Grape variety Maradona (Chocolate): 23 photos, description, planting, care, cultivation and reviews from gardeners

The amazing sunny berry pampers us with all kinds of aromas. There are legends about the table grape variety “Chocolate”. This variety is valued for its amazing taste, large beautiful highly marketable bunches and the ability to retain its original (fresh) appearance for a very long time. Full characteristics of this grape with photos can be obtained from our review.

History of the selection of Chocolate grapes

The first seedlings of Chocolate grapes appeared in 1981. The creator was P. Ya. Golodrigi. The new variety is the result of crossing Katta Kurgan Kirovabadsky No. 10-51-1 and Antey Magarachsky.

Already in 1986, a new variety was nominated for an exhibition to receive a prize. In the same year, it was transferred for testing under the name Chocolate.

In the sources, grapes are found under different names: Taifi resistant grape, In Memory of Golodriga, Maradona red, Pavel Golodriga.

Currently, this particular variety is grown in many gardens in Moldova, Ukraine and the Russian Federation, but its names may vary.

Application of the variety

The cocktail can be used either fresh directly from the branch or after drying the berries.

The variety goes well for drying, but in the first years it usually doesn’t reach this point - everything is eaten by the household.

• Due to its moderate calorie content, it can be included in the diet , as well as for young children. Grapes can be used as jams or compotes in their pure form or with the addition of apples.
• Many summer residents like to grow it to cover arched frames in the garden, since under good growing conditions and fertile soil the branches can reach 5 m . Thanks to the wide distribution of this crop, today this variety can be found on almost all continents with different climatic conditions. Every year, farmers and gardeners harvest at least 60 million tons of grapes.
• The grapes can be used to make wine, but are best served fresh as a dessert dish . But it has also found application in creating various dishes that chefs come up with when working with exclusive types of fruits and berries.

( 1 rating, average 4 out of 5 )

Cultivation regions

Since 1986, the Chocolate grape variety has been tested at the Russian and Ukrainian state level. The plant became popular due to its ability to remain on the shoots until frost without losing its taste and commercial qualities. On the contrary, over time, a more distinct chocolate flavor appears in the taste, and the color becomes richer.

Since 1986, the Chocolate grape variety has been tested in Russia and Ukraine

You can find grapes of this variety in the south of Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova. It grows well even in northern regions. It is often grown in gardens in the Moscow and Leningrad regions.

Features of cultivation

The variety does not require special care. Standard feeding at planting and 2-3 times during the season is sufficient.

Landing

Since the variety is resistant to phylloxera, experts recommend growing it in its own root form, but cuttings are also possible. Shoots of this variety can be grafted, as they are compatible with most rootstocks.

Trimming

Important! It is imperative to follow the rules when pruning: up to 45 eyes must be left on an adult bush, and the vines must be trimmed, leaving a maximum of 8 eyes on them.

The grapes are pruned to form a bush and normalize the harvest.

For this variety, large pruning is recommended, because if you do a little, the shoots will begin to fatten and the harvest will be small. It is carried out as standard: in early spring or late autumn.

Diseases

The variety is not particularly painful: it is highly resistant to gray rot, and is more often affected by mildew and oidium. Therefore, grapes need at least two treatments with fungicides: before and after flowering.

Shelter for the winter

It is necessary to cover grape bushes in cold regions (after pruning). It is considered to be of medium frost resistance and can withstand up to -23°C.

The grape bushes are insulated using organic natural means: sawdust, straw, dry leaves or spruce paws - the covering method. Under the snow, with the help of an “organic pie”, a suitable microclimate for wintering will be created for him.

Important! Before insulation, the grape vine must be carefully tied and placed under the “organic pie” being created.

Storage

The grapes have properties for long-term storage, maintaining high presentation and quality. In addition, it is well transportable.

Regions

The “Chocolate” variety has a unique ability to survive well in any climate, so the variety has spread to many regions. Even in the northern regions, despite the short summer, the grapes have time to ripen and bear fruit. But it feels especially good in the southern regions.

Suitable for cultivation in the Moscow and Leningrad regions.

Characteristics of the variety

Chocolate grapes are an excellent representative of table varieties with a late ripening period. This gives a great advantage, since in the fall there is a huge amount of technical grapes on sale, and table varieties are less common.

Description of the vineyard

The growth vigor of Chocolate grapes is average. During the season, the growth of the vine is 5-7 m. The percentage of fruiting shoots is 80-100%. The level of vine ripening does not exceed 80-85%.

