Grapes are considered a crop with traditional forms. Exotics are more common in other berries. But American breeders surprised gardeners by creating a hybrid grape variety and a Mediterranean type of berry. As a result, the amazing grape “Witch Fingers” was born. Not only the name, but also the appearance of the grapes is unique.
It was grown for the first time in 2001. Currently, the plantations of this grape variety are located in the state of California in a vineyard in the San Joaquin Valley. This is the only place where a unique hybrid is grown. Californian breeders presented an interesting table variety with unusual berries. It's worth getting to know him better. Therefore, the description of the variety, photos and reviews of the “Witch’s Fingers” grapes will be useful to everyone who is going to grow it on their plot.
It is almost impossible to purchase seedlings in Russia; they are only available from Western breeders. If you come across an advertisement: “I’m selling Witch’s Fingers grape seedlings,” be sure to ask where they were grown. It should be noted that in Kuban this variety is already available in some areas and gardeners are very pleased with their purchase.
More details in the video:
Description of the variety
It’s worth starting with the most attractive part of the description – appearance.After all, the “Witch’s Fingers” grape variety is of most interest to gardeners due to this characteristic.
The uniqueness of the variety is given by the berries, or rather, their shape.
The unusual-looking grapes resemble capsicums; gardeners also call the variety by another name – “chili”. But this species is not at all alone. The presence of clones sometimes creates difficulties in identifying the variety; the Alyonushka grape is considered the most similar. The Witch's Fingers grapes have very showy berries. They have a tubular elongated shape and a rich dark blue color, in places with a matte dark purple tint. Some gardeners note that the grapes resemble the gnarled fingers of an old lady. Photos of the “Witch’s Fingers” grape fruits can confirm this.
Taste The grapes are very sweet and rich, reminiscent of plum. The skin is a little sour, but this combination, on the contrary, enriches the taste sensations. The aroma with notes of duchess and apples confirms that when creating the variety, breeders used many European and American species.
Ripe fruits grow not at all small in size, but they have almost no seeds and are small. Therefore, "Witch's fingers" many gardeners classified as a variety of sultanas and considered an elite grape variety. The dimensions of one berry are 10x30 cm, and the weight is about 10 g. The pulp is very juicy and darker than the skin. It should also be mentioned that the hybrid belongs to table grape varieties. Berries should be consumed fresh. They cannot be stored; they are eaten immediately after purchase or from a bush branch.
Bunches ripen on bushes of impressive size and weight. The weight of one grain varies from 0.7 kg to 1.5 kg. The shape is correct, harmonious, and the density is average.
Bush characterized by high growth vigor. Therefore, winegrowers build two-level trellises 2-3 m high for the vines. Young shoots on plants are painted light green, and mature ones are light brown.
Regular pruning is recommended.
The flowers are bisexual, so the variety called “Witch’s Fingers” does not require the proximity of pollinators.
Ripening period. According to the description of the variety, the “Witch’s Fingers” grape belongs to the mid-early period. The harvest is ready for harvest 115-120 days after the start of the growing season. The usual collection time is the end of July.
Frost resistance very good variety. The bushes can withstand temperatures down to -25 without shelter.0C. At lower temperatures, the vine must be protected from freezing. Therefore, gardeners successfully grow grape varieties in the middle zone.
Disease resistance. Breeders initially included in the variety good immunity against diseases and pest attacks. A high level of resistance in the grape variety is noted to downy mildew and bacterial canker. The most pleasant news for gardeners is indifference to the variety of wasps and other insects. But this only applies to whole berries. As soon as cracks or cuts appear, insects will not mind feasting on the juice. But you will have to use protective structures against birds.
The description of the “Witch’s Fingers” grape variety is clearly confirmed by photos and videos:
Breeding and planting
If you are lucky enough to purchase “Witch’s Fingers” grape seedlings, then you should pay maximum attention to planting. The further development of the bush depends on the quality of the event. In the description of the Witch's Fingers grapes, it is noted that the best planting time is winter or early spring.In this case, planting pits are prepared in advance 1.5 months before the scheduled date. The dimensions of the holes are standard - at least 70 cm. The soil is prepared fertile, always adding organic matter and superphosphate. The variety responds well to the addition of wood ash during planting. A seedling that is planted in winter must be covered or sprinkled with sawdust to protect it from frost.
Spring planting is also carried out according to traditional rules.
A place for planting seedlings is chosen with good lighting and ventilation. This will prevent the occurrence of many diseases. At the same time as the small seedling, a pole is placed in the hole, onto which it is then easy to attach protective fabric and a watering tube. After planting, the plant is watered and the circle around the trunk is mulched.
Care requirements
The description suggests that the variety should not be classified as unpretentious. It is better to take care of careful care so that overseas grapes will delight their owner with amazing fruits for a long time.
What you need to pay special attention to:
Watering. A certain level of humidity is very important for Witch's Fingers grape bushes. Adult bushes are watered once a month. The water is not cold, and the procedure is scheduled for the evening. During the flowering period, watering is suspended, otherwise there is a risk of flowers falling off and a decrease in the yield of the variety. The last time the bushes are watered is 2 weeks before the onset of frost. The weather forecast will help you find out the exact date. This is moisture-charging watering that should not be skipped. It will allow the variety to withstand frost well. Young seedlings of the variety require moisture once every 2 weeks.
Sawdust or moss are best suited for this variety as a mulching layer.
Feeding. “Witch fingers” will have to be fed regularly.
The variety needs to be supplemented with nitrogen substances in the spring, and phosphorus and potassium substances in the summer. For spring nutrition, gardeners are recommended to use complex mineral compositions. At the time of ripening, fruits need potassium and phosphorus mineral supplements. During this same period, foliar feeding is very useful for grapes. A composition of 10 liters of water, 40 g of superphosphate and 20 g of potassium sulfate is suitable. The ingredients are mixed and the grapes are sprayed over the leaves. In the fall, be sure to repeat complex feeding. Organic matter is added to the soil in the fall and no more than once every 3 years. This is done after the leaves have fallen.
In addition to watering and nutrition, you need to pay attention disease prevention. Although the variety is resistant, during the growing season it undergoes 2 preventive treatments with fungicides. The first treatment is needed after the leaves bloom. The second is during the ripening period of grapes. Treatment with colloidal sulfur, “Skor”, “Topaz”, “Tiovit-Jet” helps prevent the appearance of downy mildew.
At the same time, it is necessary to monitor the level of soil moisture. To prevent bacterial cancer, use “Fitoflavin”, “Fitoplasmin”, “Extrasol”. The "Witch's Fingers" variety is almost not affected by this disease, but gardeners better be on the safe side. Birds and rodents pose a danger to grapes. They save themselves from the latter with ash or peat with creolin, scattering them around the bush.
It is best to scare away birds using ultrasonic devices or special nets.
Reviews
There are not very many reviews about this grape variety, because purchasing seedlings is far from easy.
