The grape variety "Arcadia" has long become a real decoration of both home plots and large vineyards. This variety deserved such universal love of winegrowers not only because of the high quality of the crop, but also because of its unusually high resistance to different weather conditions and easy survival in different climatic regions.
This early grape deservedly takes one of ten places of honor in the list of the world grape assortment. I am particularly pleased that growing the Arkady grape variety in your garden plot will not make any difficulties for you, and we will describe how to do it correctly.
Description of the features of the grape variety "Arcadia"
This grape variety has long established itself not only in its homeland, Ukraine, but also in Russia and Western Europe. Odessa IVIV them. Tairova rightly considers Arcadia to be her greatest pride, since the variety was bred here.
For the selection of "Arcadia" were used two grape varieties with different qualities:
- Grape sort "Moldova"which was for the "Arcadia" donor resistance to the effects of external adverse conditions.
- "Cardinal" - A grape variety with a high quality gene of the fruit of the described variety.
As a result, an excellent grape variety was obtained, capable of producing unusually large harvests of large grapes. Also, this variety is known under another name - "Nastya."
Distinctive features of grape bunches of the variety "Arkady"
Clusters of this variety are able to reach not just large sizes, but very large ones. Their weight varies from indicators in 0.6 to 2.5 kilograms. In size, the clusters are aligned, have either a conical or cylindroconical shape. But, very often there are clusters with "wings", the scope of which can be quite large. The structure of a bunch of grapes is usually loose, but there are also those that have an average density of berries.
Not surprisingly, the size of the berries of this grape is also very large. On average, the original heart-shaped or standard egg-shaped berries have a height of 3.7 centimeters, and a width of about 2.8 centimeters. They weigh about 10 grams, although under favorable conditions and good care can reach values in 15 grams. The skin color of the berry is very beautiful amber, the skin itself, although not thick, but very durable, provides good transportability.
The surface of the skin is covered with a thin layer of white prune (wax). The pulp of the berries is distinguished by its fleshy structure and extraordinary juiciness. The taste of the berries is characterized by an extraordinary sweet taste, which harmonizes perfectly with the delicate pleasant nutmeg aroma. It should be noted that the amount of sugar content in 100 cm3 of the volume of a berry is 16-17 grams. At the same time, the acidity of 1 liter of fruit "Arcadia" is only 6-7 grams.
The main purpose of the grape "Arcadia" is of course table. His beautiful bunches with delicious berries will decorate any table. Due to the excellent presentation and suitability for transportation, these grapes are often specially grown for sale. Widely used in winemaking.
All about the yield of grape varieties "Arcadia"
This variety pleases with crops always big and very early. In particular, the removable ripeness of the grapes of the Arkadi grapes occurs 125 days after the entry into the vegetative period. The average yield of one bush is about 20 kilograms.
Some winegrowers argue convincingly that, due to the good and proper care of the bush, in one season even more than 50 kilograms of beautiful grapes can be removed. In general, the coefficient of fruitfulness of this variety ranges from 0.9 to 1.5, which is a fairly high figure.
The bush of this variety is capable of an average growth force, but it is capable of growing to a sufficiently large size. It is worth noting that the shoots of grape bush varieties "Arcadia" perfectly matured, although sometimes they can adversely affect the bad weather. Among all the shoots about 55-75% are fruitful.
It is capable of pollinating on its own, as it has a bisexual flower. In addition, with the help of this grape you can pollinate varieties such as "Talisman" and "Laura", although he himself is perfectly capable of growing separately from other varieties.
The main advantages of grapes "Arcadia"
In Ukraine, this variety is considered the best in the three areas that are most involved in the cultivation of grapes: in Lviv, Zaporizhzhya, and undoubtedly in the Crimea. Thus, we can conclude about the wide area of zoning of this grape variety, because if it is considered the best even in Lviv, then it is very likely that even in the North of Ukraine, as well as in all of Central Russia, it will also be able to bear fruit perfectly.
Also worth noting high rates of resistance of grapes "Arcadia" to frost: The temperature drop tolerance to -21-23ºС is good, if you cover the bush with a film - it is not damaged even at -26ºС. Also, the advantages of the brand are as follows:
- Absolutely not affected by mildew - a disease that can affect not only the vine and its leaves, but the grapes themselves.
- Grapes "Arkady" is able to very quickly enter into the fruiting period: in the second year after vaccination on the old stock, and the third when planting these grapes with a sapling.
- Large yields of beautiful and tasty bunches of grapes are very well able to be transported, which is ensured by a strong skin.
Cons grapes "Arcadia" - what you need to know before planting on your site
"Arcadia" is not enough able to withstand the defeat of diseases such as oidium, as well as gray mold. So that they could not hit the vine, it is very important to carry out preventive spraying twice in one season.
Also, this grape is very not tolerate changes in soil moisture. It is very important to regulate it artificially, otherwise the berries can be found already on practically ripe grapes.
Also, the variety requires special attention during the bunching. Very often the vine can be overloaded, after which the crop becomes shallow. Therefore, it is optimal to leave one bunch on one shoot of a bush.
Planting grapes "Arcadia" on the plot. Recommendations
To grow good grapes, it is important not only to choose an excellent variety with good yields. After all, its inexperience easily ruin even the best seedling. First of all, it is very important to choose the right place and soil for planting grapes. After all, this cultivated plant can bear fruit well only in conditions of good access to a bush of sufficient amount of sunlight and the absence of cold northern winds.
It is also interesting to read about planting grapes in autumn and spring.
Thus, this culture is best able to grow on the south side of buildings. The soil is better to pick a light and fertile, able to warm up well. It is quite important that the soil could easily pass water through itself, since the excess moisture negatively affects the grape harvest.