The advantage of growing Chocolate grapes is that the seedlings quickly and almost 100% take root.

The plant is prone to overload. Therefore, when growing crops, it is necessary to standardize the bunches. No more than 55-65 buds are left on the bush.

The plant is prone to overload

The leaf blades are wide, round in shape, and medium in size. 5 blades are clearly visible on the leaf. The leaf plate on top is smooth and glossy. The color is bright, rich green.

Description of bunches and berries

The clusters of Chocolate grapes are characterized by their large size and conical shape. Sometimes wings form on the hands. The density of the berries is moderate. The weight of the bunches varies - from 600 to 1200 g.

The average weight of the berry is 7-10 g. There is a lot of fruit in one bunch. The saturation of the berries depends on the degree of ripening. The fruits are oval in shape, they can be dark red, with noticeable pollination. The berry has dense pulp, the peel is thin, but with a strong structure. When eating, the shell is practically not felt and is easily chewed.

Composition and taste

The taste is unique with a chocolate tint. The result is a delicate original taste. About 3 seeds are formed inside the berry.

Chemical composition:

• 18-20% sugars;
• 5-6 g/l acidity.

The taste is unique with a chocolate tint.
The value of Chocolate grapes is that its pulp contains many substances that have a positive effect on the human body:

• pectin substances (most of them are in the peel);
• tannins;
• B vitamins;
• vitamins P, C;
• valuable plant enzymes (aldolase, lipase, peroxidase);
• phytoncides.

The Chocolate variety berries have healing properties. Grapes are often used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, anemia, and gout. Eating berries of this variety helps improve immunity.

Area of ​​application of fruits

The Chocolate grape variety is classified as a table grape variety. But despite this, excellent juices, jams, and wines are prepared from the fruits.

The berries of this variety can easily withstand transportation over long distances, as they are not prone to cracking and are firmly held on the combs. Thanks to this property, long-term transportation is possible.

Drought resistance

The plant is resistant to periods of drought. But with a long absence of rain, there is a possibility of peas. Therefore, during drought, watering is carried out. Moisturizing is especially important for young plants.

The plant is resistant to periods of drought

But excessive humidity is destructive for vineyards. Therefore, when planting, a good drainage layer is organized. They also ensure that the groundwater level is no higher than 2.5 m from the surface.

Frost resistance

The biggest advantage of Chocolate grapes is winter hardiness. The hybrid can withstand frosts down to -22-24 °C. After breeding the variety, the author never covered it, but experts recommend using insulation even in the southern regions.

It is especially important to carefully cover vines that are under 4 years old. They are the weakest and most often affected by frost.

Resistance to diseases and pests

The resulting grape variety is characterized by good resistance to diseases and pests. For commercial cultivation, this property is especially valuable, since the winegrower will significantly save on the use of chemicals.

To prevent damage from mildew, oidium, and gray mold, it is enough to use biological agents that allow you to obtain an environmentally friendly harvest. For similar purposes, you can use colloidal sulfur, Fitosporin M.

Another advantage of the variety is that ripe berries are practically not attacked by wasps. However, in areas of damage, such as those caused by birds, insects can feast on the sap. Therefore, protection against birds should be considered before the crop begins to ripen.

The advantage of the variety is that ripe berries are practically not susceptible to wasp attacks.

Pollination, flowering period and ripening time

Flowers of both sexes are formed on the shoots of Chocolate grapes. Under normal weather conditions, flowering begins in early June. Accordingly, the likelihood that they will suffer from return frosts is minimal.

We must not forget that the plant is prone to peas, especially if during the period of flowering and the beginning of the formation of ovaries there was dry weather without rain.

The grapes belong to varieties with a medium or late-medium ripening period. The growing season is 130-145 days. The onset of maturity is extended, it can begin from August 20-25 and last until frost.

With proper care and planting, the first fruiting begins at 3-4 years. With each season the number of bunches will increase.

Productivity and fruiting

The yield level of the Chocolate variety is considered average. With proper care, at least 20 kg of delicious juicy berries are harvested from one plant. Field yields are much more impressive. From one hectare during mass cultivation the figure is 140-150 c.

