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

The Victoria grape has been delighting agronomists with its consistently high yields for decades. The variety is intended for cultivation Not only in the south and central regions of the country, but also in regions with harsher climates. It tolerates winter frosts well and will bear fruit reliably even with some mistakes in agricultural practices. Even inexperienced gardeners can handle the plant's care.

Characteristics of the variety

'Victoria' belongs to the hybrid table grape varieties. Grape Obtained through complex selection, domestic breeders at the Potapenko All-Russian Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking worked to create the new variety. Their painstaking work resulted in the "Victoria" variety. It is distinguished by its early ripening; harvesting can begin as early as 110-120 days after bud break. Typically, ripe clusters are harvested beginning in early August and finishing in September. Ripening time varies depending on the growing region. One of the variety's greatest advantages is its frost resistance; the vine can withstand temperatures as low as -27 degrees Celsius. This allows "Victoria" to be grown in both southern regions and the Moscow region; provided it is protected, it can even be grown in Siberia and the Urals.

The seedlings grow moderately vigorously; if grafted onto a vigorous rootstock, the grapes will grow faster. The leaves are medium-sized, five-lobed, dark green, and slightly pubescent. With proper cultivation practices, the shoots ripen well. Propagation by cuttings is straightforward; they root quickly and thrive. The flowers are female; for a high yield, a pollinator variety with a flowering period similar to 'Victoria' should be planted in the garden. The following varieties are ideal:

• Kishmish radiata;
• Crystal;
• Augustine;
• Bianca;

The clusters are quite large, weighing approximately 500-700 grams. They are conical in shape and medium in density. Sometimes, they are loose. The berries are medium-sized, oval, weighing 6-8 grams. The skin is thin, translucent in the sun, and barely perceptible when eaten. It is raspberry-red in color and covered with a light waxy coating. The flesh is fleshy, rich in juice, and crunchy. The taste is sweet, slightly tart, and hints of muscat. Sugar content in the fruits is up to 19%, with acidity ranging from 5 to 6 grams per liter.

The Victoria grape is suitable for fresh consumption, as well as for juice, wine, and canning. It is suitable for transportation and storage. The berries crack when exposed to fluctuations in humidity. This variety is grown primarily in home gardens and on small farms. Harvesting can begin as early as the second or third year after planting. It is not profitable to cultivate it on an industrial scale.

Diseases and pests

'Victoria' exhibits moderate resistance to powdery mildew and mildew, so plants require preventative treatment with appropriate solutions. grape Grape mites can attack grapes. They can be detected by carefully inspecting the bushes; their presence causes characteristic bumps to form on the leaves. Professional treatments can help combat them, but remember that treatment should be carried out at least a month before harvest. Another problem is wasps; they will not miss the opportunity to feast on sweet grapes. To protect against pests, gardeners plant insect-repellent herbs and place containers of sweetened water nearby. If berries crack, they should be immediately cut off with pruning shears; otherwise, the smell will attract wasps.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before planting any grape variety, it's important to thoroughly research it. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

• decent yield indicators;
• attractive presentation;
• excellent taste of berries;
• frost resistance down to -27 degrees;
• good survival rate of cuttings;
• with proper care, shoot maturation reaches 100%;

Flaws:

• berries are prone to cracking;
• Errors in agricultural technology can lead to pea-shaped berries;

Features of cultivation

Planting grapes is no different from planting other varieties. Grapes grow best in black soil, but any soil except marshy soil will do. They are easy to find, although a sunny, wind-protected spot is best. Avoid close proximity to groundwater, as this will cause root rot. Dig the planting hole in advance, preferably in the fall. Place drainage at the bottom, and fill the remaining space with soil mixed with sand and humus. Wood ash or nitrophoska can be added to the soil mixture. Planting is best done in April; in the south of the country, planting can also begin in September.

The first couple of years, the plant requires more careful care. Mulching the soil around the vineyard will significantly simplify care. Water as needed, avoiding both high humidity and drought. Grapes react negatively to any fluctuations. Even in southern regions, it's best to cover the vines for the winter during the first year after planting. Mature plants only require shelter in colder regions. Fertilize the soil every few years; ash can be added annually. Foliar feeding with liquid complex fertilizers is done before flowering and during berry formation.

Particular attention should be paid to pruning. In autumn cut off Dried and thickened shoots. Leave 25 to 35 buds. It is recommended to sprinkle the cut areas with wood ash. During the warm months, remove most of the side shoots; this promotes good air circulation and reduces the risk of fungal diseases. It is also recommended to remove the lower grape clusters; leave 2-3 bunches per shoot.

Reviews

Alevtina Grigorievna

"Victoria" is a good grape variety, with good yields and delicious berries. However, its cultivation and care requirements are very different from those of modern varieties. It's been growing in my garden for over 20 years, but I'm already considering replacing it with another, easier-to-care-for variety.

Masha

A year ago, we bought a house with a Victoria grapevine growing there. The owner explained how to care for it. Even though I'd never grown grapes before, everything was crystal clear to me. Throughout the season, I followed all her recommendations, treating the plants with fungicides twice, watering them, and weeding them. It was a significant investment, but it was worth it: by mid-August, the first harvest, grown with my own hands, was ripe.

Conclusion

The Victoria grape is an excellent frost-resistant variety, which allows it to be grown even in Siberia and the Urals. It's undemanding in terms of growing conditions, but with proper agricultural practices, the results will exceed all expectations. It's grown primarily in garden plots; it's not suitable for commercial cultivation.