Unlike many others, it is mid-early and gathers in mid-September. Medium-sized vines can stretch up to 30 meters in height and add about two meters in length.
The advantages of this particular variety include:
- high frost resistance;
- immunity to most diseases;
- undemanding to soils;
- the highest sugar content in fruits;
- possibility of long transportation without risk of damage.
Amur grapes have some disadvantages:
- high altitude, which requires support;
- the inability to collect the entire crop due to growth;
- the need for constant competent pruning.
In addition to frost resistance, Amursky stands out also for its low watering requirements. Abundant spring moistening is enough for an adult plant, then even long periods of drought will not be able to reduce its productivity. You can improve the taste by applying a single mineral fertilizer. Amursky can become the basis for the vaccination of other varieties less resistant to temperature extremes.
Amethyst
The variety is very similar to Amursky. Its main property is to restore crops even from frozen and damaged buds and shoots. Important properties:
- tolerates frosts to -35 degrees without shelter;
- does not need constant treatments with the exception of prophylactic;
- has large fruits with juicy pulp;
- different in large clusters weighing up to 800 grams.
The fruits are consumed fresh, but they are also suitable for making dry wines. The percentage of sugar in the berry is an average of 21, sometimes 23, but in rare cases. An interesting indicator for any grape is a tasting score. For this variety, it averages 8.1 points, which is a lot for Siberian species. The variety is best cultivated by cuttings.
Guests from overseas: varieties from the USA
Saplings from the USA are not liked by all amateurs and professionals, however, they have undeniable advantages. Most modern varieties are derived from Vitis labrusca, in the homeland the plant was called the fox berry. The main difference is a light strawberry flavor, high juice content and excellent sugar accumulation properties. According to the latest indicator, grapes of these types are superior to many covering species.
Alpha
The American Alpha variety among professionals is often called technical, that is, suitable more for gardening or amateur content, but not for industrial winemaking. It is especially common at the latitude of Kharkov, where it is cultivated in large quantities, however, it became popular about 15 years ago in Siberia as a variety for private cultivation.
The benefits include:
- unique properties of pollinator of other varieties;
- frost resistance up to 30 degrees below zero;
- dark color of berries and rich taste;
- the presence of the so-called "isabella" notes of taste.
The disadvantages include:
- vigorous growth and significant thickening;
- small berry size, light cluster weight;
- high acid content in berries.
Saplings perfectly take root, as well as cuttings. The main task at the beginning of cultivation is to prevent the vines from thickening very much, this will reduce the yield. The best indicators in Siberia are plants that have been pre-quenched by low temperatures and low humidity. Despite the fact that the bush is overgrown, its length is not too long, which allows you to collect the maximum yield. The variety has a long vegetative period, from 130 to 145 days, however, due to its frost resistance it is still suitable for regions of risky farming.
Lando Noir
Unlike the Alpha variety, this grape is recommended for making red wines, especially semi-dry and semi-sweet fruit.The minimum acid content and high sugar concentration make it possible to obtain a drink with excellent taste characteristics.
Berries have an even rounded shape and medium size. They are approximately the same in mass, which makes processing convenient. The variety itself is classified as a Franco-American hybrid. Its advantages:
- small vegetative period;
- frost resistance up to 30 degrees below zero;
- late opening of "eyes";
- resistance to fungal infections.
Despite the fact that Lando Noir belongs to the early varieties, the “eyes” of the kidneys open very late, so they are not damaged by May frosts that are frequent in Siberia.
Somerset Sidlis
This variety comes from the United States - one of the most frost-resistant. Despite the fact that the official description provides survival only at minus 35 degrees, the plants themselves, with proper preparation and correct awakening, can withstand significantly lower temperatures. Attractive variety with the following characteristics:
- delicate pink color;
- high productivity;
- small bushiness;
- lack of pits.
Among its shortcomings include:
- low sugar content;
- an abundance of small berries;
- small cluster size.
The first crop can be harvested at the end of August, as it is a record-high early grape variety. Despite the fact that the clusters are numerous, a large amount of berries can be obtained quite rarely. The weight of one fruit brush is within 200-250 grams. The berry has no bones, which greatly simplifies its processing. One of the characteristics is resistance to the most common pathology of this plant species - downy mildew.