With proper care, at least 20 kg of delicious juicy berries are harvested from one plant

Main features of the variety

Chocolate grapes (Maradona) are a large-fruited table variety of late ripening - the harvest can be obtained in 135-140 days. Maradona bunches are quite large, they can gain weight up to 1-1.2 kg, one berry reaches a weight of 8-10 g. The size of the grape bunches depends on the abundance of sunlight, nutritional supplements and timely pruning. Among the basic characteristics of this variety:

• The Chocolate bush is powerful, vigorous, very branched, with a well-developed root system. Grows quickly and intensively.
• The bunch of grapes is massive, voluminous, rather loose, wide-conical in shape; there are “double” specimens.
• The berries of the Chocolate hybrid are large, measuring 3x2.3 cm, the shape is a slightly elongated oval, and may vary slightly depending on the growing region.
• The skin of the variety is of moderate density, with a reddish-burgundy hue with a soft waxy sheen and a silvery coating.

The flesh of Maradona is tender, juicy, sour-sweet, and has a distinct chocolate flavor - hence the second name of the hybrid. Each berry contains 2-3 small seeds. The presented grapes have a low sugar content - only 18-20%, unlike other red varieties such as Gusar (22%). However, this practically does not affect the taste of Maradona berries.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Chocolate grapes are widely in demand among experienced and beginning winegrowers, as they have a number of valuable qualities.

Main advantages:

• stable yield every season;
• excellent product characteristics;
• high level of storage and transportability;
• resistance to most grape diseases;
• great taste;
• frost resistance;
• self-pollinating variety;
• rarely affected by wasps.

But this variety also has a number of disadvantages. Flaws:

• often affected by birds;
• despite good frost resistance, it needs shelter, especially when grown on sandstones;
• in cold weather, there is a possibility that the berries will not reach the required level of sugar, and the bunches will not have time to ripen completely;
• It’s easy to make a mistake with the cleaning time.

In cold weather, there is a possibility that the berries will not reach the required level of sugar.
When choosing seedlings for your plot, you should carefully pay attention to the disadvantages in order to assess the feasibility of your purchase.

Disease Prevention

The Maradona variety is rarely affected by phylloxera and oidium, but preventive spraying is required. Things are more complicated with fungi. Grapes are afraid of mildew - downy mildew. Spraying the bushes with fungicides before and after flowering helps prevent the spread of the disease. Preparations containing copper work well against fungus. If there are no fungicides at hand, prepare a 1% solution from copper sulfate and treat the plantings.

Comparison with analogues

When choosing the best type of grape for your plot, you should compare its characteristics with other similar varieties.

Comparative characteristics are shown in the table.

As you can see, the Chocolate variety is superior to its analogues in many respects. It ideally combines shelf life with good taste and transportability. This is an ideal option not only for planting in a private garden, but also for growing for further sale.

In many respects, the Chocolate variety is superior to its analogues

Pruning and care

Since Chocolate is a hybrid variety, it is not very demanding. High frost resistance for grapes (from -23 to -26) will allow you to cover them less tightly.

Hybrids also include the well-known Korolek, Valery Voevoda and Rumba.

For planting, we choose a place with maximum sun exposure to the plant; the soil must be well fertilized with minerals if you want to ensure the highest possible yield.

The bushes will be vigorous. 60 eyes are the optimal load on the bush. Pruning of the vine is carried out at 7 - 8 buds and monitored throughout the season. It is worth noting that the fruitfulness of the shoots reaches 80%.

Senator, Alexa and Svetlana are also frost-resistant.

Reproduction methods

Chocolate grapes can be propagated in different ways. But in order to achieve results, it is important to follow the rules for preparing planting material, and then planting and care.

Cuttings

If there are adult plants of this variety on the site, then during autumn pruning you can prepare planting material yourself. From the cut vine, shoots no thinner than 0.5 cm are selected and cut into cuttings.

Before winter, they are tied in bunches and then wrapped in damp cloth. Prepared cuttings are placed in a cool room for the winter and left until spring. In February, future planting material is taken out of the cellar and the cuttings are renewed.

To facilitate root germination, the bark of the cuttings is cut at a distance of 2 cm from the cut.

The cuttings are soaked in a growth stimulator, then wrapped in moss and film. After roots form, the cuttings are transplanted into a pot with nutrient soil. Grown seedlings are transferred to a permanent place in May, when the warm weather outside stabilizes.

After the roots are formed, the cuttings are transplanted into a pot with nutritious soil.

Seedlings

You can obtain seedlings by grafting or layering from adult bushes.

