Description of grape varieties for northern latitudes
The cultivation of grapes has traditionally been carried out in warm regions, as the plant is very thermophilic - it will not be able to survive the harsh winters. However, there is one unique species designed to live in northern latitudes. The development of new frost-resistant varieties made it possible to spread viticulture in many regions of our country.
Kinds
"Northern Sweet"
Breeders have long sought to spread horticulture and farming throughout the country, creating crops that will not be afraid of any weather conditions. Since grapes have been grown only in warm regions since ancient times, scientists were faced with a difficult task. As a result of long-term research, a number of tests, several varieties of such berries were created that are not afraid of frost, and in summer they give a big harvest. The most popular is "Northern Sweet".
The author of the variety was Ivan Vladimirovich Michurin, who worked for many years to improve this plant. This grape variety can be considered unique as it can withstand temperatures of 30°C.
- "Northern sweet" refers to the red species.
- It is intended for making wine. The berries are purple with a waxy coating.
- It is quite sweet with a slight sourness.
- Sugar content is 20-25%.
- The clusters are small - 100-120 g, have a conical shape.
The taste of grapes depends on the time when the crop was harvested.The fruits are fully ripe by August, but if weather conditions allow, you can wait until September. Then the taste of grapes / wine from it will be more intense. Since the peel of the fruit is quite dense, they can be easily transported over long distances or stored for a long time. Grape leaf "Northern sweet" dense with veins. Often this variety is grown to decorate the site.
When planting "Northern sweet" grapes, it must be borne in mind that his bush is vigorous, which must be properly formed. In addition, seedlings will have to be tied up, as well as cut off excess shoots. The plant needs additional nutrition with fertilizers (humates, gibberellins, compost and ash).
All branches must be tied up so that the grapes grow straight. If you follow all the rules for growing this variety, then the harvest can be obtained in the second year.
"Northern Saperavi"
"Saperavi" refers to the ancient varieties of grapes. It is intended for making red dessert wines. And the main feature of this variety is that its taste varies depending on the growing area, the influence of weather conditions and growing methods. Since "Saperavi" has always grown only in warm regions, the breeders crossed it with "Northern Sweet" to get a frost-resistant look.
- Clusters weigh 120 g.
- Sugar content is 25%.
- Unlike "Northern Sweet", "Saperavi" has not round, but oval berries.
- The fruits themselves are purple with a bloom.
- Leaves are round and light green in color.
In addition to the main characteristics of grapes, you can also add that very tasty wines are obtained from it. Usually "Saperavi" is popular in Georgia, where they make an excellent drink from it, which is sold all over the world.Old wines are especially appreciated.
"White Northern"
Variety "White North" is quite sweet. Its sugar content is up to 25%. It is resistant not only to frost, but also to fungal diseases. The bush is vigorous, therefore it requires special care (cutting off excess shoots and garter).
This grape has a good harvest (up to 12 kg). The berries are used to make wine and juices. A drink obtained from such berries has a musky flavor.
For growing the Northern White variety, experienced gardeners recommend choosing soil that contains a moderate amount of nutrients. On “fat” land, such grapes will grow well - the bushes will become large, decorated with large leaves, but there will be no harvest, or the plant will give a minimum number of fruits. For this reason, it is not necessary to feed the soil with a large amount of different fertilizers.
It is best to choose sunny places. Then the grapes will grow well, and the berries will be saturated with sweetness. In addition, the bush will give a crop only for 3 years after planting, which will only increase with each season.
Also, many gardeners advise not to immediately plant a bush, but to hold it in a pot, putting it in a sunny place. The plant needs some time to get used to such an environment. As soon as the grapes get stronger / adapt, they can be planted in the ground.
"Northern shoulder"
Initially, the Northern Shoulder variety was grown near the Don. And the grapes received such a name due to the fact that its berries crumble to the ground. They have a wine color with a slight wax coating, and their shape is oval. The clusters are quite large - they weigh 350 g, and in some cases even 1.5 kg. Grapes of this variety can withstand temperatures of -32°C.Due to the high frost resistance, the bushes do not require additional shelter for the winter.
The variety, like most other species, is used for making wines. Sugar content is 23%. From 1 meter you can harvest 10 kg of crop.
However, this variety is susceptible to various diseases and fungal infections - such grapes require careful care and processing. It is also worth noting that the berries of the "Northern Shoulder" have a thin skin, constantly crumble when ripe. As a result, part of the crop may simply wrinkle and deteriorate.
For planting "Northern Shoulder" choose autumn or spring. The plant grows best on the southwest side. The soil is preliminarily prepared by saturating it with ash, sand and humus.
Other northern varieties
The northern grape varieties presented above are the most popular in viticulture. They show high resistance to frost and a large yield. However, there are several other varieties that are similarly adapted to cold regions. They are referred to.
- Variety "Laura". Variety "Laura" is distinguished by a very early ripening of fruits. Clusters reach 1.5 kg. The berries are round, very large, white in color. Sugar content is 23%. The variety is resistant to diseases, not afraid of low temperatures (no more than -23 ° C).
- "Kodryanka". Variety "Kodryanka" is similar in its characteristics to "Laura". It is also resistant to various diseases, can withstand temperatures of -23 ° C. The berries are oval and dark purple, dense. Since the variety brings a fairly high yield, many gardeners appreciate it.
- "Kishmish radiant." The grade "Kishmish radiant" ripens within 125 days. It (unlike other types of grapes) is less resistant to the cold weather of northern latitudes.However, it is loved for its taste. "Kishmish" is most often eaten, but not made into wine. Berries with a pinkish tinge are oval in shape. Clusters can reach a weight of 1.5 kg.
- "Mascot". The variety "Blue Talisman" is distinguished by very large clusters (2 kg). The berries are large and sweet, as evidenced by the rave reviews of many gardeners. In addition, the variety withstands temperatures of -25 ° C.
Northern grapes have several varieties, each of which differs in color, taste, weight and minimum temperature. Breeders have achieved quite good results in viticulture. They created a unique berry that turned from heat-loving into frost-resistant. Northern grapes are not inferior in their characteristics and taste to the southern type. It is also well suited for making wines and eating.
If a person lives in a cold region, then he can cultivate grapes without fear of losing all the bushes after the first winter in the cold regions of Russia.
You will learn more about grape varieties for northern latitudes by watching the following video.