Description and characteristics of the Helios grape variety, fruiting and care features
One of the most ancient cultures, which has a thousand-year history, is grapes. The berries of this plant are high in calories, the juice from the fruits increases hemoglobin, and aromatic natural wine helps in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, new varieties and hybrids appear almost every year, characterized by increased resistance to diseases and making it possible to grow vines even in regions with cold climates. The Helios grape variety appeared on the market recently, but has already managed to win fans both among summer residents and among farmers engaged in the industrial cultivation of berries.
The history of the hybrid
Thanks to the work of the breeder Krainov, a new hybrid called Helios has appeared on the market. Another name for the variety is Arcadia Pink. A hybrid was obtained by crossing Arcadia and the Nakhodka raisin variety.
Biological characteristics of grapes
The early ripe hybrid Helios belongs to the table grape species. Bushes grow strong, medium height. Shoots are well developed. Helios has both male and female flowers, which contributes to pollination, despite the weather conditions.
Description of external parameters
Conical bunches of Helios grapes reach a mass of 700-800 grams, and with good care and adherence to agrotechnical measures, they can weigh up to 1.5 kg. The berries of the hybrid are pink in color, the weight of one reaches 15 grams. The taste of the grapes is sweet, with a persistent nutmeg aftertaste.
Frost resistance
The hybrid form is characterized by a high degree of frost resistance (up to - 25 degrees). With a more significant decrease in temperature, it needs additional shelter. This is especially true for young grape seedlings that have not yet gained strength.
Pest and disease resistance
The Helios hybrid has good immunity to the most common diseases of the vine and is rarely affected by mildew and oidium with proper care. The plant can infect phylloxera, so regular preventive treatments are required.
Pollination
Since the hybrid has male and female flowers, it does not need additional pollinators. However, experienced gardeners recommend planting a number of varieties that bloom at the same time as Helios to increase yields.It is also worth taking care of attracting pollinating insects to the garden.
The beginning of fruiting and the taste of berries
Since the Helios variety belongs to the early ripening varieties, the first fruits can be tasted already in early August. The yields of the hybrid are consistently high, the berries, when fully ripe, must be immediately removed from the branches.
When cracked, their sweet smell attracts wasps, which spoil the presentation of the fruit.
As for transportability, then all gardeners here note that grapes do not lose their characteristics and aroma when transported over long distances. This moment is very attractive for farmers who grow grapes for commercial purposes.
Pros and cons of Helios
When choosing a variety for planting on a site, gardeners pay attention to the features of cultivation, the advantages and disadvantages of the variety they like. It is worth noting that the Helios hybrid has much more advantages than disadvantages.
The indisputable advantages of the variety include:
- Early ripening of berries, which is especially important for regions with a short summer period.
- Taste characteristics of grapes: sweetness, coarse skin, few seeds (1-2).
- Immunity to diseases and high frost resistance of the hybrid.
- Rapid survival of seedlings.
- Rare damage to fruits by wasps during timely harvesting.
- Stable yield return and almost complete absence of peas.
- Ability to maintain attractive product characteristics during long-term transportation.
- The versatility of the use of Helios berries.
But it is worth remembering that the hybrid is picky about the composition of the soil and care. Only if all the rules of growing are observed, its benefits are fully realized.
Growing and care stages
When starting to grow the Helios hybrid, they first study all the stages of planting and care, and only after theory do they move on to practice. There is nothing complicated in this process, even a novice gardener can handle it.
Selection of seedlings
Experienced farmers call the choice of a seedling one of the factors in the successful cultivation of vines. The rate of survival and the further development of culture depends on his health.
It is recommended to purchase planting material only in nurseries specializing in grape crops. In this case, it is much more likely to get high-quality material that will take root and will not die in the very first winter.
Buy a seedling with a fully developed root system, without damage. The length of the shoot must be at least 20 cm, the color is green.
It is possible to plant Helios grapes in prepared soil both in autumn and spring. For the southern regions, autumn planting is considered preferable, and for northern, colder regions, spring planting. In any case, young bushes are insulated for the winter, which will make it possible for the bushes to survive the cold period without problems.
Planting scheme and depth
The Helios hybrid does not like the proximity of other crops. The minimum distance to another plant should be at least 2.5-3 meters. Only in this case it is worth counting on an abundant grape harvest.
Before planting, the roots of the grapes are soaked in a growth promoter for better rooting. Dig a hole, the size of which should be at least 80 * 80 * 80 cm. The lower soil layer is mixed with potassium salt and superphosphate, humus is added and put back into the hole. A seedling is placed on this nutritious pillow and covered with soil residues. Moisten abundantly with warm water and mulch with sawdust.
Regularity of watering
The subsequent yield depends on the correct watering. The Helios variety does not tolerate excess moisture and reduces yield indicators.The first soil moistening is carried out in early spring, but it is necessary to ensure that the temperature does not drop below 0 degrees at night. Otherwise, freezing of the roots will lead to the death of the culture.
The second irrigation of the hybrid is done after the spring pruning, the third during the budding period. It is important to provide the plant with abundant watering at the time of pouring the fruit. Water the vines for the last time before preparing for the winter. Approximate water consumption per 1 sq. meter about 25-30 liters.
Fertilizer
In the first year, the vine will have enough nutrients in the hole when planting. In the future, mineral fertilizers are used once a year, and organic fertilizers once every 3 years.
In the spring, it will be appropriate to add ammonium nitrate to the soil, it contributes to the growth of green mass. At the time of flowering, superphosphate will be the recommended top dressing. At the stage of fruiting, fertilizers are not applied. Humus is added before wintering.
Mulching
Mulching is considered a mandatory step in caring for the Helios variety. This procedure will allow you to retain moisture in the soil during the dry period, reduce the development of weeds, and before wintering helps to warm the root system. Sawdust, vegetable tops, straw and foliage are suitable as mulch. The minimum layer should be about 5 cm.
Pruning and pinching
Helios gives a bountiful harvest, under the weight of which the bush can break. In the spring, be sure to trim up to 7 eyes to reduce the load on the bush. The optimal number of eyes per 1 Helios bush is no more than 35.
Shelter for the winter
In the southern regions, grape bushes can not be covered with a film, but only mulch can be used. In colder climates, despite the frost resistance of the hybrid, the vine is additionally insulated. The lashes are removed from the supports, divided into 2 parts and placed on the soil, previously lined with agrofibre. Arcs are installed on top, onto which a plastic film is pulled.
Important! The film should not touch the grape bushes so as not to provoke plant burns.
Protection against insects and infections
Despite the immunity to fungal diseases of the vine, prevention is still necessary. For spraying the hybrid, folk remedies, copper-containing preparations and fungicides are used.
To protect against wasps and birds, a special net is pulled.
Breeding technology of the variety
The Helios variety receives positive reviews from gardeners for its ease of reproduction. The most popular method is grafting; this process gives good rooting and survival. It is also possible to propagate the hybrid using cuttings. Everyone chooses the most convenient method for their strength.
