If you want exotics in the garden, you can plant grapes with the unusual name “Witch's Fingers”. Berries will immediately attract the attention of all households and guests, and their taste will impress with sweetness. It is not so easy to buy seedlings in Russia, but if such an opportunity is offered, it cannot be missed. You can find out about an unusual variety by looking at its photos and studying the description.
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Characteristics and description of the variety
Grape was bred in 2002. Its historic homeland is California. Selection was carried out by American scientists. For breeding, American varieties of culture were used and supplemented with Mediterranean varieties. The main goal of breeding is to get a table variety with unusual berries, the scientists managed to do it very well.
No wonder the variety got its name. The berries really look like little neat little fingers. Their shape is slightly elongated, and the edge is pointed. The color is dark purple with a waxy coating. Sometimes the berries are blue in color. Color does not affect taste. The fruits are sweet, the value of sugar content is in the range of 18-20%. The acidity in the juice is not felt, it is only 6-9%. The mass of grapes is 7-15 g, not less. The pulp is dense, but juicy, inside there is a small bone. Mainly grown for sale, for fresh consumption. It is possible to make wine, compotes and preserves.
Variety Witches fingers comes into fruition 2 years after the start of cultivation. Full ripening of grapes takes up to 4 months. In the first year there may not be many berries, but in the following year one brush reaches a weight of at least 0.7-1 kg. Productivity directly depends on the observance of the correct agricultural cultivation technique.
The plant itself grows to 5-6 meters in height. The root system is strong, quickly takes root in porous soil rich in nutrients. Flowering begins in the first year and continues annually in late spring or summer. The variety is considered hermaphroditic, does not require pollinators. Well suited for replanting with other grape varieties.
The variety has high frost resistance and experiences small frosts without shelter. With shelter grape quietly withstands temperatures of - 25 degrees. Suitable for cultivation both on the Black Sea coast and in the central part of Russia.
Grapes of Witch Fingers is resistant to many diseases, for example, downy mildew or grape peronosporosis. Such a high immune activity is due to the high sugar content in the pulp. Along with immunity to viruses, the variety does not become the object of attack by wasps, hornets. The skin is moderately hard, so insects can not bite it.
Witch Fingers have a number of positive qualities:
- unusual fruit shape and sweet taste;
- stable yield;
- does not need additional pollination;
- high susceptibility to viruses and fungi;
- good frost resistance.
The disadvantages of the variety include its low prevalence throughout Russia. It is not on sale. Seedlings can only be purchased over the Internet or accidentally found at exhibitions where foreign varieties are presented.In stores on the shelves, berries are rarely found.
Cultivation and care
For growing grapes a sunny area with slightly acidic soil is suitable. The bushes are vigorous, so a distance of 2.5-3 meters is left between the seedlings. Planting is carried out in the spring, most of the shoots are cut off immediately, so that the plant begins to grow and quickly proliferate. Garter to the trellis or to the support is required.
Grapes Witch's fingers are able to survive dry weather, while the fruits themselves do not lose their juiciness and do not dry out. The bay, on the contrary, is categorically contraindicated. With waterlogging of the soil, the roots quickly begin to rot, and the plant itself dies. The norm of watering, even in summer, should not be more than 1 time in 3-4 weeks. During flowering, the earth is not watered at all. In order for moisture to remain longer in the soil, after moistening the earth, lay a thin layer of sawdust or straw on it. They protect the roots from overheating and keep water in the ground.
Fungicidal treatment is carried out in spring and autumn. Use Fitosporin, Topaz, vitriol, Paracelsus, Falcon. To breed and use any means you need in accordance with the instructions. For prevention, one treatment is quite enough, it should be carried out before the onset of flowering in the culture.
Winter preparations
In the first years of life, it is better to shelter grapes for the winter. For this, the plant is first prepared in mid-October: the remaining leaves, dry branches, lower shoots are cut. The soil is loosened and sprinkled with humus or compost. Then the plants are covered with agrofibre or film. The material must be pressed down with a load so that the grapes lie throughout the winter.
With the advent of spring (not earlier than April), the vineyards open. Get rid of frozen branches and update the shoots. For a quick set of green mass, you can feed the culture with any nitrogen fertilizer (nitrate, ammophos). Dilute 1 tbsp. fertilizers on a bucket of water and watered the bush with them under the root. The treatment is repeated after 10 days.
Reviews
Unfortunately, there are few reviews of Witch Fingers. Most often, people who just tried the berries to taste, but did not deal with the variety, write growing.
Elena says:
“I was treated to an unusual variety of grapes, and I immediately liked it. On the palate there are notes of labrusca with an apple-duchessy aroma. I tried to find seedlings in Russia and in the CIS countries, but failed. I read that it is possible to purchase planting material only in America, with seeds and on order. ”
Michael agrees and adds:
“Although the variety is considered to be elite, it is not on sale in our country. I tried berries abroad - they were struck by their shape and fruity aroma. They seemed a bit cloying to taste, no sourness. For conservation, it’s a pity to use such because of the rare form of the fruit. ”
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