Early grades for harsh climate
Early varieties are one of the most advantageous for planting in Siberia. The main condition for obtaining berries is the proper awakening of the vine. Trim trim and timely application of fertilizers will also help to quickly shoot shoots, to direct all the forces of the plant to the formation of vines and then clusters.
Red nutmeg
The superearly variety allows you to receive fruits within 90 or 100 days after awakening. This is a good option for regions with the shortest summers. Berries will be ready by the end of July. An important characteristic is the presence of a bitter note of taste along with acid and sugar.
The berries themselves are dense, fleshy, the peel is quite thick. Therefore, storage is quite simple to organize, but for the manufacture of wine it is better to choose another option. In the finished drink appears too sharp bitterness, which cannot be offset by a low sugar content. One of the features is the color change of the shell and pulp. From pale pink, it turns into a rich burgundy, and then into dark purple. You can leave the crop on the vine for several weeks after full ripening without fear.
It is worth considering that this grape does not tolerate frosts with temperatures below minus 23 degrees and needs protection in the winter. Fungal infections are especially dangerous.
Early Bashkir
One of the recommended species for the Ural region, however, may not survive in more severe weather zones. The variety is different:
- rich harvests even at low humidity;
- resistance to fungi;
- low acidity.
Of the shortcomings note:
- small berries up to 1 gram;
- small brushes up to 30 grams;
- high acidity.
The variety is used to make dry wines. Sugar in it only 14 percent. The dense, thick shell has a pronounced aroma and astringent taste, which gives the finished drink. It belongs to the early category, since the crop can be harvested already in mid-August.
Early Russian
Such berries are one and the first to pick: at the end of July they acquire a raspberry color, then darken, become soft and gain juice. The grapes are not suitable for long-term storage and are intended for fresh consumption. Early Russian is a table variety of grapes that is common throughout Siberia. The vegetative period averages 115 days in the middle lane and the same in a colder climate.
The height of the plant is small, it grows in width and can take up to five meters. Such a variety is chosen because:
- has berries weighing up to 7 grams;
- different bright caramel taste and smell;
- perfectly tolerates transportation and storage.
The berries are fleshy and juicy, but require good moisture. If the content is excessively dry, cracking of the crop may begin.
Tukai
Tukai was obtained as a result of long-term crossbreeding of a simpler, but persistent, Central Asian variety with a dessert type of nutmeg taste. The result is ultra-early plants, which are classified as dessert.
On tall bushes, up to 3 meters each, very large clusters are formed weighing up to 800 grams. Even in Siberian conditions, you can get a crop of one kilogram from each formation. The bushes are vigorous and actively form greenery throughout the vegetative period, therefore, they can also be used as partially decorative plantings. Strengths of this grade:
- dense skin preserving fleshy berries;
- bright muscat taste and aroma;
- dense bunch which does not crumble.
The plant is not afraid of wasps and does not require additional pollination. For full ripening in 90-95 days, a stable high temperature is not required. Enough warming up to 18-20 degrees during the summer. Already at the end of July, you can cut the first clusters, which, if properly stored, will retain their properties for more than 4 months.
Codryanka
This is one of the classic southern varieties, however, its hybrid properties are highly valued in risky farming regions. The vegetative period is only 110 days, which allows you to grow grapes in Siberian conditions. The berry has a rich black color, slightly viscous and sour taste. The main advantage is the variety of uses. Fresh, frozen, in homemade preparations, as the basis for wine - Kodryanka is appropriate everywhere.
The variety is quite whimsical in care. Its indicators vary greatly depending on agricultural practices. Not too thick vine is overloaded with clusters, so it is necessary to limit the number of fruiting buds. The fewer there will be, the larger will be one formation, but the higher the risk that there will be many uninfected, and the overall level of productivity will fall. Partial pollination is the main disadvantage of the hybrid.
One of the main advantages is resistance to spring freezing. In the absence of a delivery snow layer in winter, additional shelter will be required, since average survival rates are at -22 degrees Celsius.
Riddle of Sharov
Grapes belong to the classic Amur species, since it was bred and described for the first time in Biysk back in the 70s. Small bushes with moderate greenery are suitable for growing in small areas. Almost black berries have dense skin, the same flesh and a small percentage of both acid and sugar, so they have a balanced taste. Both amateurs and professionals note that this variety has a complex taste with an admixture of tones of strawberries and raspberries.
