Original Grapes: Characteristics and Description of the Variety, Planting and Care

The Original variety is considered a table grape. This variety has become widespread in Russia and neighboring countries. Gardeners choose Original for its beautiful grape shape and sweet flavor. It's easy to grow and propagate if you familiarize yourself with its characteristics, look at photos, descriptions, and reviews.

Characteristics and description of the variety

The exact date of origin of the grape remains unknown, but the variety was developed in Ukraine. Scientists used the Domas Rose and Datier de Saintvalier as parent strains. The original inherited only the positive qualities of its parents, making it considered a successful example of Ukrainian winegrowing. The grapes were intended to ripen only in a warm climate zone or in a plastic greenhouse. However, the variety proved more frost-resistant: it survived temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius, but with cover. The variety is zoned for the central part of the country, the western regions, and the south. It is not suitable for cultivation in areas with harsh climates. The exception is planting grapes into the greenhouse.

The fruiting period lasts 135 to 145 days, usually beginning in autumn. Berries first appear on the branches no earlier than the second year after cultivation. The berries are ovoid, forming large clusters weighing 500-700 g. A cluster can reach 1.5 kg in size with proper care. The berries are tightly packed together, preventing the formation of air pockets. The berries come in a variety of colors: pink, black, and red. The Original variety has several subspecies, and the skin color is determined by the subspecies. The flavor is consistent across all subspecies—rich and sweet. The pulp and juice are virtually acid-free, with a total acidity of 5 g per liter. Sugars are present in moderate amounts, with a sugar content of 20%, and the taste is not cloying.

The harvested grapes can be used for a variety of purposes: the berries are versatile. They are primarily eaten as food, and their sweet flavor means they don't last long in the refrigerator. The grapes are suitable for making homemade wine, preserves, marmalade, and marmalade. The harvested grapes can be stored for several weeks, but only at low temperatures. The original grapes are grown for commercial use; the berries are well-suited for transportation, retain their marketable appearance, and don't release juice.

The bush grows rapidly, so Original should be planted with ample space. A mature plant should reach a minimum height of 5 meters. There should be at least 2 meters of space on each side from other plantings. A bush should be planted with 35-40 buds, which is considered optimal. With this number of buds, one to two clusters form on each shoot, and the maturity rate is 70-80%. The variety is considered self-pollinating.

The original variety has increased resistance to viruses and rarely gets sick. With age, the plant's immune system weakens slightly. To maintain immunity, agronomists recommend treating it with fungicides 2-3 times per season. held in spring and in autumn, when the shoots have not yet begun to become active and bloom.

The advantages of the Original include:

• good taste of berries;
• voluminous, appetizing clusters;
• increased resistance to diseases;
• possibility of cuttings;
• high yield.

The main drawback of growing the Original is the excessive formation of side shoots on the main bush. New berries begin to ripen on the side shoots, which drain some of the fruit from the main crop. All side shoots are pruned or removed before flowering. Another drawback of the Original is berry drop. This can occur even under unfavorable weather conditions, such as sudden autumn frosts.

Landing time and conditions

In most cases, the Original is planted in the spring, around mid-April. Spring planting is better than spring planting for several reasons:

• the soil is well moistened:
• the plants will not freeze;
• The adaptation will be smooth.

Residents of southern regions choose autumn planting. Winters in the south remain above freezing, so the crop will be safe. Original is undemanding of soil, growing in virtually any soil, as long as it's not alkaline. The groundwater level in the area should be no more than 1.5 meters.

Before planting, soak the seedling for a few minutes in a growth stimulant. This will boost its strength and help it quickly establish itself in its new location. After planting, compact the soil to eliminate any air pockets. Work the soil in with your hands and water. The recommended watering rate is two buckets per seedling.

Care Features

Proper care of the crop determines the yield and quality of the future harvest. Grapes need to be monitored and not left to their own devices. When growing grapes, follow a few simple rules:

• The shoots are pruned. Fruit-bearing shoots are identified and 8-12 extra buds are cut off. The cut areas are cauterized with potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide to protect the plant from infection;
• Water infrequently. Grapes need only 1-2 waterings per month. Water the plants at the roots; there is no need to water the leaves;
• Mulch the soil. Forest moss is used for mulching, blackened sawdust is also suitable;
• they feed organic or mineral (potassium, phosphorus) fertilizers.

Preparing for winter

The original will survive night frosts without cover, as long as the temperature doesn't drop below -5°C (-5°F). As soon as cold weather arrives in the region, the plants are prepared for winter. Green leaves and most of the shoots are cut from the bushes. The vines are removed from their supports, and the soil is mulched with sawdust. Two or three layers of bast twigs are laid on the plant and the structure is covered with roofing felt, slate, or plastic film. In the spring, the structure is dismantled, the vines are pruned, and secured to a trellis or other support.

Gardeners' reviews

The original has received many positive reviews. It rarely has problems, but they are quickly resolved and no longer bothersome. The variety is suitable for cultivation even for beginners to winegrowers.

Alina from Tyumen says:

"I grow two subspecies of Original: black and white. They're both delicious, with the black slightly sweeter than the white, in my opinion. The yield continues to be impressive, even though the plants are now five years old. The berry quality hasn't diminished, remaining at a decent level. In my experience, I recommend leaving at least 50 active buds on the bush. In the spring, I remove 10 buds from each shoot, which significantly reduces the weight of the bush. As a result, the berries ripen faster and better."

Olesya from Nizhny Novgorod wrote:

"I've been cultivating the original grape for over six years. Three of those years have been spent growing it commercially, but I also have plenty for myself. It sells out quickly at the market due to its flavor and beautiful appearance. To ensure abundant fruiting, I feed the grapes three to four times a season with potassium sulfate and superphosphate. I mix a tablespoon of fertilizer per bucket of water and water the plants at the roots. After watering, I try to loosen the soil to improve oxygenation."