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The grapes of the Ukrainian breeder Zagorulko V.V. were bred by crossing the popular varieties ZOS and Codrianca. The hybrid acquired a bouquet of berry aroma, which gained popularity among winegrowers. Over time, Viking grapes migrated from Ukrainian lands to the Russian southern regions. Now the hybrid can be found even in the Moscow region.
Main characteristics of the hybrid
A feature of Viking grapes is the early ripening of the bunches, which is typical for many hybrids. Approximately 100 days after the buds open, the first ripe berries will appear. Harvest time falls in the first ten days of August.
Grape seedlings are characterized by rapid survival. Having adapted after planting, the vine begins to grow intensively, forming a spreading bush. Pollination of the hybrid occurs quickly due to bisexual flowers. Viking is suitable as a pollinator for nearby growing unisexual plants.
The frost resistance of grapes is average. The vine can withstand temperatures as low as -21OC. It is difficult to grow Viking in the northern regions. This is easier for winegrowers in the Moscow region, but the vines will have to be well covered for the winter. In addition to the bush itself, it is important to preserve the fruit buds of the grapes from freezing.Otherwise, you will have to forget about a good harvest of berries. Optimal weather conditions for Viking are in the south. Winegrowers in warm areas do not cover the vines.
Considering the description of the variety, photos, and Viking grapes, it is worth touching on the topic of watering. The hybrid does not respond well to high humidity. Due to frequent watering, rain, and close proximity to groundwater, the berries in the bunches begin to crack. At high humidity and temperature, there is a threat of fungal damage to grapes. If such weather conditions are observed, it is necessary to immediately carry out preventive spraying of the vine with anti-rot preparations.
Viking grapes have a conical shape. The berries are large and densely arranged. The weight of one bunch is from 0.6 to 1 kg. Despite these characteristics, the hybrid does not differ in high yield. The dense pulp is covered with a durable skin that protects the berries from wasps and other pests. However, when eating grapes, it is practically not felt. At the stage of technical ripeness, the berries acquire a purple color. A fully ripe bunch of grapes displays a dark blue color in the sun.
Viking's popularity is due to the taste of its berries. The sweet-sour pulp is filled with a fruity aroma with a predominance of plum. With moderate watering of the hybrid, a good presentation of the berries is observed. The grape harvest can be used for commercial purposes. The berries from the bunches do not fall off during transportation, as well as when hanging on the vine for a long time.
Positive and negative qualities of a hybrid
In general terms, the Viking grape variety has the following advantages:
- early ripening of the crop;
- bisexual inflorescences;
- excellent taste of berries;
- the bunches can be transported while maintaining their presentation.
The negative qualities of the Viking are equal to the advantages:
- the hybrid is afraid of low temperatures;
- berries react poorly to waterlogging;
- affected by fungi and rot;
- low yield.
Winegrowers consider Viking to be a capricious hybrid that requires careful care. Only excellent taste qualities force lovers to plant 1-2 bushes of aromatic grapes in the garden.
Features of agricultural technology
If a winegrower is looking for information about Viking grapes, a description of the variety, photos, reviews, then he will want to know the features of agricultural technology.
Planting cuttings
Viking, like most cultivated grape varieties, loves fertile soil. On poor lands, berries lose their taste and aroma. The hybrid takes root well on black soils. Swampy areas are detrimental to grapes. If the groundwater is high on the site, the cuttings are planted on a hill. The place for the grapes is chosen on the south side of the site, and the southwest is also suitable. It is advisable to find an area that is not very windy.
Planting grape cuttings Viking begins in the spring, when the soil has warmed up well. Winegrowers practice autumn planting, but it is advisable to do it earlier. The cuttings must have time to take root before the onset of frost and stock up on useful substances.
