The grape is considered a culture with traditional forms. Exotics are more common in other berries. But American breeders surprised gardeners by creating a hybrid of a grape variety and a Mediterranean type of berries. As a result, the amazing grape "Witch Fingers" was born. Not only the name is unique, but also the appearance of the grapes.
It was first grown in 2001. Currently, the plantations of this grape variety are located in the state of California in a vineyard in the San Joaquin Valley. This is the only place where a unique hybrid is grown. Californian breeders presented an interesting table variety with unusual berries. It is worth getting to know him better. Therefore, the description of the variety, photos and reviews of the "Witch's Fingers" grape will be useful to everyone who is going to grow it on the site.
It is almost impossible to buy seedlings in Russia, they are available only from Western breeders. If you come across an ad: "Selling grape seedlings" Witch fingers ", be sure to ask where they are grown. It should be noted that in the Kuban region there is already such a variety in some areas and gardeners are very pleased with their purchase.
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Description of the variety
It’s worth starting with the most attractive part of the description - the appearance. After all, the "Witch's Fingers" grape variety is of most interest to gardeners due to this characteristic.
The uniqueness of the variety is given by the berries, or rather, by their shape.
Unusual grapes resemble paprika, gardeners also call the variety by a different name - "chili". But this species is not at all alone. The presence of clones sometimes makes it difficult to identify the variety, the most similar is the Alyonushka grape. The grapes "Witch fingers" have very effective berries. They have a tubular elongated shape and a deep dark blue color, in some places with a matte dark purple tint. Some gardeners note that the grapes resemble the twisted fingers of an old lady. This can be confirmed by a photo of the fruit of the "Witch's Fingers" grape.
Taste the grapes are very sweet and rich, reminiscent of plum. The peel is slightly sour, but this combination, on the contrary, enriches the taste. The aroma with notes of duchess and apples confirms that breeders have used many European and American species to create the variety.
Ripe fruits do not grow at all small in size, but there are almost no seeds in them and they are small. Therefore, "Witch's Fingers" many gardeners classified as a variety of raisins and is considered an elite grape variety... The dimensions of one berry are 10x30 cm, and the weight is about 10 g. The pulp is very juicy and darker than the skin. It should also be mentioned that the hybrid belongs to table grape varieties. You need to eat fresh berries. They are not subject to storage, they are eaten immediately after purchase or from a branch of a bush.
Bunches on the bushes they ripen of impressive size and weight. The weight of one grona varies from 0.7 kg to 1.5 kg. They have the correct harmonious shape, average density.
Bush is characterized by high growth vigor. Therefore, for the vine growers construct two-level trellises with a height of 2-3 m. Young shoots on plants are painted in light green, and mature ones - in light brown.
Regular pruning is recommended.
The flowers are bisexual, so the variety called "Witch's Fingers" does not require pollinator proximity.
Ripening period... According to the description of the variety, the "Witch's fingers" grape belongs to the mid-early period. The crop is ready for harvest 115-120 days after the start of the growing season.The usual collection time is the end of July.
Frost resistance the varieties are very good. Bushes can withstand temperatures up to -25 without shelter0C. At lower temperatures, the vine must be protected from freezing. Therefore, gardeners successfully grow grape varieties in the middle lane.
Disease resistance... Breeders initially laid good immunity against diseases and pest infestations in the variety. A high level of resistance in the grape variety is noted to downy mildew, bacterial cancer. The most pleasant news for gardeners is indifference to the variety of wasps and other insects. But this only applies to whole berries. As soon as cracks or cuts appear, insects will not mind eating juice. But the birds will have to use protective structures.
The description of the "Witch's Fingers" grape variety is clearly confirmed by photos and videos:
Breeding and planting
If you are lucky enough to buy seedlings of grapes "Witch fingers", then planting should be given maximum attention. The further development of the bush depends on the quality of the event. In the description of the "Witch's Fingers" grapes, it is noted that the best planting time is winter or early spring. In this case, the landing pits are prepared in advance 1.5 months before the scheduled date. The dimensions of the holes are standard - at least 70 cm. The soil is prepared fertile, necessarily adding organic matter and superphosphate. The variety responds well to the introduction of wood ash when planting. A seedling that is planted in winter must be covered or sprinkled with sawdust to protect it from frost.
Spring planting is also done according to the traditional rules.
A place for planting seedlings is chosen with good lighting and ventilation. This will prevent the occurrence of many diseases. Simultaneously with the small seedling, a pole is placed in the pit, on which it is then easy to attach a protective cloth and a watering tube. After planting, the plant is watered and the peri-stem circle is mulched.
Care requirements
The description suggests that the variety should not be classified as unpretentious. It is better to take care of careful care so that the overseas grapes will delight their owner with amazing fruits for a long time.
What you need to pay special attention to:
Watering... A certain level of moisture is very important for the "Witch's Fingers" grape bushes. Adult bushes are watered once a month. The water is not taken cold, but the procedure is prescribed for the evening. During the flowering period, watering is suspended, otherwise there is a risk of flowers falling and a decrease in the yield of the variety. The last time the bushes are watered 2 weeks before the onset of frost. The weather forecast will help you to find out the exact date. This is a water-charging irrigation that must not be missed. It will allow the variety to tolerate frost well. Young seedlings of the variety require moistening once every 2 weeks.
Sawdust or moss are best suited for the variety as a mulch layer.
Top dressing... "Witch's fingers" will have to be fed regularly.
The variety must be applied in the spring with nitrogen substances, in the summer - phosphorus and potash. For spring nutrition, gardeners are advised to use complex mineral compositions. At the time of ripening, the fruits need potassium and phosphorus mineral supplements. In the same period, foliar feeding is very useful for grapes. A composition of 10 liters of water, 40 g of superphosphate and 20 g of potassium sulfate is suitable. The ingredients are mixed and sprayed over the leaf. In the fall, be sure to repeat the complex feeding. Organic matter is introduced into the soil in the fall and no more than once every 3 years. This is done after the foliage has fallen off.
In addition to watering and nutrition, attention must be paid disease prevention... Although the variety is resistant, during the growing season, 2 preventive fungicide treatments are carried out for it. The first treatment is needed after the leaves bloom. The second - during the ripening of grapes. Treatment with colloidal sulfur, "Skor", "Topaz", "Tiovit-Jet" helps to prevent the appearance of downy mildew.
At the same time, it is necessary to monitor the level of soil moisture. For the prevention of bacterial cancer use "Fitoflavin", "Phytoplasmin", "Extrasol". The "Witch's Fingers" variety is almost not affected by this ailment, but gardeners are better off playing it safe. Birds and rodents are dangerous for grapes. They are saved from the latter by ash or peat with creolin, scattering them around the bush.
It is best to scare away birds with ultrasonic devices or special nets.
Testimonials
There are not very many reviews of grapes of this variety, because it is far from easy to purchase seedlings.
