Description and characteristics of the Gala grape variety, history and subtleties of cultivation
Breeders strive to create varieties that are adapted to the climatic conditions of the growing regions. Gala grapes have many admirers among summer residents of the northern regions. The reason is that the berries ripen early, so the harvest has time to ripen before the onset of cold weather.
The history of the appearance of the Gala variety
The author of this species is V.V. Zagorulko, breeder from Ukraine. Experimentally, I crossed two grape varieties and got an excellent result. Species participating in the experiment:
- Gift to Zaporizhzhia;
- Codryanka.
The price was initially very high. The seedlings were sold at a high price because of the outstanding qualities that the vines possessed. Over time, other competitive varieties appeared, the price was reduced.
Pros and cons of a hybrid
Gala has enviable characteristics, especially appreciated for its presentable appearance and taste.
Advantages:
- high yield;
- blue fruit color, beautiful appearance;
- excellent taste characteristics;
- high immunity;
- early ripening.
Disadvantages:
- the crop must be removed immediately after the berries ripen;
- frost resistance is average;
- exactingness to care.
The gardener will fully appreciate the variety only when he plants it on the site.
External data
Many summer residents are studying the description of the species before deciding to purchase seedlings. This will avoid problems in the future.
Bush and shoots
The vine of the Gala grapes is vigorous, the leaves are large. This creates a shade, so the variety is used to decorate the site or plant around gazebos, awnings and other structures. The vine ripens well.
The variety is capable of self-pollination, so grape bushes do not need insects.
If the vine is overloaded, ripening is delayed. Accordingly, the taste and presentation of the fruit deteriorates.
Berry
The color of the ripe berry is blue, the shape is round. The flavor characteristics are higher than that of many grape varieties. The maximum grape weight is 12 g. It depends on the correct care.
Brushes, with the timely fulfillment of all the requirements of agricultural technology, grow up to 1-2 kg. The taste is sweet, without sourness, the pulp is fleshy, dense and juicy. The bones are small.
Specifications
An important aspect when selecting a variety.Summer residents choose varieties that are suitable for growing conditions.
Frost and drought resistant
Medium frost resistance allows Gala grapes to be grown in cold regions. The only condition is covered vines for the winter.
In areas with a warm climate, where in winter there is no drop in temperature more than -21 ⁰С, grapes are not covered for the winter.
Drought resistance is average. Gala does not tolerate waterlogging and lack of moisture.
Resistance to fungal and bacterial infections
Despite the fact that the variety has average immunity, preventive treatments are necessary. The bushes are sprayed in spring and autumn. If necessary, do this in the summer.
To prevent the appearance of diseases in Gala grapes, they strictly monitor that agricultural techniques, watering, feeding, loosening and mulching are carried out on time.
Pollination
According to the producers, flowers of both sexes are located on the vine. Therefore, plants do not need insects and pollinating varieties for pollination.
The beginning of fruiting of a young shoot
According to gardeners and breeders, a properly planted plant will yield a crop in the second year after planting in a permanent place. Timely watering and feeding will help the plant develop correctly.
Harvest amount
This figure depends on the hard work of the gardener. If the grapes are well looked after, it gives a large yield, 15-18 kg of berries.
Where and how to plant grapes
Initially, a place is selected, a well-lit area, closed from a draft. Then the pits for the seedlings are prepared.
The depth should be greater than the size of the roots. A drainage layer is laid out at the bottom, then fertile soil mixed with humus and mineral fertilizers.
Planting material is planted, covered with earth and watered well.
Care Tips
Correctly planted grapes are half the battle. Next, you should competently take care of the plants.
Loosening the soil
After each watering, gardeners recommend to loosen the soil. This way the root system can get more oxygen and moisture is retained. Another plus of the reception, the removal of weeds near the roots of the grapes.
How often and how much to water the grapes
The peculiarity of the culture is that it does not tolerate waterlogging of the soil. Therefore, it is recommended to place the seedlings slightly on a hill.
Often only young, actively developing plants are watered. Adult bushes need watering 3-4 times per season:
- during flowering;
- before fruiting;
- after harvest;
- in preparation for winter.
During the maturation of the brushes, watering is stopped. Excess moisture leads to cracking of the fruit.
The volume of water depends on the type of soil in which Gala grapes grow.
Top dressing
The first year the plants have enough nutrients introduced during planting. Then they are fed with organic matter during the season, and in spring and autumn with complex fertilizers.
Seasonal pruning
Gardeners recommend pruning the bushes in the fall. So the plant will hurt less. Leave 45 buds, and 8 eyes on the vine. Without timely pruning, the bush weakens and loses a significant part of the crop.
Shelter for the winter
Despite the fact that the vine is frost-resistant, summer residents wrap it up for the winter, use a special covering material. So they stay calm behind the bushes throughout the winter.
Ripening period of bunches
The first crop is harvested at the end of July. It is advisable to remove the bunches immediately, otherwise the berries will begin to crack and the wasps will quickly destroy the grapes.
Where are berries used?
A variety for table purposes, actively used for fresh consumption. Housewives use berries to make juices, compotes, winter preparations and wine.
The Gala grape variety is resistant to diseases, gives a stable annual harvest. Thanks to these qualities, it becomes popular among gardeners.
