Description and characteristics of the Witch's Fingers grape variety, history and cultivation rules

The Witch's Fingers grape variety is a hybrid and is characterized as an elite variety. The fruits are valued for their unusual appearance and high taste. The variety was obtained by crossing several species using hand pollination.

History of the variety's creation

The exquisite Witch's Fingers grape was bred by Californian breeders in 2002. The variety has rapidly become widespread because it has unusual characteristics due to the hybridization of American grapes with other Mediterranean varieties.

Botanical description

The Witch's Fingers grape is included in the category of red table grapes. The grape vines are vigorous and are often used for decorative purposes. The flowers are hermaphroditic and are capable of self-pollination. According to the time of ripening, the variety is classified as early ripening.

Bush

With proper care and favorable climatic conditions, grape bushes grow tall, dense and strong. Due to the large amount of foliage, the bushes require periodic pruning.

Appearance and taste of fruits

The shape of ripened fruits is tubular, oblong. The color is dark blue, gradually turning into purple with black accents. The surface of the fruit is matte.

Specifications

When growing grapes, it is necessary to take into account its technical properties and susceptibility to various environmental conditions.

Creating an environment favorable for the growth of berries has a positive effect on the quality and quantity of the harvest.

Frost resistance

The plant is heat-loving, frost resistance is average. The bushes are able to endure temperature drops down to -23 degrees. On the eve of frost, it is recommended to remove the vines from the trellis and protect them from the cold with the help of covering material.

Climatic conditions of growth

The variety is unpretentious in care and can withstand the climatic conditions of central Russia, while demonstrating high yields. It is possible to grow Witch's fingers both on an industrial scale and in private areas.

Disease resistance

The grapes are resistant to a wide range of common diseases, including downy mildew and penospora. This variety is not susceptible to disease due to its high sugar content and reduced acidity.

Ripening period and yield

Ripening period is early-medium. The first fruits ripen by mid-summer, 115-120 days after the start of flowering. The bushes grow massive clusters weighing from 0.7 to 1.5 kg. The weight of one berry is 7-10 g. Compared to other varieties, the yield is average.

Breeding and planting

When planting and further growing grapevines, a number of rules must be followed. In order to consistently obtain a healthy and large harvest, you need to choose a suitable seedling, decide on its location and provide constant care.

Selection of seedlings

When choosing a seedling with an open root system, it is recommended to take into account several nuances. In particular:

1. The color of the roots should be light. If the main part of the roots has darkened, then the bush will most likely not take root and will rot.
2. After treatment with pruning shears, the cut root should be creamy in color.
3. There should be no thickening or visible damage on the roots, indicating infection or pest damage.

Planting pattern and depth

A grape plantation is started, starting with the choice of location. For the Witch's Fingers variety, sunny areas protected from draft winds and flooding are suitable.It is recommended to leave a distance of 1-1.5 m between bushes.

The soil is prepared by plowing to a depth of 60-80 cm. The depth of the hole for placing the seedling is also up to 80 cm, and the width is about 1 m.

Feeding young shoots

For intensive plant development, fertilizing is required when planting a seedling. Compost, mineral fertilizers and rotted manure are placed at the bottom of the dug hole. The soil is diluted with coarse sand and black soil.

Tips for caring for crops

Regular and proper care is the key to obtaining a high-quality harvest. Caring for vineyards involves constant inspection for timely detection of diseases, soil cultivation, fertilizing and elimination of unfavorable factors.

Loosening the soil

Deep loosening of the soil is carried out every autumn. The earth is dug up to a depth of about 1 m in order to mix the lower and upper layers. As a result of thorough loosening, the soil is completely saturated with nutritional components, which are transferred to the roots of the plant. In addition to deep loosening, it is recommended to periodically loosen the top layer of soil so that liquid and precipitation do not stagnate.

Regularity of watering

It is important to maintain regular watering of the Witch's Fingers variety, since a lack of liquid leads to insufficient development of bushes and a reduction in yield. Overmoistening of the soil provokes rotting of the roots, as a result of which the plants die.

When growing young seedlings, a hole is formed and watering is carried out only within its boundaries.

After the vines grow, water the ground under the bushes. During the season, the soil is moistened several times, observing the external condition of the plants. Immediately after planting, the seedlings are watered once a week, reducing the frequency over time.

Fertilizer

Grapes require complex fertilizers with a high content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The substances are responsible for stimulating the growth of green mass, the formation of inflorescences and ovaries, increasing resistance to frost, increasing the amount of yield, and improving taste characteristics.

The first fertilizer is applied at the stage of planting grapes. Then you need to fertilize the plants in the spring for active growth and 10 days before the formation of ovaries. 3-4 weeks before harvest, final fertilizing is used to increase fruit weight and improve shelf life.

Treatment against infections and pests

Despite the resistance of the Witch's Fingers variety to diseases, if care rules are violated or the climate is unfavorable, there is a risk of developing an infection or attack by harmful insects.

Signs of grape damage are:

• dark spots on leaves;
• mold formation;
• root rotting;
• the appearance of plaque on the green part of the plant.

To protect the bushes and for preventive purposes, it is necessary to spray the plants with insecticidal and fungicidal preparations. Large pests can be removed from green spaces yourself.

Pruning and shaping the vines

Pruning of the vine is required to ensure sufficient sunlight and air reach the grapes. The plant can be formed in the spring, when the risk of return frosts has disappeared, or in early autumn. During the pruning process, old branches, rotten leaves and excess green matter are removed. The secondary purpose of shaping grapevines is to provide a decorative appearance.

Preparing grapes for winter

Before the onset of the first frost, it is necessary to prepare the vineyard and protect the bushes with covering material.The need for shelter arises when there is frost below -25 degrees or during autumn pruning. As a material for protecting bushes, you can use a dense film of reinforced polyethylene or burlap.

When covering grapes, care should be taken to partially ventilate the plants to prevent them from rotting. It is also important not to cover the bushes prematurely, since during periods when positive temperatures prevail, the plant needs natural growing conditions.

Where is the Witch's Fingers harvest used?

Due to their unusual taste characteristics, the collected fruits are often used for fresh consumption. The Witch's Fingers variety is practically not used for making wine and juice. If it is necessary to preserve part of the harvest after harvest, it is allowed to freeze the berries or leave them for a short period in a cool, dark place. To prevent the crop from losing its taste characteristics, during storage it is necessary to prevent exposure to sunlight and high humidity.