Valiant grapes are an early ripening variety (late August - early September). The variety was bred by American breeder R.M. Peterson. The plant is cold-resistant - can withstand up to -45 degrees. In general, grapes are considered a thermophilic crop, capable of growing only in the southern regions, but lately there have been many varieties that can withstand fairly large frosts. Among these species - Valiant grapes, characterized by excellent winter hardiness.
Breeding history
The emergence of a variety is the successful work of a foreign breeder, obtained by crossing Riparia and Fredonia. Officially, breeding experiments were completed in 1967, and varietal testing of Valiant grapes began only in 1972.
The variety got its name in vain, which means "brave". It is characterized by high frost resistance, excellent productivity and an early ripening period.
Grade description
The Valianta grape description says it has small clusters about ten centimeters long. The berries are small, round, large bones inside. The skin is easily separated from the pulp. After ripening, the berries become dark blue, almost black.
With the onset of technical maturity, grapes are gaining a fairly high sugar content - it ranges from 18-24%. Valiant grapes are characterized by high acidity - up to 10 g / l. The berries taste like Isabella. Grape juice is strongly colored, it feels a delicate strawberry flavor with hints of currant and pineapple.
The vine is highly developed, with excellent productivity. Under good conditions, up to 4 brushes can be on one shoot.
The variety belongs to the early. Even in those regions where other varieties are not grown because of the cold, Valiant feels great and has time to mature by the end of August and early September.
Characteristics
The Valiant grape variety is resistant to fungal diseases, but in rainy weather the resistance decreases and there is a chance that the plant will hurt. Because of this feature, for comfortable ripening of bunches, it is recommended to plant a variety in dry climatic zones. By mildew, the variety is relatively stable.
The main advantage of the variety is its phenomenal frost resistance. According to the assessment of the results of cultivating the variety, it is able to withstand up to -47 frosts, because of which it can not be covered even in regions where the temperature drops below -30, and also grown in Siberia, beyond the Urals.
Care Features
The variety grows well on sandy, sandy loamy, loamy soils. Despite the strong frost resistance, professional growers recommend gradually accustoming the variety to frost. To do this, in the first two winters it is recommended to cover the vine in the usual way. In the third year, leave one sleeve on the trellis.
If in spring there is a sharp change in frost with a thaw, it is recommended to lower the vine to the ground for wintering or lay it on the boards. From above it will be covered with snow.
Valiant is recommended for cultivation in the northern regions. It can even be raised in the Leningrad region and other regions that are in the same latitude with it. The plant takes root perfectly, gives an accelerated spring start, grows intensively and every year brings a good harvest.
Landing
To get a beautiful, powerful plant, you need to choose the right place for it. Grapes love sunny places protected from the winds. Because of this peculiarity of the vines, it is recommended to plant it near a fence or arbor, so that the plant can develop normally.
Landing is carried out according to the general scheme. First, a landing pit is prepared, in which chernozem, mineral fertilizer is introduced in accordance with the instructions attached to it. Everything is mixed up. Then water is poured into the pit and the plant is placed, sprinkled with soil.
Plant seedlings are placed at a distance of 50 cm from each other. The depth of the holes is about 40 cm; around the plant, the soil is mulched and watered.
In order to get a stable and high yield, it is necessary to carry out timely pruning, water the plant and make fertilizer.
Watering
Valiant is watered as the soil dries. It is important to understand that in cold climates the earth warms slightly, so it is important not to overfill the plant. As soon as the water is absorbed, loosening the soil around the bush. If mulch is introduced, then loosening is not done.
During watering, you must ensure that water does not fall on the clusters and leaves, as this can lead to disease.
Pruning
Pruning is carried out during the ripening period of the fruit, as well as in autumn. Cut grapes as necessary throughout the growing season.
In early August, the shoots are shortened by thirty centimeters. This action allows berries to get more nutrients.
In the fall, pruning the entire vine according to the rules for the formation of grapes. Some gardeners pruning in the spring.
Top dressing
And how to feed grapes in the spring for a good harvest, how and what fertilizers are used?
In early spring, when there is still snow, superphosphate is added under the grapes - per 1 sq. Km. m make about 40 g of fertilizer. This type of fertilizer is difficult to digest, so it is recommended to apply it as early as possible in spring. In this case, the nutrients from the granules will have time to absorb into the soil and will be ready for assimilation by the root system of the vine.
In May, the plant needs nitrogen to grow foliage. To ensure it, with the beginning of the awakening of the kidneys, it is recommended to water the vines with chicken infusion infusion. It contains a lot of nitrogen, as well as beneficial micro and macro elements, including magnesium and other beneficial substances.
To prepare the infusion of chicken manure, one part of the liquid substrate must be mixed with two parts of water and left to wander for a week in a warm place. After that, the resulting concentrate is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10. The grapes are watered with a ready-made solution, spending about a liter per vine. Do not pour the solution under the root, it is best to make a groove and pour the composition there. Then the soil is leveled and spilled abundantly with water.
Many gardeners wonder, what else to feed the grapes in the spring for a good harvest? You can make an infusion of ash (1 l) and sugar (3 tablespoons) under the bush. The product is mixed and poured under the bush.
Reviews
According to reviews, Valiant grapes are something closely resembling our Isabella. He is also small, but his berries are denser to each other. They taste almost the same. The only difference is frost resistance. Variant is distinguished by excellent winter hardiness. Otherwise, the variety is quite worthy of the attention of gardeners, since it does not require special efforts when growing.