Viking bushes are vigorous.For good development of the vine, a minimum distance of 3 m is maintained between seedlings. In warm soil, the root system of the grapes quickly takes root and begins to grow intensively. Planting material whose roots are at least 2 mm thick is considered good. Moreover, they should not break with a light touch of the hand. At the time of planting, the cuttings should have at least 4 healthy buds. The Viking root system is soaked in a growth stimulator before planting.
Under each grape seedling, cylindrical holes are dug with a depth and width of 80 cm. A 25 cm thick cushion is poured into the hole from a mixture of fertile chernozem and humus. A layer of compacted soil 5 cm thick is placed on top, but first 300 g of potassium and superphosphate are added to it. A small mound is formed from the soil, and the roots of the Viking seedling are laid sideways on top.
The hole is backfilled with fertile soil. The backfill layer is usually about 25 cm, and the growth remains above the ground. Immediately after disembarkation grape cuttings The Viking is watered with three buckets of water. After the liquid is absorbed, the soil in the hole is loosened. The second and third watering with the same amount of water is carried out at intervals of two weeks. The loosened soil is covered with mulch on top.
Features of grape care
Throughout the growing season, watering of mature Viking grapes is carried out from mid-spring to the end of October. The hybrid does not like a lot of moisture. Irrigation rates are set individually depending on weather conditions and the location of groundwater.
During the entire spring-autumn period, Viking is watered 7 times:
- In early spring, when staking dry vines.
- After pruning during sap flow.If the grape vine does not cry when cut in the spring, urgent watering is needed.
- When the growth of shoots is 30 cm.
- Before flowering begins.
- When small berries appear in the clusters.
- The sixth watering of grapes is determined individually according to weather conditions. In dry weather, it is needed to pour juice into the berries.
- After harvesting.
The amount of Viking watering is increased during the dry, hot summer.
At the end of October the vines are laid down in preparation for the winter season. For shelter, use any waterproof material and soil. The lining is also placed under the vine itself on the ground to prevent the buds from rotting. The backfill soil is well moistened and spread in a layer of 20 cm.
If a shelter is made from one film, arcs are placed over the grape vine. The tension is done so that the material does not touch the vine. Otherwise, in severe frosts, these areas will freeze.
You should also worry about the roots of the grapes. In winter, the soil around the bush is mulched with a thick layer of straw, peat or sawdust.
Top dressing
To increase the yield of the hybrid, especially during fruiting, Viking is fed. It is more convenient to apply fertilizer along with watering. A large amount of water, when absorbed, delivers fertilizer deep to the roots. During the entire growing season of grapes, fertilizers are applied three times at intervals of one month.
Viking responds well in spring to nitrogen-containing preparations and organic matter. To feed the hybrid, you can mix 2 tbsp. l. ammonium nitrate with a bucket of manure. To increase the self-pollination process, superphosphate is added. Every three years, a ditch 50 cm deep is dug around the bush, 1.5 buckets of humus are filled in, and earth is covered on top.
Vine pruning
The best time to prune vines is autumn. In Viking seedlings of the first year of life, mature shoots are removed. Subsequently, the young vine is pruned to five buds. The shoots growing from the ground are left for new sleeves. In mature bushes, long vines with 20 buds are left in the spring for setting large berries in clusters. The advantage of autumn pruning is the further convenience of laying the vines for shelter for the winter. By spring, the cut areas will have healed a little.
Disease Prevention
The Viking hybrid has the main drawback - it is affected by fungi and is sensitive to rot pathogens. To reliably protect the harvest, grapes are subjected to preventive spraying in early spring. The first treatment with fungicides is carried out at the beginning of the growing season, when the shoots grow to 20 cm in length. The second Viking treatment is performed before, and the third after flowering. Among store-bought drugs, Antrakol or Strobi are popular. Most lovers recognize Bordeaux mixture as the best.
The video shows Viking grapes in August:
Reviews
Looking for information about Viking grapes, descriptions of the variety, photos, videos, reviews from winegrowers will also be useful to beginning gardeners.
The vine is too fragile for shelter. It breaks even with slight bending.