Description and characteristics of the Attica grape variety and rules for growing sultanas

Breeders all over the world are working to improve grape varieties, and often the result of their work becomes known and popular not only in their homeland, but also far beyond its borders. This is what happened with the Attica grape variety. Despite its Greek origin, today it can be found on the plots of gardeners throughout Europe and the CIS countries. And all this is thanks to its characteristics and ease of care.

History of the development of the Attica variety

The hybrid, which has no seeds, is the fruit of the labor of the Greek breeder Michos. The hybrid was based on two varieties: the Central Asian Black Kishmish and the French Alphonse Lavallee. This variety of sultanas was first presented to winegrowers in 1979 and immediately received their recognition. The hybrid successfully combines the best characteristics of the parent varieties, but the shortcomings are practically not transferred to the new variety.

Appearance and botanical description

To have a complete understanding of the Attica grape variety, they study its description and characteristics and, based on this, make a conclusion: is the hybrid suitable for cultivation in a certain region or not.

Bush and shoots

Attica bushes are predominantly medium- and vigorous-growing; young shoots are characterized by good ripening during the season. For abundant fruiting, it requires pruning, pinching and removal of shoots. For cultivation, it is recommended to prepare supports so that the grapes have a rich taste and receive a sufficient amount of sunlight.

Leaves, inflorescences

The leaves of the Attica hybrid are five- or three-lobed and have a rich green color. The surface of the leaf blade is matte, slightly dissected, with slight pubescence underneath. Due to the fact that Attica produces both female and male flowers, pollinating varieties are not needed.

Already in the first year after planting, the gardener will be able to harvest the first harvest, which will only increase every year.

Bunches and berries

With proper care, the cylindrical bunches of Attica grapes reach a weight of 2 kg. The density of the hybrid clusters is high, but this does not prevent the berries from fully ripening during the season. The berries of the variety have an easily recognizable taste, which combines the sweetness of grapes and the taste of cherries. The weight of one reaches 6 grams. The color is inky blue, at the end of the fruit there is a dimple characteristic of the variety.

All berries are covered with a waxy coating; when bitten, the flesh is crispy. The main advantage of Attica berries is the absence of seeds.

Qualitative characteristics of the hybrid

Attica belongs to the table species, which gardeners grow both for personal needs and for subsequent sale. The percentage of sugars is up to 18, acidity is 5 g/l.

Suitable climatic conditions

A native of warm Greece, he loves the climate of the southern regions of Russia and Ukraine, and takes root well in Crimea and Moldova. But in northern regions with frosty winters it will die. When grown in the middle zone, shelter for the winter is required.

Beginning of fruiting and yield

The Attica hybrid belongs to varieties with early ripening berries. In southern latitudes (for example, in Spain), the first bunches reach ripeness already in early July. In colder climates, grapes are harvested in early August. On average, it takes 110 to 120 days before harvest. Another undeniable advantage of Attica is its high yield.

With proper care, up to 30 tons of tasty and healthy berries are harvested per hectare. However, the variety is prone to overload with berries; experienced gardeners recommend leaving no more than 30 eyes so as not to damage the vine.

Disease resistance

A disadvantage of Attica is considered to be low resistance to fungal diseases, especially in cold and damp climates.But insect pests rarely attack the vine. The hybrid also has high immunity to gray rot.

Frost resistance

The frost resistance of the Attica hybrid is -21 degrees. At lower temperatures, the bush may freeze and die.

Planting and growing

The field health of Attica and the amount of harvest depend on compliance with the agricultural technology of growing the hybrid. When cultivating, even novice winegrowers do not have any difficulties.

Soil requirements

An unpretentious variety grows on almost any type of soil. The only areas not suitable are wetlands and salt marshes. Good yields are achieved on light sandy loam soils.

Planting scheme

The landing algorithm is simple and consists of several stages:

1. To begin with, purchase high-quality planting material. It is better to do this in specialized nurseries, so there is a greater chance of buying a seedling of this particular variety, and not a fake.
2. The young seedling must have a developed root system (up to 3 roots) without signs of mechanical damage.
3. A place is selected on the site that is illuminated by the sun from all sides. The Attica hybrid should not be planted in drafts, lowlands and places with close groundwater.
4. The size of the planting hole depends on the size of the seedling's root system. You should not bury a young bush more than 50 cm.
5. The soil selected from the hole is thoroughly mixed with organic matter and complex mineral fertilizers.
6. Make drainage at the bottom of the hole from crushed stone or broken red brick.
7. Fill the soil with fertilizers and place the seedling on it.
8. Grape growers advise dipping the root system of grapes into a clay mash before planting.
9. Next, sprinkle with the remaining soil and compact well.
10. Water abundantly and mulch.

The distance between young seedlings should be at least 2 meters.

Irrigation and fertilizing

To obtain the harvest declared by the manufacturer, timely watering and fertilizing is important. The grapes do not tolerate waterlogging, but dry soil does not contribute to the full development of the vine. Watering is especially important when pouring berries. In the first year, the Attica grape bush has enough nutrition added during planting. Subsequently, the bushes are fertilized three times per season: in spring (nitrogen-containing compounds), in summer (potassium and phosphorus) and in autumn (organics).

Pinching and trimming

Experienced gardeners recommend be sure to pinch out green shoots a few days before flowering. Then the grapes will direct all their energy to forming large clusters. Formative and sanitary pruning is also necessary.

Seasonal processing

During the season, grape bushes are treated twice with fungicidal preparations for preventive purposes. You can also use folk remedies for this.

Shelter for the winter

The heat-loving hybrid needs additional protection during the cold season. Mulching with peat and sawdust, as well as a greenhouse-type structure, is required.

The period of ripening of berries and the duration of storage of the crop

The ripening of Attica clusters occurs mainly in August; the specific timing depends on the climatic characteristics of the region. The advantage of hybrid berries is considered to be good keeping quality and long shelf life without loss of presentation and taste characteristics.

There is also good transportability of the crop, which makes it possible to grow Attica on an industrial scale.

Diseases and pests - ways to combat them

Pests such as aphids, budworms and wasps rarely cause damage to Attica's crops. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to install traps and conduct seasonal spraying with fungicides.

Of all types of fungal diseases, Attica has immunity only to gray rot. Other diseases are prevented with the help of proper agricultural technology and periodic treatments with fungicidal drugs. If the plant still gets sick, more aggressive chemicals are used to save the vine from death.