Grape variety Catalonia
A mid-season grape variety Catalonia bears fruit from the first year of planting. This distinguishes it from many varieties of culture. The Catalonia grape belongs to the table varieties, in terms of taste, it is similar to the Talisman species.
Grape variety Catalonia
Characteristics of grapes
The Catalonia grape is a high-yielding variety. Up to 20 kg are harvested from one bush. berries. The growing season lasts 85-95 days.
According to the description, the variety is frost-resistant, but when the temperature drops to -25 ° C, shelter is required. In the northern regions, the vineyards are always covered for the winter, and in the southern regions - if it is snowless.
Catalonia grapes are transportable, do not crack or crumble. Berries are used both fresh and for making wines, juices and raisins. There is no tendency to pea.
A feature of the species is also the fact that the fruits ripen at the same time. Long-term storage does not affect the taste, therefore, after harvesting, the fruits retain their presentation for another 2 months.
Due to the gummy consistency of the berries, such grapes are allowed for dieters and small children. Doctors recommend eating 300 grams. fresh Catalonia grapes every day.
Description of the bush and fruit
According to the description, the bushes of the species are vigorous. Shoots are prone to fasciation. The plant takes root quickly and holds firmly in the soil. From the first weeks of planting, the vine is already forming, the root system is lengthening. One bush contains about 40 eyes. The leaves, according to the description, are dark green in color, with a sharp point at the ends.
The bunches are conical in shape. In the first year of growth, they weigh up to 500 grams, then the weight increases to 1.5 kg, depending on agricultural technology. The berries are sweet and sour with a tart aftertaste, oblong-oval, red-purple in color. The pulp is juicy with seeds and a dense, soft skin. Berry weight - 20 gr. Each cluster contains about 35 berries.
Growing varieties
To grow a strong bush and get a good harvest in the northern regions, the seedling is planted in open ground, treated from bacteria. A small greenhouse is installed over the plant, which is removed after frost. For cultivation, seedlings are chosen without damage to the bark and root. The stalk should be light brown-green in color.
The plant is planted on a flat, well-lit area without drafts. The soil is fertilized a week before planting and acidity is neutralized, if necessary. Saplings are planted in October. Before landing, a number of procedures are carried out:
- The seedling is soaked in water for 24 hours.
- The day before planting, the cutting is treated with potassium permanganate. The solution should be pale pink.
- Dig a hole up to 1 m wide and deep.
- A mixture of humus, fertilizers, compost and sand is placed in the hole at the bottom.
- The roots are straightened and carefully covered with earth.
After planting, watered abundantly, mulch the soil with sawdust, grass, straw and leave alone for 5 days. Only seedlings that have been grown at home can be planted in May.
Plant care
Take good care of your plant
To obtain a strong bush and large clusters of the Catalonia variety, several agrotechnical measures are carried out.
| room | Agrotechnical event | Application |
| 1 | Watering | Water the bush regularly in summer. 10 liters of water are used for each bush. Abundant watering is carried out during the growth period. It is needed in the spring if the winter was not snowy. In the first year, it is watered in the summer once a week, in the evening. After abundant watering, the soil is mulched to prevent crusting. For irrigation, warm water is chosen, settled. |
| 2 | Pruning | Pruned in spring or fall every year. Diseased shoots, damaged and weak branches, stems are removed. A well-sharpened secateurs are used for the procedure. Young shoots are also removed after harvest. The lower small branches are cut along with the broken ones. |
| 3 | Shelter | The young plant is covered for the winter so that the root system does not freeze. Shelter is carried out after the first frost. Use a film or lightweight cloth. |
| 4 | Fertilizer | For feeding, manure, humus or chemicals are chosen. Fertilize the vine 2 times a year - before the start of growth and after flowering. Popular chemical fertilizers include Trilon B, Novofert, Folpan, Strobi. |
Diseases and the fight against them
The most common diseases in Catalonia are:
- milde - a fluffy gray bloom, from which the berries fall off and dry out;
- powdery mildew - white bloom on berries and leaves;
- anthracnose - brown spots on foliage and trunks;
- white, gray and black rot - the berries dry out, fall off and deform;
- black spot - black spots and necrosis, from which the fruits acquire a dark purple color.
Copper-based preparations and systemic fungicides are used against mildew and powdery mildew. To combat rot and black spot, chemicals are chosen that are applied before flowering:
- Ridomil Gold MC;
- Topaz;
- Quadris;
- Strobe.
In the fight against anthracnose, it is recommended to spray the bushes with Switch or Calypso preparations. In order to prevent at all stages of development, the vine is treated with soda. To do this, mix 100 gr. soda, 100 gr. soap and 20 l. water. Fitosporin or Baikal are used as chemicals.
Pests and the fight against them
Harmful insects for grapes:
- grape itch - leaves curl and fall off;
- leafworm - carries infections, eats leaves;
- worm - affects shoots and leaves;
- phylloxera - destroys leaves that fall off over time;
- spider mite - leaves turn yellow and roots dry.
For pest control, drugs with acaricidal or sulfur-containing substances are chosen. Among the chemicals, Fufanon, Neoron or Aktara are distinguished. Against ticks, they are also sprayed with Aktellik or Tevit Jet. To combat caterpillars, leaf rollers are treated with Fozalon, Ambush, Sumicidin.
Conclusion
The first grape harvest in Catalonia is harvested in early September. During the harvest season, all bunches will be equally ripe. Thanks to its positive characteristics, this variety has become popular in viticulture.