Viking is a black table grape, one of the earliest ripening in its category. It has a specific taste and not everyone likes it. Suitable for cultivation in most regions of Russia, but does not produce a stable harvest everywhere. The variety is characterized by rapid growth at the beginning of the growing season, so the bushes require long pruning. Viking is a medium-sized grape variety.
History of selection
Viking was bred by Ukrainian breeder Vitaly Zagorulko. This winegrower has created many varieties with unique taste characteristics.All of them are suitable for cultivation in Ukraine and Russia, but mainly in its southern and southwestern regions.
The Viking variety arose as a result of crossing Kodryanka and Red Delight (SOZ-1, Zosya). Both species have early ripening periods and are distinguished by large berries and clusters. Viking has the “roots” of Amur grapes, since the Zosya hybrid was bred from European and Amur varieties.
The grapes have not undergone variety testing in Russia, but despite this, they have been actively grown in the country for several years.
According to Zagorulko himself, Viking is ideal for regions with a climate close to Zaporozhye (with dry summers, moderately cool, mild winters).
Main characteristics
The grapes ripen in 100-110 days (on average), the harvest can be harvested at the end of summer. The sugar content of the berries is average (15-17%), as is the acidity. Low yield, optimal load on the bush – 22-26 shoots. Often the bushes are underloaded.
The berries are dense and juicy. The skin is not felt when eaten, but at the same time it protects the fruit from flying insects. Viking is intended primarily for fresh consumption, but is occasionally used for the production of mixed wines. The variety has a characteristic berry aroma and an unusual taste, which combines notes of cherries, prunes and plums. Fruits quickly accumulate sugar in warm or even hot weather.
Description of appearance:
- conical clusters, above average in weight - from 600 grams to 1 kilogram;
- the berries are large, weighing from 8 to 14 grams, larger than a five-ruble coin, dark blue in color;
- bisexual inflorescences (this promotes rapid pollination);
- leaves are five-lobed;
- The shoots are powerful and quickly grow up to 2-3 meters.
It does not tolerate cold well and begins to die at temperatures of -21 °C and below. It does not survive persistent frosts without good shelter.
Pros and cons of the variety
The variety tolerates transportation well, its berries remain marketable until the end of September. On the bushes, the fruits do not crack, but dry out to the state of raisins. Despite all this, the species is not commercial, as it does not have a sufficient level of productivity. The main advantages of the variety are its interesting taste, rapid ripening and large size.
The main disadvantages of the type:
- instability to temperature changes;
- low resistance to most diseases;
- capriciousness, because of which not everyone succeeds in growing grapes.
In conditions of increased heat, the yield of bushes decreases. The berries become small and change their taste. As a rule, such changes occur in the 3rd year of cultivation.
How to plant correctly?
The hybrid takes root well in chernozem soil; it is best planted in the southwestern or southern part of the garden. The planting area should not have strong winds or high groundwater. If the ground is waterlogged, then drainage is performed or another place for the grapes is chosen.
Infertile soil is saturated with microelements before planting. Special mixtures (Novofert), wood ash, and humus prepared in the fall are used. It is optimal to plant cuttings from mid to late spring, during the daytime, at temperatures from +14 to +22 °C.
Before planting, you need to check the integrity of the root system of each seedling. It is desirable that it have 3-4 roots 10-15 centimeters long and 2-3 millimeters thick. The plant should be elastic, not brittle.After checking the seedling, cylindrical holes with a depth of 60-80 centimeters are dug. A prerequisite is to maintain a distance of 2.5-3.5 meters between bushes.
Before planting, you can place humus or other fertilizer in the hole (layer - 25 centimeters).
A mound of fertile soil forms on the surface, and the roots of the seedling straighten out. The plant is placed in the hole at an angle, immediately secured with a support and watered with warm water (2-2.5 buckets per 1 hole). The soil is loosened.
Growing and care
The main condition is not to over-moisten the soil. Frequent watering leads to 3 consequences:
- development of fungal diseases;
- fruit cracking;
- change in taste, decrease in sugar content.
Therefore, the variety is not suitable for growing in regions with frequent summer rains. On average, it is watered 6-7 times from planting to the end of harvest. The bushes are not moistened during flowering and ripening of berries. The grapes are pruned in the middle or late autumn, leaving from 3 to 10 fruiting shoots. For the first 3 years it is better to leave a minimum number of shoots. For the winter, the plant must be covered; a protective layer of sawdust or peat is laid around the roots.
Disease resistance
The variety is resistant to mildew due to its early ripening period. It is not resistant to other fungal diseases. It is advisable to treat the plant with fungicides at the beginning of the growing season, and then before and after flowering.
You can use Bordeaux liquid or other preparations, such as Strobi and Ardent. The plant is resistant to flying insects due to its dense skin.
