Victor grapes: characteristics and description of the variety, planting and care

The Victor grape variety is considered the pride of Russian grape breeding. Although considered a newcomer, it has already earned a loyal following and received high praise from experts for its taste. The grape is renowned for its ease of cultivation, easy propagation, and early ripening. Some experts consider it a premium grape due to its high-quality berries.

Characteristics and description

Variety It was developed in the 2000s by a Russian agronomist named Kraynov. He used the Kishmish Luchistyi and Talisman varieties for the breeding. The resulting variety absorbed only the best qualities of its parents and turned out to be quite successful. It received its name thanks to the breeder who developed it.

Vmnograd is considered an early variety, with a short ripening period: 110 days pass from bud break to full ripening. The first ten days of August are the perfect time to sample the berries. Flowering begins in early summer, and the flowers are bisexual, so there's no need for pollination or planting other varieties. The vines develop vigorously, especially if the shoots are pruned. Fruiting vines are pruned to 3-4 buds if they're still young. Mature shoots are left with 20 buds, which is enough for abundant fruiting.

Grape clusters vary in size, depending on cultivation techniques. A single bunch can weigh over 700g, but typically ranges from 500g to 650g. The berries are tightly packed, but not crushed. The grapes themselves weigh 15-20g and are oval in shape. The tip is slightly pointed. They range in color from pink to purple. The color is affected by sunlight and temperature. The skin is moderately firm, imperceptible when bitten. The flavor balances sweetness and tartness. The flesh is firm and contains several small seeds.

They grow variety Victor is suitable for a variety of purposes: it's suitable for both canning and fresh consumption. The berries are suitable for freezing and can be used to make juice, liqueurs, and wine. The yield is high and consistent, reaching 5-6 kg per bush. Peak yield occurs in the third year after planting and does not decline over time.

The variety is considered frost-resistant. Even without cover, 'Victor' can withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius. The shoots remain viable, and in the spring they will emerge and begin to develop. The variety is suitable for cultivation It thrives in virtually all regions of Russia: it's frost-resistant. Even in Siberia, you can plant 'Victor' and get your first harvest within two years. During cold winters (below -20°C) and early in the plant's life, it's best to cover it to protect it from frost.

The grape's immune system is strong, and it's rarely attacked by pests or insects. The variety easily resists fungal diseases and viruses, and is resistant to rot. With age, the grape's immunity can weaken, so it's treated with antibacterial additives every spring.

Victor's strengths are considered to be:

• high and stable yield;
• dessert taste of berries;
• resistance to diseases and pests;
• unpretentiousness in cultivation;
• frost resistance.

Early flowering is a weak point, as the weather in most regions is still stabilizing in June. If frost occurs, the flowers die and wither, indicating a lack of harvest.

Landing

Planting grapes requires a fair amount of space. Since this variety is tall, the distance between bushes should be at least 2 meters. For growing It's best to choose a site without shade, preferably on a hill or in loamy soil. There are several ways to plant and propagate the Victor variety:

• Planting seedlings. The most common method. They are purchased at fairs or exhibitions. Both dormant and green plants are suitable;
• Cuttings. If your neighbors have mature grapevines, take cuttings from them in the spring. The cuttings are taken from the strongest plant;
• Sowing seeds. This method is rarely used due to its time-consuming nature. It can take several years before the bushes are ready for planting;
• Rooting branches. This method is suitable for propagating vines. The shoot is covered with soil, and within a few weeks it will begin to root.

Seedlings or cuttings will take root well in the spring, around the beginning of May. There's no need to cover the young plants; they need time to acclimate to the temperature and develop immunity.

Caring for grapes

Once planted, the 'Victor' grape won't require much attention, as it grows practically on its own. If you follow some recommendations, then the harvest will already delight you next summer:

• Watering should be abundant and timely. Approximately 2-3 liters of clean water are needed per bush. Watering frequency is once every 2-3 weeks; in hot summer weather, the frequency can be increased to twice.
• The soil is mulched with sawdust or a layer of straw. It is advisable to mulch after watering;
• Weed the spaces between rows and the soil around the tree trunk to remove any extraneous grass and weeds. The soil must be clean;
• the soil is loosened to a layer of no more than 5-6 cm weekly to enrich the soil with oxygen;
• In spring, the dew roots of the plant are cut off.

Shelter for the winter

Mulch and agrofibre help preserve the crop until next spring. Covering should be done when the weather gets noticeably colder, no earlier than November. Lay a thick layer of straw on dry soil and cover it with agrofibre. Secure the material to prevent it from falling off during the winter, and leave the vines to overwinter. Uncovering the plants should not begin until late March.

Reviews

There aren't as many reviews about this variety as there are about other grape varieties. Those gardeners who have tried it have positive things to say about it.

Anfisa from Tyumen wrote:

"I stumbled upon some seedlings at a fair and decided to buy them. I'd never grown grapes before. The seedlings started growing immediately after planting, and I trimmed some of the branches. The vines bloomed in the second year, and by the third, I had a full harvest. I continue to grow the variety, pruning only in the spring, although I've heard that many people prune in the fall as well."

Valery says:

"The Victor variety is perfect for those who want a regular harvest. You'll definitely get plenty of berries, even if you don't feed the grapes. I planted the grapes four years ago and haven't regretted it one bit. I haven't harvested less than 5 kg from a single plant for three years in a row. I managed to root several branches into independent plants; they were just flowering, not yet bearing fruit. In all the time I've been growing grapes, they've never been sick or caused any trouble with care."