For cultivation in the south of the country the Velika grape variety is perfect. The berries are large, have a rich taste. and attractive appearance. Subject to agricultural practices, yield indicators are high, and this attracts many gardeners. After all, everyone for their labors wants to get a decent harvest.
Content
Variety Characteristics
The variety was bred in Bulgaria, thanks to the work of local breeder Ivan Todorov. Grapes "Velika" was born by crossing the varieties "Alphonse Lavalle" and "Caraburn". Work on it was completed in the late 80s of the 20th century. New grade quickly gained popularity in Bulgaria, and by the end of the twentieth century was brought to Russia, where he also gained recognition as agronomists. Ten years later, he is listed in the state register.
"Velika" belongs to table grape varieties, it is grown both in small plots of land and on an industrial scale. The variety is intended for cultivation in warm regions of the country. The shoots are characterized by an extraordinary growth rate, and in the first year after planting, pruning is necessary. The grapes ripen in September, the ripening period is medium early.
Bushes are powerful, tall, they begin to form them a few months after planting. The flowers are bisexual, therefore, it does not need to plant a pollinator variety "Velika". Leaves are medium sized, rounded, 5-7 lobed. Bottom leaves are rough, on top they have a smooth surface. In autumn, bushes look very attractive, foliage is replete with a wide variety of shades. The clusters are conical in shape, medium in density, weighing from 600 grams to kilograms. However, subject to agricultural technology and careful care, they can grow up to 1,500 grams. The length of the brush usually does not exceed 20 cm.
The berries are large, oval in shape, elongated. In length, one berry can reach 4 cm, and in width 2.5 cm. With full ripening berries are colored blue with a pronounced burgundy hue. The skin of the berries is dense, covered with a wax coating, it protects the fruits from damage, pests and diseases. Berries are not subject to cracking. The pulp is pink, crispy, juicy, almost seedless. The taste of grapes at a height, when fully ripened, the berries are very sweet, have a light cherry flavor. Productivity is high, from one bush you can collect up to 10 kg of grapes. In industrial cultivation from 1 ha, up to 400 centners of the crop are harvested.
The variety is resistant to both excessive rainfall and hot weather. The sun's rays are practically not able to harm the berries. “Velika” does not tolerate cold well, because in the homeland of a variety the temperature rarely drops below -12 degrees Celsius. However, frozen plants recover quickly. Sugar content in fruits is 17%, acidity is 5 g per liter. Grape suitable for fresh consumption and for making juice and wine. Thanks to the dense skin during transportation, there are no problems. Subject to conditions, the berries are stored for a rather long time.
Advantages and disadvantages
Both domestic and foreign varieties have strengths and weaknesses grape. Before you start cultivating Velika, you need to learn more about them.
Advantages:
- berries are not subject to cracking;
- high and stable yield;
- excellent taste of berries;
- attractive appearance of bunches;
- does not require replanting of pollinators;
- the possibility of long-term storage and transportation;
Disadvantages:
- poor tolerance of frost;
- medium disease resistance;
- too fast growth, and this requires additional time for care;
Diseases and Pests
Particular attention must be paid to plant health. Otherwise, the bushes can affect both fungal and bacterial infections, such as: mildew, oidium, anthracnose, alternariosis. Plant treatment should be carried out 3-5 times per season, and try to maintain optimal soil moisture and good air circulation. Also, the bushes can be invaded by aphids, which will destroy the roots of plants, grapes must be carefully protected from it. If it still appeared, then insecticides will help in the fight against pests.
Growing Features
It is recommended to grow Velika grapes in warm regions of the country. Otherwise, it will hurt, and taste and fruit will differ from the declared characteristics. Landing work is carried out in spring or autumn in warm, calm weather. The place must be chosen sunny and well-ventilated, it is advisable to plant grapes on a hill. Dig a hole in advance, and fill it with a mixture of sand, soil and humus. It is also possible to plant a variety on mid-root stock; this will contribute to moderate growth.
Watering is carried out as necessary, waterlogging of the soil is unacceptable. Do not do without regular treatments with fungicides, because grade susceptible to fungal infections. Periodically, the preparations need to be changed, since the grapes quickly get used to any remedy and its effectiveness decreases.
In addition to plants, regular weeding is required; weeds are often carriers of infections. With the advent of spring, it is necessary to begin preventive treatment of the vineyard, they are carried out at least three times per season, for this you can use Bordeaux liquid or a solution of copper sulfate. The vine is formed annually, as it grows very quickly. Before the onset of cold weather, the vine is cut, bent to the ground, sprinkled with soil and foliage, and then covered with covering materials or fir branches.
Reviews
Valentine
Grafted the variety "Velika" on the stock; he began to bear fruit only in the third year, the berries are large, sweet, very beautiful. I didn’t encounter any diseases; 3-4 times a season I process the whole vineyard with copper-containing preparations. With wintering, the problem is also solved, after pruning I bend the vine to the ground, sprinkle with a layer of soil, and then cover with lapnik. Only once did the grapes freeze in the spring, opened it early. But to my happiness, he quickly recovered.
Vitaliy
"Velika" is afraid of high humidity and cold, in the northern regions you can’t grow it without harming the yield and quality of the fruit. For a couple of years, the summer was cool, and it often rained, my bushes fell ill with mildew, but thanks to well-chosen treatment, they quickly got better.
Conclusion
Grapes "Velika" a grade with high and stable productivity. Berries have an attractive presentation and a harmonious, rich taste. Reviews of agronomists about him are mostly positive. However, in order to get a decent harvest, it is necessary to carefully monitor the health of the bushes and not neglect agricultural technology.
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