What time does the grapes land?
The best thing plant grapes "Arcadia" in the spring. Thus, he will be able to immediately begin to grow and the danger of freezing of a grape seedling or a scion will be avoided. However, grafting grapes for the winter will be just as effective. Indeed, in this way it will be possible to get grapes from an old grape bush, cut it off, plant a new one and, thus, accelerate the development of a new one.
What type of planting to choose for breeding grapes "Arcadia"?
As already noted, this variety can be propagated both by planting seedlings and by grafting. In the second case, a big advantage will be that the old already firmly established wood will be able to make the young bush more sustainable. Thanks to this planting the bush will also grow much faster. With a good top dressing, grafted grapes will bear fruit very well. Even it is necessary to thin out the formed clusters.
However, experienced winegrowers note that it is during the growth on its own roots, the grapes "Arcadia" is able to produce much more tasty yields. Thus, if you do not pursue the abundance and rapid entry of the vine into fruiting, and grow grapes for yourself - it is better to choose this option.
Instructions for planting grape saplings "Arcadia"
First you need to purchase a suitable seedling of this variety. It is important that its roots have a fresh and good appearance, are not damaged or dried. Evidence of a healthy root system is the white color of the roots. It is very important that the color of the cross-section of the seedling is green. Next, proceed to the direct landing:
- We prepare the pit in advance. If you are going to plant several seedlings - the space between the pits should be at least 1 meter. The depth of the pit is twice the roots of a grape seedling.
- We immediately fertilize the hole: at its bottom we fall asleep the top layer of soil, removed when digging the hole, mixed with humus. This fertilizer must be covered with a layer of simple soil, so as not to burn the seedling.
- Before planting, the seedling needs to be held for about a day in the water, and also cut off the tips of its roots, using a very sharp shears. The growth of seedlings can be accelerated by dipping its roots in a solution of a special preparation called “Humat”. For the solution you need to use a maximum of 10 drops of the drug, diluted in 1 liter of water.
- It is necessary to lower a sapling in a hole until 5 centimeters from the soil to the root collar. It is necessary to dig in carefully, gradually filling the pit with earth.
- It is recommended to dig a support near the grape seedling, to which it will be tied up.
- After planting, the seedling is watered, and the soil around it is mulched.
Grafting "Arcadia" on an old grape stock
In order to carry out a qualitative grape graft grafting, it is very important to prepare the cutting itself for prematurely. Take a large stalk is not worth it, it will be enough 2-3 eyes. The lower part must be cut off from two sides with a wedge, so that there are still two "shoulders". The stalk will be more located to root on the rootstock, if you hold it for several days before inoculation with water. It will positively affect the cutting and dipping it in “Gumat”, as we recommended to do with the seedling above.
Over the stock also have a little work. Besides the fact that the old bush will need to be completely removed, leaving only a low stump, the cut must be carefully cleaned. The surface of the trunk must be perfectly smooth and clean, for which it is rubbed with a damp cloth. Further, the stock must be very carefully split, forming a slit for it. We start vaccination:
- The cutting is placed in the split in such a way that the cut-off areas on it touch the stock wood, and the “hangers” remain in the gap space.
- A split stock must be very tightly pulled, using a durable fabric that can decompose. Many winegrowers wrapped the shtamb also with a film in order to retain more moisture in it and to protect it from frostbite in winter.
- Also, it is important to dig a support near the trunk, on which a rooted and rooted cutting will twist.
- For the winter, the grams with the grafted cuttings are coated with clay, which will guarantee the preservation of moisture in the trunk.
For greater stability of the cutting it is recommended to wax. This procedure is carried out very carefully, since the cutting must be dipped literally for a second into paraffin melted in water and immediately cooled in water. It is important not only not to damage the cuttings with hot paraffin, but also not to burn yourself.
Good grape harvest - the right care
Grapes "Arcadia" in any case will delight you with its abundant crops. However, if it is also well cared for - clusters of grapes, like the berries themselves, will grow unusually large.
- Watering should be optimal to weather conditions. Regular watering is usually carried out only before flowering and after it. Also, it is necessary to bring moisture into the soil during the drought period in order to the harvest did not feel much change in soil moisture.
- With the help of mulching and mineral dressing, you can very significantly influence the growth of the vine and its shoots. Positively, these activities are displayed on the harvest. Therefore, mulching the soil around the vine with 3 centimeter layer of humus necessarily held in spring and autumn, and potassium phosphate fertilizers It is better to make only in the spring, so as not to stimulate the growth of wood in the autumn.
- Pruning of the grape bush should be carried out regularly during the period when the vine is in a state of rest. It is best to form a fan shape of 3-4 grape sleeves. When trimming each sleeve shortened by 8-12 eyes. Optimally leave on the grape bush varieties "Arcadia" about 35-45 eyes. With more of them, it is possible to overload a bush with a crop. On large and adult bushes is the optimal load and 55 holes.
- During the flowering period, it is important to regulate the number of clusters on each shoot. Optimally leave only one bunch for one runaway. Thus, the bunch will really be able to form a large one and fill with large berries.
- In order to protect the grapes from frost, it must be covered. To cover the grapes well, after trimming, the bush can be completely laid on the ground and cover with soil or cover with foil (when covering with a film, it is important to ensure that the vine does not spread). Only planted or grafted grapes are covered with a tub with an embossed bottom and completely covered with soil.
- The grapes "Arcadia" is not quite resistant to various diseases, so it should be regularly sprayed for prevention. The number of sprays per season should be at least two. They are held in the same period when watering the vine. For spraying fungicides are used. Very well protects the grapes from diseases Bordeaux liquid in a concentration of not more than 1%.
