Grapes Catalonia

The Catalonia grape is a newly created hybrid that has a good reputation. This variety is popular not only among summer residents and winegrowers, but also among farmers. The special properties of Catalonia distinguish the variety from other types of grapes and make it the best choice for planting.

Breeder Alexander Burdak crossed two grape varieties: Talisman and Burgundy mantle. The result is a hybrid species called Catalonia. Catalonia received a decorative and attractive appearance from the Burgundy mantle, while she borrowed her taste from the Talisman. A simple cross between the two grape varieties resulted in the best unpretentious high yield hybrid. The author classifies his variety as a dark red-violet species and distinguishes it as a table variety.

Catalonia is one of the successfully crossed grape varieties, capable of producing a harvest from the first year after planting. This species is characterized by large bushes and the ripening of many large fruits that do not crack. Ripening of shoots occurs along the entire length

Catalonia is considered an early variety. In the southern regions, such grapes ripen in 90 days. The berry is colored very early, but for some time you should not touch it, so as not to get sour fruits. The crop can be harvested at the end of July. In the northern regions, harvesting begins in early or mid September.

An interesting fact is that there are no ripe and unripe berries on the bunches. That is, the process of fruit ripening occurs simultaneously. The berries do not crack or crumble, which allows the clusters to remain on the bushes for a long time, accumulating more sugar.

Catalonia's bunches are large, branched, medium-friable, and have a wide conical shape. The medium density allows the berries to be well ventilated and not deformed. The combs are long, light green or pinkish in color, very durable. There is practically no peeling of berries.

The average weight of a grape bunch is 522 grams. After a few years, when the bush becomes mature, the weight can reach 1 kilogram. The vine is strong, so it is quite capable of supporting this weight. The appearance and elegance of the bunches are given by the fruits of the same size.

Berry in Catalonia is very large, single-caliber, oblong in shape. The color can be red-violet or deep maroon. The dense prune bloom gives the fruit a special appeal. The average berry length is 38 mm, the diameter is 24 mm, and the weight can range from 15 to 18 grams.

The flesh of the grapes is dense, crispy and fleshy. The rich and aromatic harmonious taste resembles sweet cherry, there is a slight astringency. The dense skin protects the fruit from damage, but it is easy to chew and mix with the pulp. Catalonia is a very sweet and juicy grape with a low acidity index, which is fully consistent with the table type.

It was mentioned above that Catalonia is a high-yielding species.He is able to give a harvest in the first year: it can be one or two bunches, but the quality of the berries will not differ in any way from further harvests. In subsequent years, when the vine is strong enough, each of the shoots will be able to withstand several bunches. The high fruitfulness of the buds will allow the formation of a repeated harvest on the stepchildren, however, the size of the bunch itself will be smaller than usual.

When growing Catalonia, it is necessary to monitor the growth and full development of the bush. The cuttings take root well and form a strong rhizome. The vine ripens well, and the grasping shoots do not require a garter.

It is better to plant seedlings in the middle of autumn. The site should be located on a sunny flat place, hidden from drafts and strong winds. Saplings that will be planted should have a light stalk with developed white roots. Before planting, the seedling is soaked in water for two days, and then placed in a weak solution of potassium permanganate. After planting, the area near the seedling must be mulched, and the specimen itself must be tied to a peg.

Catalonia has bisexual flowers, so pollination occurs even in the most unfavorable seasons for flowering.

Timely and correct pruning is very important for Catalonia. It is necessary to cut off old and damaged shoots. They differ from the rest of the gray and flaky bark. If the plant is sick or has been attacked by pests, pruning of leaves, vines or shoots is performed immediately.

Regular watering is necessary during the growing season, because at this time the future harvest is being formed. Also, abundant watering and mulching of the soil are permissible in dry times. But it is important not to allow waterlogging of the soil, so as not to destroy the seedlings. During the ripening period of the berries, watering of Catalonia completely stops in order to avoid the wateriness of the fruits and the occurrence of fungal diseases.

Top dressing of Catalonia is done twice a year: before the growing season and after flowering. You can use fertilizers such as manure, humus, phosphorus and potassium.Before the start of the growing season, nitrogenous fertilizing is applied, contributing to the better formation of leaves, peduncles and berries. It is very important to pay attention to the amount of fertilizers and their application rates, because Catalonia does not tolerate an overdose well.

Catalonia is a frost-resistant hybrid that can withstand temperatures down to -23 degrees. In the southern regions, such grapes do not need to be covered. If there is no snow or very little snow, it is advisable to cover the roots from freezing.

In the middle or northern latitudes, the rhizomes must be insulated. Vineyards are covered with foil. Thus, greenhouse conditions are created. After snowfall, the snowdrifts increase and protect the ground from freezing.

The creator of Catalonia tried to make the hybrid grapes resistant to many diseases and pests. The bush is not affected by downy mildew, powdery mildew and gray mold. But there are a number of diseases that can harm this grape.

• Anthracnose. It is characterized by wilting of leaves, bunches and shoots. Copper preparations and fungicides serve as prophylaxis.
• Chlorosis. It provokes yellowing of leaves, slow growth and development of the vine, as a result of which the production of chlorophyll stops. In such cases, ferrous sulfate and top dressing are used. It is also desirable to improve drainage and eliminate stagnant water in the soil.
• Bacterial cancer. A fatal disease that can pass from garden tools. A diseased plant is uprooted and all roots are removed from the soil, then the soil and equipment are disinfected.

Due to the dense skin of the grapes, wasps and other pests practically do not bother the bushes of Catalonia. The only pest of the species is the felt mite, which lives on the back of the leaf and feeds on the sap of the plant. In the fight against the mite, acaricides and sulfur preparations are successfully used, and the treatment with Bordeaux liquid prevents the attack of caterpillars on grapes in the spring.

Another important plus of Catalonia is the high level of fresh preservation. The crop can be stored for a long time in a cellar or in a cool room. At the same time, the taste and presentation of the grapes are not lost. Catalonia is able to withstand long-term transportation without external changes: the bunches do not deform, and the berries do not crack.