The Velika grape variety appeared in Bulgaria. The famous breeder Ivan Todorov, who has developed many varieties of grapes over the years, calls it one of his best creations. Wine is not made from this grape, it belongs to the table type. Variety Velika - early, capable of producing large yields of large, sweet berries.
Velika grapes: description
The main characteristics of the variety:
- The appearance of the bush. It grows and branches rapidly, which is why it is recommended to form it already in the first year. The leaves are medium and round. The outer surface of the leaf is smooth and the inner surface is wrinkled.
- Berries. Large (38 * 23 mm) and elongated, from dark red to dark purple. The skin is firm and firm. Thanks to these features, the fruits do not crack or spread with excess moisture. The sweet and sour, bright taste of Veliki is distinctive and does not resemble the fruits of other varieties. Despite the high sugar content, the berries do not attract wasps. The clusters are large, conical in shape. One bunch can weigh over 600 grams.
Velika grapes
- Productivity. Under good conditions, the variety is capable of producing up to 10 kg of berries from one bush. Begins to bear fruit in the third year after planting. The bushes give a harvest every year, as even the replaced buds bear fruit.
- Frost resistance. This grape variety is characterized by medium frost resistance. In Velika's homeland, the temperature in winter does not drop below 22 degrees, therefore, in the conditions of severe winters, the bushes need to provide shelter.
- Ripening period. Early or mid-early variety. Depending on the climate conditions, the berries ripen within 130-145 days. The structure of the berries allows ripe clusters to remain on the branches for a long time. The dense skin will protect the fruits from rain and sun.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like all grape varieties, it has its own advantages and disadvantages. Advantages:
- Fast growth. The bush grows quickly and begins to harvest early;
- The original taste of berries;
- High resistance of berries to cracking, the possibility of long-term storage of the harvested crop;
- High yield rates.
Velika grapes
But it also has its drawbacks:
- The bush is very voluminous, takes up a lot of space on the site and requires constant formation and care from the grower;
- Average resistance to diseases requires increased attention to pests and regular preventive work.
Growing and care
Planting of Veliki seedlings is possible in spring and autumn. If you decide to start a vineyard in spring, the best time for this is from March to May.
Landing place
The variety is very thermophilic, choosing a site for planting, you need to take this feature into account and give preference to the southern or southwestern side of the vineyard. Velika grows best on the middle part of the slope, this location does not allow the roots to freeze.
This is a variety that produces a large harvest with careful care. The grower must take into account the main feature of caring for him - the need for disease prevention.
Spraying should be done three times:
- in the spring, when the shoots grow up to 9-11 cm;
- when the buds begin to tie;
- at the end of flowering, when the berries begin to appear.
If you follow all agrotechnical recommendations, you can enjoy sweet large berries from year to year.
