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About half a century ago, winegrowers were convinced that the more stable the variety of a particular grape, the more it loses in quality and taste. Over the past decades, this statement has been constantly refuted by the emergence of unique hybrid varieties that, on the one hand, have excellent taste and other characteristics, on the other hand, are resistant to most typical grape sores.
In addition, it used to be considered simply unrealistic to grow elite table grapes at the latitude of the Moscow region and to the north. Now, about a hundred varieties of grapes have appeared, which are distinguished by a special delicious taste, good yield, and at the same time have increased resistance to difficult climatic conditions. One example is the Harold grape, which is not only able to grow in the climatic conditions of the middle lane, but can also give one of the earliest harvests. Due to such a quick ripening, this grape variety can be grown even in the conditions of Siberia with its short summer.
History of creation and description of the variety
The table hybrid form of Harold grapes was obtained by scientific breeders in the city of Novocherkassk at the Potapenko Institute of Viticulture. The parents are Arcadia, crossed with Delight, and Summer Muscat. The resulting grape variety turned out to be very successful in many respects, therefore it is grown with pleasure not only by professionals, but also by ordinary summer residents and gardeners.
Harold grape bushes are tall, so they need mandatory pruning and shaping. The growth energy is significant and since the variety can be overloaded with the harvest, it is necessary to normalize the inflorescences. About 80% of the shoots can be fruitful. It should be borne in mind that from one to two full-fledged brushes can ripen on one vine.
The vine itself is bright brown in color, flexible and powerful. Leaves are medium in size, heart-shaped. Shoots ripen well over their entire length.
When it comes to ripening, few grapes can rival Harold. After all, the bunches begin to ripen less than 100 days after the beginning of the bud swelling on the vine in the spring. Depending on the region, this can occur from mid-July to early August. And the most attractive property of this grape variety is that the berries can hang on the bushes until mid-September without being damaged by wasps, without crumbling and retaining their original appearance. This is often used by winemakers, picking grapes as late as possible, so that at the time of harvesting it accumulates the maximum possible amount of sugar.
Since the flowers grapes of this variety bisexual, then it does not need pollinator varieties for full fruiting. In the video below, see how early Harold blooms.
The frost resistance of grape bushes is good - they are able to withstand up to -25 ° C, but in most regions of Russia, except for the southernmost ones, they will need to be covered for the winter. It shows good resistance to the main diseases of grapes, to mildew - 3 points, to powdery mildew - 3.5 points. But preventive treatments for diseases will be required in any case.
Description of bunches and berries
In terms of the size of the bunches and berries, the Harold variety does not at all claim to be a champion. Its main advantage is rather the very early maturation of grapes, combined with an attractive taste.
The following are the main characteristics of the berries and bunches of this grape variety:
- Brushes can be either conical or cylindrical; their weight varies from 400 to 700 grams;
- The density of the brushes can be medium or high;
- The grapes are well attached to the stalk, so they do not fall off for a long time;
- The shape of the berries is oval, slightly pointed at the very tip;
- The weight of the berries is small, 5-7 grams, although their size is quite large - 20x24 mm;
- The flesh of the berries is juicy, although not very fleshy;
- The berries contain seeds, one to three;
- The skin is dense, but practically not felt when consumed;
- Ripe berries have a yellow amber hue, they begin to "glow" in the sun;
- Harold grapes have a harmonious taste with a bright nutmeg aroma, which makes it an amazing homemade wine;
- The sugar level is about 20 g per 100 cc. cm, acidity does not exceed 5 grams;
- Thanks to the dense skin, grapes, on the one hand, are not damaged by wasps, on the other hand, they are well stored and easily transported over long distances.
In addition to the above characteristics, it should be noted that the berries are resistant to cracking, and the grape variety itself is not susceptible to peas.
By watching the video below, you can get a complete picture of the bunches and berries of Harold grapes.
Interestingly, Harold grapes can be classified as universal varieties in terms of their use. It is very tasty for fresh consumption, it can make a wonderful juice and compote, but it is also easy to make homemade wine from it, thanks to the sufficient sugar content in the fruits.
Among the disadvantages of the variety, one can note the fact that if the overload of the bushes with the harvest is allowed, then the taste of the grapes sharply deteriorates. Therefore, when growing it, do not forget about the normalization of the inflorescences.
Reviews of gardeners about grapes Harold
Both experienced winegrowers and ordinary summer residents speak warmly about Harold grapes. He bribes many with his undemanding cultivation and, at the same time, the very early dates for obtaining crops.
Conclusion
Grapes are already boldly grown not only in the middle lane, but also to the north - in the Pskov and Leningrad regions, it has reached the Siberian region. And all this is thanks to the enthusiasm, on the one hand, of scientists-breeders, and on the other hand, gardeners-gardeners who do not want to stand still, but dream of adding variety to the range of plants grown on their site.
