Growing your own vineyard for the purpose of producing juice, creating preparations for the winter or producing wine is a challenging and exciting task. There are a large number of technical varieties that are best suited for these purposes. These include the Saperavi grape variety, the history of selection of which goes back decades. Let's figure out why it is useful and how it is grown.
History of selection
Saperavi is one of the most famous grape varieties from Georgia, whose homeland is considered to be Kakheti.Thanks to its taste, the variety has become widely known and is bred in such countries as:
- Armenia;
- Ukraine;
- Kazakhstan;
- Bulgaria;
- Uzbekistan.
The most suitable region, which has ideal conditions for growth, is considered to be the Black Sea basin. Experts do not recommend growing this variety in the middle latitudes. This is due to the late ripening of the variety, which is why the crop does not have time to form properly.
Description of the variety
So, we figured out where Saperavi “Northern” grows, now let’s take a look at the detailed description of the variety:
- The variety does not need a third-party pollinator, since its flowers are self-pollinating.
- The bunch is medium in size and weighs about 150 grams.
- The berries are medium-sized, with dense, dark blue skin.
- Has good juiciness indicators. From 100 liters of harvest, 85 liters of juice are obtained.
- There are few seeds in the berry. Usually - no more than a couple of pieces.
Note! Saperavi juice contains many dyes. This must be taken into account when preparing and tasting it.
Landing principle
The quantity and quality of the harvest depends not only on the grape variety, but also on correct adherence to planting principles. Beginning gardeners need to know the following things:
- how to choose the right place to plant;
- how the soil on the site is treated;
- how to plant a crop correctly.
Selecting a location
The main criterion that should be followed when choosing a location is lighting. The more sunlight that falls on the site, the better.
You should not plant the crop in a place that is blown by winds, especially from the north. This will negatively affect the growth and quality of the crop.
However, you should also not build up a plot with grapes with a high fence. The planting site must be ventilated, otherwise there is a risk of infection of the crop with fungal diseases.
Tillage
The soil does not have a strong influence on the growth of the crop. It is preferable to plant the plant in loose soil, which quickly warms up in the sun. Preferred soils include:
- black soil;
- loam;
- light loamy soils.
It is not recommended to plant the crop in:
- sandy soil;
- on clay surfaces;
- soils with high acidity;
The grapes are planted as follows:
- the width and depth of the hole for the seedling is 100 centimeters;
- the hole is filled with a mixture of fertile soil and fertilizers;
- add some coarse sand and gravel;
- Before planting, the hole is watered generously.
Landing
Saperavi is planted in the fall. The optimal temperature on the day of planting is 15 O during the day and not lower than 5 O at night. These dates are suitable for southern regions with a warm, mild climate. Possible planting grapes in spring - from mid-April to early May. If steppes predominate in your region, planting time is postponed two weeks later.
Proper care
It is not enough to plant Saperavi correctly to hope for a good harvest. Grapes require timely and systematic self-care.
Watering
Thanks to its powerful root system, the crop is able to independently obtain moisture, but it requires replenishment with external moisture during the following periods:
- kidney swelling;
- after the plant has flowered;
- during the formation of berries.
Important! Do not water Saperavi during its flowering period. Due to the excessive amount of moisture, the flowers will begin to fall off.
Trimming
Grape pruning forms a bush and stimulates the fruiting process. Make sure that no more than 60 eyes form on the bush. Pruning is carried out according to the 10th eye, and in some areas, for example, in the Crimea, according to the 8th.
Shelter for the winter
Young grape shoots are completely covered for the winter with special film structures. Adult shoots can withstand frosts down to -20 O, so you should only worry about the root system by mulching the soil around the seedling.
Top dressing
The ideal fertilizer for grapes is manure. It provides the culture with all the substances necessary for growth and development. It is advisable to fertilize the soil with manure in the spring, in proportions of 6 kilograms of fertilizer per 1 square meter. After harvesting, experts advise fertilizing the soil with substances with a high content of phosphorus and potassium.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
The variety has a number of advantages, including:
- increased frost resistance;
- the variety brings a bountiful harvest;
- self-pollinates;
- tolerates transportation over long distances without complications.
Flaws:
- poor resistance to pests and diseases;
- shedding of inflorescences.
Pests and diseases
Susceptible to various types of fungal diseases, especially:
- Mildew.
- Oidium.
- Gray rot.
- Phylloxera.
The best protection against them is preventive inspection of the plant and removal of leaves damaged by the disease at the initial stage of development.
If the occurrence of the disease cannot be prevented, use special drugs to combat harmful organisms.
