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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, and on the other hand, are resistant to most typical grape diseases.
In addition, it was previously 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 yields 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 produce one of the earliest harvests. Due to such rapid maturation, this grape variety can be grown even in 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. Parents are Arcadia, crossed with Rapture, and Muscat summer. 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. Growth energy is significant, and since the variety can be overloaded with yield, mandatory normalization of inflorescences is required. About 80% of the shoots can be fruitful. It should be borne in mind that one to two full-fledged brushes can ripen on one vine.
The vine itself is bright brown in color, flexible and powerful. The leaves are medium in size, heart-shaped. Shoots ripen well for their entire length.
In terms of ripening, few grape varieties can compete with Harold. After all, the clusters begin to ripen in less than 100 days from the beginning of the swelling of the buds 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, harvesting grapes as late as possible, so that at the time of harvest it accumulates the maximum possible amount of sugar.
Since the flowers of this grape variety are bisexual, 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 can withstand up to -25 ° C, but in most regions of Our Country, except for the most southern 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 oidium – 3,5 points. But preventive treatments for diseases will be required in any case.
Description of grapes and berries
In terms of the size of clusters and berries, the Harold variety does not at all claim to be the champion. Its main advantage is rather the very early ripening of grapes in combination with an attractive taste.
The main characteristics of the berries and bunches of this grape variety are listed below:
- Brushes can be both conical and cylindrical, their weight varies from 400 to 700 grams;
- The density of the brushes can be medium or high;
- 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 – 20×24 mm;
- The pulp of the berries is juicy, although not very fleshy;
- The berries have seeds, one to three;
- The skin is dense, but when used it is practically not felt;
- Ripe berries have a yellow amber hue, they begin to “glow” in the sun;
- The taste of Harold grapes is harmonious, has a bright nutmeg aroma, which makes it an amazing homemade wine;
- The sugar level is about 20 g per 100 cubic meters. cm, acidity does not exceed 5 grams;
- Due to the dense skin of the grapes, on the one hand, they 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 subject 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 attributed to the universal varieties for its use. It is very tasty to eat fresh, it can make wonderful juice and compote, but it is also easy to make homemade wine from it, thanks to the sufficient sugar content in the fruit.
Among the shortcomings of the variety, one can note the fact that if the bushes are overloaded with a crop, then the taste of the grapes deteriorate sharply. Therefore, when growing it, do not forget about the normalization of inflorescences.
Reviews of gardeners about Harold grapes
Both experienced growers and ordinary summer residents speak warmly about Harold grapes. He captivates many with his undemanding cultivation and at the same time ultra-early harvesting dates.
Conclusion
Grapes are already boldly grown not only in the middle lane, but also to the north – in the Pskov and Leningrad regions, and it has reached the Siberian region. And all this is thanks to the enthusiasm on the one hand of breeders, and on the other hand gardeners who do not want to stand still, but who dream of diversifying the range of plants grown on their site.
