Veles grapes: characteristics and description of the variety

The Veles grape is a hybrid. Seedless varieties have always been highly valued by consumers. In a short period of time, it has gained popularity among the population. Although only a decade has passed since its development, it has already earned the recognition of agronomists in many CIS countries and Europe.

Characteristics of the variety

The hybrid was developed in Zaporizhzhia by renowned breeder V.V. Zagorulko in 2009. In 2010, it became one of the winners of an international competition and was awarded two gold medals. Its parents are the well-known varieties Sofia and Rusbol. The hybrid is named after Veles, the god of fertility.

It's an early-ripening variety, with only 100-105 days from bud break to full ripening, while the parent varieties have a slightly longer ripening period. However, it's worth noting that in the southern regions grape ripens earlier, and later in the central part of the country.

The bushes grow very quickly, and under the right conditions, the shoots fully mature. The vines reach a height of 3 to 5 meters. The leaves are relatively large, five-lobed, and deep green. The inflorescences are large, and the flowers are bisexual, requiring no pollinator. However, to increase yields, some agronomists plant grape varieties that bloom at the same time as Veles nearby. Veles can be grown in the southern and central regions of Russia and Ukraine, as well as in Belarus, Moldova, and the Volga region. The variety has good winter hardiness and can withstand temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius.

The bunches are conical, loose, approximately 25-30 centimeters long, and weigh 600-900 grams. With proper cultivation and care, a single bunch of grapes can reach 2.5-3 kg. The berries are oval and elongated, with each berry weighing approximately 5 grams. The skin is thin, covered with a waxy pink coating. The flesh is dense and juicy with a delicate Muscat aroma. It is seedless; however, rudiments (seed rudiments) are present in the pulp, but they are not noticeable when eaten. Sugar content ranges from 18 to 20%, and acidity typically does not exceed 6-7 grams per liter. The bunches can hang on the vine for a long time without the berries falling off.

Yields are directly dependent on care; on average, a single vine can yield 6.5 kg of grapes. Clusters form on the side shoots, which can be used for a second harvest in southern regions. The variety tolerates transportation well and is suitable for long-term storage. Veles grapes are versatile: they can be eaten fresh, but they are also suitable for making raisins, juice, and wine.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

"Veles" is a high-yielding variety with many positive qualities. However, it is not without its drawbacks.

Advantages:

• early ripening;
• attractive presentation;
• possibility of long-term storage and transportation;
• excellent yield performance;
• universal application;
• wonderful taste of berries;
• there is no need to plant pollinators.

Flaws:

• poor resistance to fungal diseases;
• impossibility of growing in northern regions;
• At high humidity the berries are prone to cracking.

Disease prevention

Veles is not known for its strong immunity. Therefore, careful monitoring of the plants is essential. Preventative spraying with Bordeaux mixture, performed 3-4 times per season, will not harm the grapes. Adherence to the following agronomic practices will help prevent fungal diseases:

• pruning;
• garter to a support;
• weed removal;
• soil moisture regulation;
• providing ventilation.

Planting and care

Planting is done in spring or fall, in warm, windless weather. Grapes can be grown in any soil type: loam, sandstone, black soil, and others. Choose a sunny planting site, preferably elevated, to prevent moisture stagnation. The hole should be prepared in advance; it should be at least 80 cm deep and 70 cm in diameter. Drainage material of broken brick, fine gravel, or expanded clay is placed at the bottom, and the remaining space is filled with soil mixed with sand and humus. Superphosphate and wood ash can be added to improve fertility. When planting several vines, space them 1.5 meters apart. The planting material should be healthy and have a well-developed root system.

The bush requires more careful care during the initial period after planting. It's advisable to apply a layer of mulch to prevent weed growth and retain moisture in the soil. Otherwise, the young plant needs regular watering, loosening the soil, and promptly removing weeds.

A mature plant doesn't require frequent watering; it's watered as needed 3-5 times per season, depending on the weather and rainfall. As the berries ripen, watering is reduced, as excessive soil moisture can cause cracking and rot.

The harvest can be collected as early as the second year after planting, but experienced gardeners recommend removing the inflorescences in the second year to ensure that all the plant's energy is focused on growth and vine formation. Staking the vines is essential. This will promote better air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Annual pruning is also necessary; in the fall, around November, the vines are pruned to 6-8 buds. The bushes grow very vigorously; when grown in temperate climates, side shoots are removed, as the resulting clusters simply won't have time to mature. In southern regions, side shoots are pinched off. Cover the vines for the winter. grapes.

Mature plants don't tolerate cold as well, but they still require shelter. After pruning, the vines are twisted and secured to the ground, covered with soil, and covered with spruce branches. Agrofibre can also be used as a cover.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDAN9YymiLQ

Harvesting

The brushes do not always ripen at the same time; first, grapeThe grapes that receive the most sun are harvested first. The bunches are cut with clean tools in dry weather. Handle the berries sparingly to avoid rubbing off the waxy coating that protects them from spoilage. Loose bunches with whole berries, free of disease and damage, are stored in a dry, well-ventilated, and cool area. If all conditions are met, the grapes can be stored until the New Year.

Reviews

Maria Ivanovna

"Veles" is one of the newest grape varieties in my garden. I've been growing it for over 30 years, so I have plenty of experience. Despite being moderately resistant, my vines have never been affected by disease. The berries have excellent flavor; "Veles" makes excellent raisins, and we eat the rest of the harvest fresh. I'm happy with the variety, and most importantly, my grandchildren love it because it's seedless.

Leonid

Two years ago, this wonderful variety appeared on my garden plot. We harvested our first crop in the second year after planting. It wasn't much, but I managed to get a taste for the berries. I plan to plant a few more bushes in a couple of years. I like that the grapes ripen early and don't fall off if I don't pick them in time.

Conclusion

In its short existence, "Veles" has already become a favorite among gardeners. This grape has excellent flavor and ripens much earlier than many varieties. When grown in southern regions, it produces a second harvest. It is easy to care for and tolerates cold well. If you follow proper cultivation practices, "Veles" will reward you generously with a large quantity of delicious berries.