Although the grape is not a native Russian or Ukrainian plant, it has become very common in our culture and has become a traditional decoration of every household plot.
Moreover, many lovers of these glorious berries not only grow it, but also are engaged in the cultivation of new varieties and hybrid forms.
To date, amateur breeding varieties occupy an impressive part of the list of the international registry.
The name of the Ukrainian breeder by the name of Vishnevetsky was also included there.
Today we will acquaint you with the peculiarities of his best Valek grapes.
We also mention how and when it is properly planted.
Meet the varietal features of the grapes "Valek"
It is most correct to call these grapes a hybrid form, since it was obtained as a result of complex manipulations with genetic materials of different varieties. In particular, N.P. Vishnevetsky grape varieties "Kesha 1", "Star" and "Rizamat" were used. Thanks to this, a truly unique grape with many very good qualities was born.
This grape form is intended to be consumed directly fresh. Very good grapes for cultivation in regions with different climatic conditions, but most of all it suits the features of the northern part of Ukraine, where it is most and zoned.
"Garden decoration - a bunch of grapes": description of grapes "Valka"
Brushes of this form are not only decoration, but also its most important advantage. The fact is that they are able to form up to very large sizes, bravely competing with the most fruitful varieties. In particular, the mass of one bunch of “Valek” grapes can vary from 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms.
Moreover, in their structure they are very dense, there are many berries on them. The great advantage is also the fact that every year their mass becomes more and more.
Berries of "Valek" grapes are also quite large both in size and in weight. In shape, they are more oval, while the average length of a single berry is about 3 centimeters, and width - 2.8. They weigh on average about 14-15 grams, although with regular care and careful farming techniques usually gain more.
You can distinguish them by a very beautiful and rich yellow color, which is also slightly browned in the sun. But the hallmark of the berries described hybrid shape is their unique taste, which simultaneously mixed spicy notes of nutmeg and sweet pear.
This is all complemented by a very good sweetness of the flesh and its extraordinary tenderness (according to the structure, the pulp of the "Valek" grapes is fleshy). Peel is also eaten, despite the fact that this grape is quite dense.
The fruitfulness of the grapes "Valek": what volumes of the crop should count?
This grape fructifies very well, which was to be expected in the presence of such large clusters. In addition, the bushes are characterized by very strong growth, and with excellent aging of the shoots, the potential fruiting is simply the highest possible.
In addition, the described grapes have a flower of both sexes, thanks to which the bush bears fruit not only 100%, but regularly. In addition, in the open flowering form, the flowers are about 10 days and they are able to pollinate even if during all this time it rains almost continuously.
As for the timing of ripening of the crop, this grape is very early. The growing season lasts an average of only 105 days, which makes it possible to gather ripened bunches from August 1 to 5. In some regions of Ukraine in terms of ripening, “Valek” even outruns the “Arcadia” variety.
For a high and high-quality harvest of grapes "Valek" experts recommend growing it exclusively on their own roots. Despite the fact that its cuttings have a good compatibility with other varieties, still in the grafted form may lose the taste of this grape.
Briefly about the positive qualities of the grapes "Valek"
- Unique taste qualities that no other grape variety can boast.
- High and very stable yields, large sizes of both bunches and berries.
- Very attractive presentation of the fruit.
- Short ripening time.
- Bisexual flower of the bush is not only the basis for excellent pollination of oneself, but also of other grape varieties. Also, thanks to this, there is no pea on the grapes.
- The fruits of this form of grapes have a good suitability for transportation, which they are grateful to their dense and durable skin.
- Damages to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, oidium or gray rot, were not observed on this grape.
- Easily tolerates frost temperatures. At -24ºС vine "bush" vine is not damaged.
Cons Vishnevetskogo grapes
Fortunately, the "Valek" grape is one of those grape varieties that have almost no flaws. Because of this, it is very popular among professional growers and amateurs.
The only nuance that is worth paying attention to poor compatibility of cuttings with stocks of other varieties. It is best to grow its bushes on its own roots.
Also interesting to read about the autumn care of grapes
How to grow a good bush vine "Valek": planting features
Since grapes have been cultivated as a home crop for many millennia, the planting process of this plant has already been improved to the smallest detail. All the features of the growth of the grape bush, under which he is able to bear fruit "to the maximum", all types of soil and planting schemes for each individual variety have been studied. But with all this, an ordinary amateur can absolutely not understand not the seedlings, not the timing of their planting.
It is for such growers, as well as those who decide to use theoretical knowledge a little more, we give below detailed and step-by-step descriptions of the process of planting grapes and other important nuances.
Ways of planting vines or features of their reproduction
In general, grapes can be propagated in many ways. It is very difficult to say which of them is the most reliable, because everything will depend on the climatic features of your region, the type of soil, the planting dates, and on the particular grape variety. Also, each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. Consider the following method:
- Planting vines on their own roots with varietal seedlings. The most common method and the best for the reproduction of grapes "Valek". Therefore, its features are described below, we mention only the advantages and disadvantages of this method. It is good that on its own roots the bush shows exclusively its varietal qualities, which is especially important in the presence of such unique taste qualities as in the described hybrid form. The advantage of this method is also the ease of reproduction - the main thing is to get a cutting and root it (although it can be made even easier by purchasing a ready seedling in specialized nurseries). But the disadvantage is that the sapling may be longer and more difficult to develop than, for example, a graft grafted to an adult stock.
