Velika grapes: characteristics and description of the variety

The Velika grape variety is ideal for cultivation in the south of the country. The berries are large and have a rich flavor. and an attractive appearance. With proper agricultural practices, yields are high, which attracts many gardeners. After all, everyone wants a rewarding harvest for their efforts.

Characteristics of the variety

The variety was developed in Bulgaria, thanks to the efforts of local breeder Ivan Todorov. The "Velika" grape was created by crossing the "Alphonse Lavallee" and "Karaburna" varieties. Work on it was completed in the late 1980s. variety It quickly gained popularity in Bulgaria, and by the end of the twentieth century, it was introduced to Russia, where it also gained recognition among agronomists. Ten years later, it was added to the state register.

"Velika" is a table grape variety grown both in small garden plots and on an industrial scale. It is suitable for cultivation in warmer regions of the country. The shoots are characterized by exceptional growth rate, and pruning is necessary as early as the first year after planting. The grapes ripen in September, with a mid-early ripening period.

The bushes are vigorous and tall, beginning to develop within a few months of planting. The flowers are bisexual, so the "Velika" variety does not require a pollinator. The leaves are medium-sized, round, and 5-7-lobed. The undersides of the leaves are rough, while the tops are smooth. In autumn, the bushes are very attractive, with foliage variegated in a wide variety of shades. The clusters are cone-shaped, medium-density, weighing from 600 grams to a kilogram. However, with proper cultivation and careful care, they can grow up to 1,500 grams. The length of the clusters usually does not exceed 20 cm.

The berries are large, oval, and elongated. A single berry can reach 4 cm in length and 2.5 cm in width. ripening The berries are blue with a distinct burgundy hue. The skin is dense and covered with a waxy coating, which protects the fruit from damage, pests, and diseases. The berries are resistant to cracking. The flesh is pink, crisp, juicy, and virtually seedless. The grapes have excellent flavor; when fully ripe, they are very sweet, with a slight cherry flavor. The yield is high, with up to 10 kg of grapes harvested from a single bush. In commercial cultivation, up to 400 centners of harvest are obtained from 1 hectare.

The variety tolerates both excessive rainfall and hot weather. Sunlight has virtually no effect on the berries. "Velika" doesn't handle cold as well, as temperatures in its native habitat rarely drop below -12 degrees Celsius. However, frost-damaged plants quickly recover. The fruit has a sugar content of 17% and an acidity of 5 grams per liter. Grape Suitable for fresh consumption and for making juice and wine. Thanks to their thick skin, they are easy to transport. Under proper storage conditions, the berries have a long shelf life.

Advantages and disadvantages

Both domestic and foreign varieties have strengths and weaknesses. grapesBefore you start growing Velika, you need to learn more about them.

Advantages:

• the berries are not susceptible to cracking;
• high and stable yield;
• excellent taste of berries;
• attractive appearance of bunches;
• does not require the addition of pollinators;
• possibility of long-term storage and transportation;

Flaws:

• poor frost tolerance;
• average disease resistance;
• too fast growth, which requires additional time for care;

Diseases and pests

Particular attention must be paid to plant health. Otherwise, the bushes can be affected by both fungal and bacterial infections, such as mildew, powdery mildew, anthracnose, and early blight. Plants should be treated 3-5 times per season, and efforts should be made to maintain optimal soil moisture and good air circulation. The bushes can also be attacked by aphids, which will destroy the plant roots. Grapevines must be carefully protected from them. If they do appear, insecticides can help control the pests.

Features of cultivation

Growing the "Velika" grape is recommended in warmer regions of the country. Otherwise, it will become diseased, and the taste and fruit will differ from the stated characteristics. Planting is carried out in spring or fall in warm, windless weather. Choose a sunny and well-ventilated site, preferably at an elevated location. Dig a hole in advance and fill it with a mixture of sand, soil, and humus. You can also graft the variety onto a medium-sized rootstock, which will promote moderate growth.

Water as needed; overwatering the soil is unacceptable. Regular fungicide treatments are essential, because variety Prone to fungal infections. Medications need to be changed periodically, as grapes quickly become resistant to any treatment, and its effectiveness diminishes.

In addition, plants require regular weeding, as weeds often carry diseases. With the arrival of spring, it's necessary to begin preventative treatments of the vineyard at least three times per season. Bordeaux mixture or a copper sulfate solution can be used for this. Vineyards are trained annually, as they grow very quickly. Before the onset of cold weather, the vines are pruned, bent to the ground, covered with soil and foliage, and then covered with covering materials or spruce branches.

Reviews

Valentina

I grafted the "Velika" variety onto rootstock; it only started bearing fruit in the third year. The berries are large, sweet, and very beautiful. I haven't encountered any diseases, and I treat the entire vineyard with copper-containing preparations three or four times a season. Overwintering is also a problem: after pruning, I bend the vines to the ground, cover them with a layer of soil, and then cover them with spruce branches. The vines froze only once in the spring; I uncovered them too early. But fortunately, they recovered quickly.

Vitaly

"Velika" is sensitive to high humidity and cold; it can't be grown in northern regions without compromising yield and fruit quality. A couple of years ago, the summers were cool and rainy, and my bushes developed mildew, but thanks to proper treatment, they quickly recovered.

Conclusion

The "Velika" grape variety boasts high and consistent yields. The berries have an attractive presentation and a harmonious, rich flavor. Agronomists' reviews are generally positive. However, to achieve a decent harvest, careful monitoring of the plant's health and adherence to proper agricultural practices are essential.