The Cardinal grape has a wayward character. But experienced gardeners who have created all the suitable conditions for the growth and ripening of fruits will be rewarded as they deserve. The table variety is distinguished by its sweet nutmeg taste and transportability.
History of variety development
The Cardinal grape variety comes from distant sunny American California, where in 1939 it was experimentally bred in the city of Fresno by doctors Snyder and Harmon. Years later, grapes were transported to Europe, to southern countries.
Description of Cardinal grapes
An early table grape variety. The ripening period ranges from 115 to 120 days, harvesting occurs at the end of August. The variety is extremely fruitful, but with the exception that the conditions of detention will be met.
When describing Cardinal, it is worth mentioning that the variety is not resistant to fungal diseases. The clusters are large but loose. The berries are red-violet, oval or semi-oval. The weight of one berry is within 6 grams, with several seeds. The taste has a spicy nutmeg note that sets off the main sweetness. Sugar content – from 16% to 18%, acidity – 8 grams per liter.
Species diversity
Based on the Cardinal grape variety, scientists have developed three improved subspecies: Lux, Azos and Black.
The “second parent” of Lux was the Kriulyansky variety. The subspecies is more resistant to diseases and frost. But the ripening period increased and amounted to 125 days. The subspecies is distinguished by high growth rates of the bush and heavy clusters, sometimes reaching one kilogram.
The Anapa variety Azos is able to withstand frosts down to -23 degrees and actively resists fungal diseases. Ripens in 130 days. They are distinguished by their cone-shaped clusters - they are very heavy in weight. The taste is sweet, with a pronounced nutmeg aftertaste. The color of the fruit ranges from pink to dark blue with a black tint.
What are the pros and cons of the variety?
The advantages of this grape variety are:
- Taste that was appreciated (8-9 points).
- The versatility of the variety - grapes can be used for many purposes.
- Transportability, long-term storage.
- High-quality wine made from this variety.
- A bountiful harvest.
- Speed of ripening.
To evaluate Cardinal, you need to know about the disadvantages:
- Predisposition to disease.
- Heat-loving plant, does not tolerate low temperatures well
- In order for the harvest to be successful, ideal conditions are needed. Otherwise, the flowers and ovaries will fall off, the berries may become pea-shaped, and their size will decrease.
- The bunch ripens unevenly, and therefore one side always remains unripe.
Landing Features
Cardinal grapes love warmth, so analyze your garden plot and choose a place filled with sun and protected from winds. Often this place is located to the south of the house or other buildings.
It is advisable to plant in black soil, since it is most saturated with nutrients, but it is also possible to grow in clay or sandy soils.
Important! The sand should have a temperature no higher than 10 degrees.
Productivity will increase if you graft a cutting onto a perennial vine. This way you can also increase your immunity against diseases.
Planting is best done in the spring, when there is no risk of returning cold weather.
Care instructions
The most suitable soil for Cardinal is black soil. But, when planted on loamy or sandy soil, it also produces a good harvest. Control the amount of moisture consumed. You should not be greedy with watering, but in moderation so as not to overwater the plant. Having received excess water, the fruits will become too watery and begin to burst. Water before and after flowering. During the same period, treat the plant with fungicidal solutions, protecting the bush from powdery mildew.
Important! If the summer is rainy, install a drainage system to remove excess water. Otherwise, the plant may be susceptible to disease.
Mulch the plant twice a year: in autumn and spring. Pay attention to the need for especially careful protection of the bush and root system during preparation for wintering. Use available materials such as mulch, hay, straw. If the grapes are about to have their first winter, place the vine in a wooden container without a bottom and cover the top with soil. This will allow the plant to survive at low temperatures.
Diseases and pests
Diseases strike the Cardinal quite often. The reason lies in the fact that the variety was bred on another continent and is not adapted to the climatic conditions of our continent. Often the plant is affected by mildew, gray rot, oidium, bacterial cancer, and grape budworm. Basically, this happens in the fall, when the harvest has already been harvested.
Preventing a disease is easier than treating it. Spray with fungicides before and after flowering, twice a season. If the plant still gets sick, you need to carry out additional spraying.
Where is the best place to grow?
The most suitable regions among the countries of the former USSR for cultivation are warm regions with black soil.
These include the south of Russia (Krasnodar region), the Ukrainian steppes, Moldova, and Transnistria. European countries include France, Greece, Italy, Spain, and Yugoslavia.