- Grafting varietal cuttings to the rootstocks of bushes of other grape varieties. A big advantage of this method is the fact that when grafting a new bush immediately has a large supply of perennial wood and a developed root system. All these factors contribute to the excellent growth of the bush and its very rapid entry into fruiting. But, on the other hand, not all grape varieties can be compatible, therefore it is very easy to spoil both the cutting and the stock itself. It often happens that compatible varieties do not take root with each other.
- Reproduction of vines with the help of branches. Elbows are shoots of an adult bush, which are diverted from it, bend down to the ground itself and are buried. If the soil is sufficiently moist, and the weather is warm, in a few weeks this shoot will have its own roots. From it, over time, you get a new full-fledged bush, which can be replanted without any problems. This method is the easiest and most reliable because it does not require special preparation of cuttings, their storage, grafting or other problems. The only caveat is the presence of an adult bush of the variety you need, from which withdrawal can be made.
- Grape bush from the stone. This method is also quite simple. The main thing - to choose the largest bones and germinate them in a wet room. Further, they can be planted both in a pot and in open soil, after which it remains to wait for germination. A grape seedling grows from the seed, which can be repotted at 1-2 years of age. Of course, this method is more time-consuming, but in this case you will not have to be wasted searching and buying seedlings, it will be enough to buy several clusters of your favorite variety and save their seeds.
What conditions of growth are more preferable for Valek grapes: we discuss the most important aspects
First of all, it is necessary to provide the grape bush with good access of sunlight, which is the basis of both the growth of the bush and the ripening of the entire crop. In this regard, the place for growth should not be shaded by other plants or household structures, it should be open.
Also, it is advisable to plant vines on small elevations, because in low-lying areas often cold air flows, which are very harmful for the bush, can stagnate.
Despite the fact that the vine bush "Valek" able to pollinate well independently, it can be very badly damaged by strong through northern winds. Therefore, considering this and all the above factors, the best option for planting grapes in the garden plot will be a place from the south or south-west side of your house or other structure (if it is, of course, not occupied by another plant). Thus, the bush will receive sunlight and will be protected from cold winds.
It is also important to choose a good soil for grapes. Although this culture is not particularly fastidious in this matter, it is best to plant it on light soils. It is especially important that groundwater does not fit very close to the soil surface (the optimum depth is 2.5 meters).
Soil fertility is also important, but it can also be improved independently by applying large quantities of various fertilizers to the soil.
Is it important to consider the distance between several bushes? Discussing landing pattern
Vigorous bushes are very important to plant at a sufficiently large distance from each other. After all, the point is not even to create good conditions for them to grow shoots, but also to provide sufficient space for the growth of the root system and for obtaining nutrients from the soil.
Thus, the best option for planting Valek bushes is the following:
- The distance between the bushes in one row is about 3 meters.
- The distance between the rows of vines - 4 meters.
Terms of planting grapes "Valek": what do they depend on?
Planting grapes can be a very lengthy process, which begins on the last days of March and ends on the first days of November. But everything will depend on what method of landing you are going to do.
In early spring, it is preferable to plant sleeping seedlings or plant the same cuttings. Later and steadily warm spring - growing seedlings that have green shoots and leaves on them.
In the first summer days you can also plant green seedlings. But mostly summer is a time only for propagation of grapes with offshoots. Planting seedlings at this time of the year is not worth it, because they do not have enough time to complete their growing season.
Planting grapes in the autumn is not so much stretched. It is limited by the fact that, firstly, it should be carried out only during the transition of the plant in a period of calm, and secondly - even before the onset of winter frosts. Thus, for most climatic regions this time comes in the middle or second decade of October.
Features of preparation for planting a grape seedling and description of the direct process
The most crucial moment of preparation is preparation of a pit for a sapling. In it is very important to lay a large amount of nutrients that will feed the young bush in the process of growth prior to its entry into the fruiting period. Thus, the depth of the pit should be large - at least 80 centimeters. The width must also match.
The pit lays a mixture of fertile soil, which is the top layer of soil, taken in the process of digging the pit itself, as well as 203 compost buckets. Also, you can house and mineral fertilizers. On top of this, one more layer of soil is poured and the pit is left for 2-3 weeks.
Next, you should proceed to the acquisition of the seedling. It is very important that it is not damaged or dried. Therefore, pay special attention to its roots: if they are white, then everything is fine. Also, in a fresh seedling, the color of the upper cut must be green. Before planting it is recommended to hold it in water to saturate it with plenty of moisture.
When planting, the seedling is lowered into the hole only to the level of its root collar (it should never be buried). It is necessary to fill a hole with a seedling gradually, trying to compact it carefully. It is very important that near the roots there is no space with air, otherwise they will wither before they have time to adapt. After planting, the seedling is watered (2-3 buckets of water), tied to a support. The soil around the sapling is best to mulch.
Care of the grape bush: what features of this culture should be remembered?
- Moisture - the basis of the growth of grapes and the formation of its harvest. It is important to water the bush before flowering and during the formation of peas.
- Each watering accompanied by mulching the soil with moss or sawdust, which is already blackened.
- For better fruit bearing grapes need to be fed both organic and mineral fertilizers.
- Pruning of the bush is carried out every year, preferably in the autumn. For vigorous shrub - strong pruning of shoots.
- For the winter, the bushes are required to hide.
- It is very important to regularly spray the vine from diseases and pests.
