Witch's Fingers grapes: characteristics and description of the variety

If you're looking for something exotic in your garden, consider planting a grape with the unusual name "Witch's Fingers." The berries will immediately catch the eye of everyone in your home and guests, and their flavor will impress with its sweetness. Buying seedlings in Russia isn't easy, but if the opportunity arises, don't miss it. Learn more about this unusual variety by looking at its photos and reading the description.

Characteristics and description of the variety

Grape It was developed in 2002. Its historical homeland is the state of California. American scientists bred it, using American varieties for crossbreeding, supplemented by Mediterranean ones. The main goal of the breeding was to create a table variety with unusual berries, and the scientists succeeded remarkably.

It's no coincidence that this variety got its name. The berries truly do resemble small, neat fingers. They are slightly elongated, with a pointed edge. The color is dark purple with a waxy coating. Sometimes the berries have a blue tint. The color doesn't affect the taste. The fruits are sweet, with a sugar content of 18-20%. The acidity in the juice is barely noticeable, at only 6-9%. A grape weighs at least 7-15 grams. The flesh is firm but juicy, containing a small seed. They are mainly grown for fresh consumption. Wine, compotes, and jam can also be made.

The Witch's Fingers variety begins bearing fruit two years after cultivation. Full ripening takes up to four months. The first year may produce only a few berries, but in subsequent years, a single bunch reaches a minimum weight of 0.7-1 kg. Yield directly depends on proper cultivation techniques.

The plant itself grows up to 5-6 meters in height. Its root system is strong and quickly establishes itself in porous, nutrient-rich soil. Flowering begins in the first year and continues annually in late spring or summer. The variety is considered hermaphroditic and does not require pollinators. It is well suited for interplanting with other grape varieties.

This variety is highly frost-resistant and can survive light frosts without cover. With cover grape It easily tolerates temperatures down to -25 degrees Celsius. It's suitable for growing both on the Black Sea coast and in central Russia.

The Witch's Fingers grape variety is resistant to many diseases, such as downy mildew and peronospora. This high immune response is due to the high sugar content of the pulp. In addition to being resistant to viruses, the variety is not susceptible to attack by wasps and hornets. The skin is moderately hard, making it difficult for insects to bite through.

Witch fingers have a number of positive qualities:

• unusual fruit shape and sweet taste;
• stable yield;
• does not require additional pollination;
• high susceptibility to viruses and fungi;
• good frost resistance.

The variety's drawbacks include its limited distribution in Russia. It is not readily available for sale. Seedlings can only be purchased online or encountered at exhibitions showcasing foreign varieties. The berries are very rare in stores.

Growing and care

For growing grapes A sunny site with slightly acidic soil is ideal. The bushes are vigorous, so leave 2.5-3 meters between seedlings. Planting is done in the spring, with most of the shoots immediately pruned to encourage bushiness and rapid fruiting. Staking to a trellis or support is essential.

Witch's Fingers grapes can survive dry weather, without the fruit losing its juiciness or drying out. However, overwatering is strictly contraindicated. If the soil becomes too wet, the roots quickly begin to rot, and the plant itself dies. Even in summer, watering should be no more than once every 3-4 weeks. During the flowering period, the soil should not be watered at all. To retain moisture longer, after moistening the soil, apply a thin layer of sawdust or straw. This will protect the roots from overheating and retain water in the soil.

Fungicide treatments are carried out in the spring and fall. Suitable products include Fitosporin, Topaz, copper sulfate, Paracelsus, and Falcon. Any product should be diluted and used according to the instructions. A single treatment is sufficient for prevention; it should be carried out before the plant blooms.

Preparing for winter

During the first few years of growth, it's best to protect grapes for the winter. To do this, prepare the plant in mid-October: remove any remaining leaves, dry branches, and lower shoots. Loosen the soil and sprinkle it with humus or compost. Then cover the plants with agrofibre or film. Be sure to weigh the material down with a weight to ensure the grapes last throughout the winter.

With the arrival of spring (not before April), the vineyards are opened. Frosted branches are removed and shoots are renewed. To quickly boost green growth, you can feed the plant with any nitrogen fertilizer (saltpeter, ammophoska). Dilute 1 tablespoon of fertilizer per bucket of water and water the plant at the roots. Repeat the treatment after 10 days.

Reviews

Unfortunately, there are few reviews of Witch's Fingers. Most often, reviews of the variety are from people who have simply tasted the berries but haven't done any research. cultivation.

Elena says:

"I was treated to an unusual grape variety, and I loved it right away. The flavor has hints of labrusca with an apple-duchess aroma. I tried to find seedlings in Russia and the CIS, but was unsuccessful. I read that planting material is only available in America, and only by seed and on order."

Mikhail agrees and adds:

"Although this variety is considered elite, it's not readily available in our country. I tried the berries abroad and was struck by their shape and fruity aroma. The taste was a bit sweet, with no tartness. It's a shame to use them for canning because of their rare shape."