Content
The Manicure Finger grape is a table variety whose name translated means “manicured finger.” This species has gained wide popularity all over the world due to the unusual color of the berries. Experienced gardeners note increased customer demand for Manicure Finger grapes. But in order to achieve maximum productivity from the variety, you need to follow certain rules of care. Otherwise, the result may not be as expected.
Manicure Finger does not need pollinators
History of selection
Manicure Finger is the creation of breeders from the Land of the Rising Sun. The originator of the variety is the Uehara Institute, Japan.
Work on its removal began in 1984. The Manicure Finger variety is based on the Unicorn and Baladi varieties. After planting the seeds of the hybrid in 1988, the most promising seedling was selected, distinguished by its particularly decorative berries.
As a result, this variety spread throughout the countries of East Asia, and then throughout the world. The first seedlings of the new Manicure Finger grape were brought to Russia in 2000.
Description of the Manicure Finger grape variety
This species is characterized by high vital energy. Therefore, Manicure Finger grapes require annual formation. The bush begins to bear fruit 3-4 years after planting, and a full harvest can be obtained at the age of seven.
Bunches
The Manicure Finger variety has large, cylindrical, loose clusters. Their length can reach 30-35 cm, and their weight is about 1200 g. But clusters of this size are formed on the bush when a large volume of perennial wood accumulates, which only happens with age. Initially, their weight varies between 300-500 g.
The herbaceous comb of the Manicure Finger grape is of moderate length, green in color, with a possible anthocyanin tint.
“Manicured Finger” brushes are not prone to polka dots
Berries
Each bunch consists of 70-100 berries. They have an attractive oblong curved shape. The length of the berries reaches 4-5 cm, and the width is about 2 cm. The average weight varies from 12 to 14 g. The berries of the Manicure Finger grapes have an original golden color, which turns into red at the tip of the fruit, which gives the impression of a painted nail. When fully ripe, the color of the berries changes. It becomes mostly red with a darker edge.
The pulp of the Manicure Finger grape fruit is dense, fleshy, and a crunch can be heard when eaten. The skin is thin and dense, but you can’t feel the berries when you eat them. The sugar content in grape fruits reaches 17 g, and the acid content is 6.1 g per 100 g of product.
The seeds are small. They are present in berries in quantities of 1-2 pieces.They do not have a negative effect on the taste of grapes.
Vine
The Manicure Finger grape is characterized by moderate shoot formation. Moreover, the ripening of the young vine is slow, at ½ length. The crown of growing shoots is shiny, smooth, without pubescence. It and young leaves may have an anthocyanin tint.
The blades of the Manicure Finger grape are large, three or five-lobed, with strong dissection between the segments. Along the edge there are uneven teeth with rounded, curved edges. The surface of the leaves is net-wrinkled, rich green in color, with prominent light or pinkish veins.
The length of the petioles does not exceed the central vein. They are green, but often have an anthocyanin tint. The petiole notch on the leaves is open, lyre-shaped or vaulted, with a pointed bottom.
In Manicure Finger grapes, shedding of flowers and ovaries is not observed
Characteristic
To determine the productivity of a variety and compare it with other types of crops, it is necessary to become familiar with its characteristics. This information will also allow us to determine favorable conditions for growing Manicure Finger grapes in order to obtain a high level of performance.
Ripening period
The Manicure Finger grape belongs to the category of mid-season species. In the southern regions, the harvest can be harvested in mid-September. From the moment the eyes awaken until the fruits are ripe, 130-140 days pass.
Productivity
The yield level of this type of grape increases gradually. But if you follow the rules of care and growing conditions, it can eventually reach 15-20 kg per plant.
Taste of grapes Manicure Finger
The taste is sweet, harmonious, without a sharp aroma or aftertaste. The tasting ratings of the variety are quite high.
Growing regions
This species is recommended for cultivation in regions with warm and temperate climates. To ripen the bunches, the total number of active temperatures is required in the range of 27-28 °C. Therefore, growing Manicure Finger grapes in the northern regions will not allow you to get a good harvest, even if the vine does not freeze in winter.
Frost resistance
This variety does not have a high level of frost resistance. Manicure Finger grapes can withstand temperatures of no more than -20 °C. And when growing a species in a temperate climate, shelter for the winter is required.
Drought resistance
Thanks to a well-developed root system, the grapes of this variety are drought-resistant. It is necessary to control soil moisture only at the initial stage of seedling growth, until it takes root. Mature grapes should be watered in doses only during a long absence of rain.
Resistance to diseases and pests
The Manicure Feniger grape does not have increased resistance to common crop diseases. And in order to get a high-quality harvest, it is recommended to treat plants with fungicides 4-5 times per season.
Methods of application
Thanks to its pleasant taste, these grapes are ideal for fresh consumption. It is not recommended to use it for making wine.
Advantages and disadvantages
Grape Manicure Finger has some advantages and disadvantages. And before making a choice, you should study them first.
If the harvest is untimely, the berries soften
Main advantages:
- excellent presentation;
- balanced taste;
- self-pollinating;
- drought resistance;
- berries are not prone to cracking;
- increased sugar accumulation;
- suitable for transportation;
- high yield.
Flaws:
- requires shelter for the winter;
- when fully ripe, it loses its original color;
- poor ripening of the vines;
- slow increase in yield levels;
- low frost resistance;
- berries can bake in the sun.
Features of cultivation
When planting the Manicure Finger variety, you need to take into account that it does not like sun tanning. And, in order to preserve the quality of the berries, experienced winegrowers recommend planting seedlings, and two years later, when their shoots grow, planting another crop variety with great growth vigor at a distance of 1.5 m on the south side of the plot. This will provide light shading.
To successfully grow Manicure Finger grapes, it is recommended to use T-shaped trellises and form the seedling in the form of a wide fan. You need to trim the vine to 6-8 buds. You should also regularly clean the vine from broken, damaged shoots.
Adult grapes should be watered four times a season: in early spring, before flowering, during the formation of the ovary, and in preparation for winter. As the shoots grow, they should be tied to a support in a timely manner, avoiding intertwining with each other.
It is necessary to feed the Manicure Finger grapes during the active growth of the young vine with organic matter at intervals of two weeks. And then use superphosphate (40 g) and potassium sulfide (30 g) per 10 liters of water. Fertilizers should be applied to the bushes once a month.
The variety requires good shelter for the winter.
At the end of fruiting, the vine should be allowed to ripen. This can be determined by the straw-like hue of the shoots. Only after this should you begin preparing the grapes for winter. First of all, trimming should be done, making an oblique cut 3-4 cm above the upper eye. Then you need to remove the vine from the trellis and tie it into bunches. Only after this, lay it on the soil, having previously covered it with spruce branches or mulch. Secure the vine with staples. From above it must be covered with agrofibre and then with film.
Conclusion
Manicure Finger grapes are a species about which you can find many conflicting reviews on the Internet. Some gardeners are happy with this purchase, despite the fact that it requires compliance with certain rules of care, while others threaten to completely uproot it because the variety did not live up to their expectations. However, the undeniable advantage of Finger Manicure is its high consumer properties regarding the taste and attractiveness of the berries. However, it is not always possible to obtain a high-quality harvest.
Reviews of grapes Manicure Finger
