Gold Finger grapes: characteristics and description of the variety

For those looking to grow large grapes, the Gold Finger variety is ideal. It was developed by Japanese scientists. Relatively recently. Beautiful, large grapes form powerful clusters that hang for a long time without falling off. Gold Finger has a rich, sweet flavor that everyone will love. The characteristics and growing tips for this variety are described in the variety description, with photos and reviews.

Description of the variety

Gold Finger is considered an early variety, as it takes no more than 120 days to fully ripen. Ripening typically occurs in late August or early fall. By this time, large, yellow-green berries, weighing 6-9 grams each, appear on the vine. The berries are slightly elongated, with a couple of seeds in the pulp. The skin is tough, reliably protecting the fruit from cracking. The taste is slightly tart and fruity, reminiscent of labrusca. The grapes have a sugar content of 20-22 grams, and low acidity.

Gold Finger is bred for fresh consumption. In its native Japan, the grape is grown with special growth regulators. The berries become more elongated, with a pointed tip. The fruit resembles a finger, hence the variety's name. Gold Finger is suitable for making light and strong wines, compotes, and jams.

The bush is vigorous (6 m tall) and requires annual pruning. At the beginning of cultivation, all shoots are separated and prevented from intertwining. Initially, the intertwined vines are impossible to untangle. The variety is considered medium-yielding, averaging 100 centners per year. In the first few years after planting, yields may be lower, but once the plant reaches seven years of age, the grapes begin to bear fruit at full capacity. The berry ripening rate is almost 100%.

This variety is recommended for planting in regions with warm and temperate climates. Grapes thrive in full sun; to produce sweet berries and maximum yield, daylight hours should be at least 10 hours. Gold Finger is not grown in regions with harsh climates, where winter arrives early and temperatures drop below -25 degrees Celsius. The shoots have maximum frost resistance down to -20 degrees Celsius. Covering is essential.

In terms of immune system, this variety is on par with its modern competitors. The grapes are rarely infected with viruses and fungi. To maintain a high immune system, annual fungicide treatments are administered.

The advantages of Gold Finger include:

• beautiful appearance of berries and sweet taste;
• high and stable yield;
• early ripening period;
• universal application;
• disease resistance.

Gold Finger has its drawbacks. In rainy summers, the berries are prone to cracking. The skins can't withstand the damage and burst over time, and the sweet juice that leaks attracts wasps.

Landing

Gold Finger grapes are planted twice a year: in the fall and in the spring. Fall planting is preferable for southern regions, while in central Russia, spring planting is common, in April. The site should be sunny and protected from strong winds. To water the grapes, a plastic pipe is often buried along with the seedling. Water is then added to the pipe, which then flows directly to the roots, nourishing them.

The hole for the grapes is prepared 2 weeks in advance and filled with:

• drainage (bucket);
• manure (3-4 kg);
• mineral fertilizers (superphosphate, potassium sulfate in the amount of 100 g each);
• ash (glass per 1 sq.m.).

When digging a hole, divide it into two layers: a bottom layer and an upper layer. When planting a seedling, first cover the roots with the top layer, then add the remaining soil. After planting, water the plant and mulch the soil.

Care

Grapevine care is minimal and doesn't require much time. However, it shouldn't be neglected, otherwise fruiting will be sluggish. To ensure Gold Finger enjoys a bountiful harvest in the near future, you need to:

• Periodically unload the bush. Young cuttings that have not yet borne fruit are separated from the main stem and rooted in soil or water. They can be used for planting;
• Break off old shoots. In the spring, before the buds begin to open, all dry and diseased shoots are broken off by hand or cut off with pruning shears. If a branch is weak and noticeably lagging behind the others in growth, it is also removed;
• tie up the vine; the shoots must be given the right direction, otherwise they will become intertwined;
• Water infrequently. Grapes are watered only four times a year, no more often: after winter, before flowering, before fruiting, and before winter shelter.

Simple rules will help you grow a healthy harvest, and the grapes themselves will live a long time.

Preparing for winter

After fruiting has finished, the vines are allowed to ripen. If the shoots have become dry and the trunk itself has a straw-colored appearance, the grapes are ready to be harvested for the winter. The vines are cut at an angle 3-4 cm above the top bud. When removing dry one-year-old shoots, do not leave stumps; the pruning is performed right at the root. The vines, trimmed of branches and leaves, are removed and tied into bundles. Mulch and spruce branches are placed on the ground. The bundles are bent to the ground and secured in place. A top layer of spunbond or agrofibre is laid, and film is used to protect the materials from moisture.

Reviews

Lyudmila from Krasnodar Krai wrote:

"This year, the berries were a little overripe and tasted too sweet. The summer was hot, so Gold Finger started ripening in mid-August. The berries have a slight crunch when bitten. The variety is disease-free, and the shoots develop quickly. Grapes propagate well from cuttings; I've already doubled the number of plantings."

Konstantin from Kaliningrad writes:

"The Gold Finger variety is perfect for our region. I just bury the vines in the ground for the winter, without covering them with plastic. Even if a few shoots freeze, they quickly recover and continue growing. The berries are a typical shape, but the flavor is sweet, without any noticeable tartness."