In cultivation, this grape is unpretentious. Even in cold and dry summers, no peeling is manifested, the yield practically does not fall. Advantages:
- yield of 10 kg from the bush 5 years after planting;
- universality: berries in compotes, jam, wine, tinctures, liquors are tasty;
- the berries do not crumble;
- high frost resistance: frosts up to –34 are not terrible.
Humming of the vine occurs at temperatures above +12 degrees in the vegetative period. Berries can not be removed immediately: dense skin prevents them from losing their original appearance and shape. It is necessary to protect the soil in plantings from waterlogging, since in a marshland the variety dies.
New varieties for Siberia
Not only the classic designs of enthusiasts of the Amur region took root in Siberia. Even medium-late varieties grow quite well here. One of the most famous is Sloviev-58. This is a table variety of light grapes. Translucent berries, light golden hue, medium size on a loose brush. Most often, the variety is characterized as medium late, since it is possible to collect a finished crop only by the end of September. The peel is very thin and soft, so the berries are especially good fresh in the season, but rarely transported and are not suitable for long-term storage.
The table variety of northern grapes is Olga, the Beauty of the North. This hybrid was obtained by crossing the well-known Dawn of the North and the more heat-loving Typhi. The result was an early ripening grape with excellent yield and resistance to temperatures up to minus 27 degrees. Its main advantage is a classic, simple taste.
Krasa Severa is a unique variety that definitely deserves its place in the garden. It has the highest content of folic acid, so it can be used as an auxiliary therapeutic agent. Acidity is very low: from 4 to 5 units.
The most popular varieties for growing in Siberia include:
- Superearly muscat;
- Muromets;
- Rusven.
The sweetest of this group is Muscat. It accumulates up to 25 percent of sugar substances, its competitors - up to 19 units. Moreover, their resistance to frost is estimated approximately the same: to minus 26-27 degrees. Rusven and Muscat are very similar in taste: the first has sage notes in the aftertaste, while the second stands out with a slightly citrus aroma. Muromets is a darker variety with a dense peel, which is why it is suitable for the production of wines. For lovers of medium-sized berries and medium-sized bushes, the Rusven variety is suitable, for those who want to get record harvests, it is better to choose Muromets with its huge fruits and large dense clusters.
Later varieties: exotics of Siberia
A vegetative period of 140-150 days is a rarity in Siberia; in almost the entire territory, the warm and sunny period lasts much less. Despite this, late grape varieties are still successfully grown here, although this is rather a rarity.
Cudgel
This variety is often attributed to medium late, less often to late types of grapes. Created specifically for the conditions of Southern Siberia, it also survives in more severe climatic conditions, however, it requires careful shelter for the winter, proper awakening and rather complicated care. Among its advantages include:
- excellent taste;
- rich color and astringent aroma;
- large berries;
- high productivity.
Grapes of this variety can be improved by grafting to a species with higher frost resistance.
Katyr
The most common variety is Katyr-2, obtained from vaccination and crossbreeding of frost-resistant and more fanciful dessert varieties.This late variety does not need earthen shelter, under favorable conditions, the berries can be stored on the vine until mid-October, and they fully ripen only by the end of September. The main difference from similar varieties is a complex, sweet and sour rich taste that gets high tasting ratings. Both the first and second generation varieties are low-yielding. Large berries are convenient to collect, however, the vines themselves are quite thin, massive clusters are formed very rarely.
Reviews
Victor, Amur Region
Growing grapes in the Amur region is a pleasure if you choose the right variety. Immediately we took root: Riddle of Sharov and Early Russian, then they tried to plant the Club. I cover all varieties, even those that do not require this, so there have been no losses so far. I advise you to pay special attention to spring dressing and careful pruning: with a lack of sun in our latitudes, this is important.
Most of all I like nutmeg varieties with their tart taste. The supremely early Muscat took root even in our south of Khakassia. We have been eating it since the end of July, but for billets, wine, and liquors we leave to ripen, it hangs very well. So, a richer and sweeter taste is obtained. Not afraid of disease, but the wasp attracts in the summer months, so you need to either handle it or protect it.
Growing grapes of various varieties in Siberia is quite possible subject to the right agricultural technology and the right choice of variety. The open-ended species, technical ones, will appeal to lovers of a bright taste with acid, table and dessert varieties will amaze with their juicy and sweet aftertaste. In difficult climatic conditions, it is quite possible to grow both berries for seasonal harvesting and consumption, and crops for winemaking and even winter storage.
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