1. Vaccinations. Both adult and young plants are used as a rootstock. The top of the vine is discarded when pruning, as it is often immature. The remaining lash is cut into cuttings with 4-5 eyes. In the spring, grafting is done into the cleft.
2. Layerings. A powerful shoot located as close to the ground as possible is selected from an adult bush. Prepare a small trench with nutrient soil in advance and place the selected branch there. The shoot is fixed on top and sprinkled with earth. Periodically moisten the soil. When roots appear, the plant is separated from the mother plant. The next season it is transplanted to a permanent place.

Grapes can also be propagated from ripe seeds. But in this case, the likelihood that the new plant will receive parental properties is minimal.

Scheme of grape propagation by layering

Chocolate Maradona grapes

Grapes are often found under different names. This happened with the Maradona variety. In different sources, the grapes are called Taifi resistant or Chocolate. Because of the color of the berries, the variety is also called Maradona Red. The culture has become famous for the good taste of the berries, the beauty of the bunches and high yield. Photos and reviews from gardeners and summer residents will help you get to know the description of the Maradona grape variety.

Main characteristics of the variety

Considering the description of the Chocolate grape variety, photos, reviews, it is worth mentioning one more name of the crop - PG-12. By its origin it is a hybrid. Grapes belong to the table form. The ripening of berries is medium late, occurring after approximately 140 days.

The Maradona Red grape is distinguished by its branched, rapidly growing bush. Bisexual flowers simplify the process of pollination without the participation of insects. The large clusters are very beautiful. Red color with a chocolate tint creates an attractive presentation. The arrangement of berries is medium loose. The shape of the bunch is conical, often growing double. Average weight – from 0.6 to 1.2 kg. Subject to the conditions of agricultural technology, you can grow brushes weighing up to 2.5 kg.

The berries of the Chocolate variety are oval, slightly elongated, up to 3 cm long, about 2.3 cm wide. The thin and durable skin, when ripe, acquires a red color with a brown-chocolate tint. The juicy pulp contains 3 grains, up to 18% sugar, about 6 g/dm3 acid.

The Chocolate variety is easily propagated by cuttings due to its rapid rooting. The vine manages to ripen within a season. The grapes are easily propagated by grafting, due to their good compatibility with rootstocks. For one bush of the Maradona variety, the maximum load of eyes should not exceed 45 pieces. During autumn pruning, vine branches with 8–12 eyes are left. From 140 to 150 centners of harvest are harvested from 1 hectare.

Regarding its advantages, Maradona grapes are weakly affected by mildew, gray rot, and resist oidium well. The vine can withstand frosts down to –23 o C. The grapes can be transported. Brushes can be stored for a long time when picked and on the bush.

In the video, the Chocolate grape variety:

Features of variety propagation and planting cuttings

The Maradona variety has spread to many regions due to its unique ability to survive well in any climate. Even in the northern regions, the Chocolate grape variety manages to bear fruit, despite the short summer.

Maradona grape seedlings are planted in a sunny place on the south side of the site. Shading has a bad effect on the harvest. Due to lack of sunlight, the berries may not turn red and will remain white with a greenish tint. The variety loves nutritious soil with good drainage. Chocolate grapes will not grow in swampy areas.

Planting seedlings of the Chocolate variety is practiced in autumn and spring. In cold regions, planting is preferable in early May once warmer weather sets in. In a short summer, the seedling will have time to take root and survive the winter well. Gardeners in the southern regions practice autumn planting.

In addition to propagation by seedlings, the Maradona grape variety is well propagated by grafting. The rootstock is used by young and mature. For any method of propagation, cuttings are prepared in the fall. During pruning, the top part of the vine is discarded. She is usually immature. The rest of the lash is cut with pruning shears into cuttings with 4–5 eyes. To preserve the juice, the sections are dipped in hot paraffin. The cuttings are wrapped in damp cloth and stored in the cellar or refrigerator until spring.

The simplest way to graft Chocolate grapes is into splits. The process consists of the following steps:

• An adult bush is chosen for the rootstock. The vine is cut until a stump forms.
• The lower part of the cutting is cut off from opposite sides with a sharp knife. You should get a wedge.
• The stump of the rootstock is split in the center with a knife. A cutting is inserted into the split using a wedge, tied tightly with fabric tape, and covered with clay on top.

Maradona grapes can be grafted onto a young rootstock with an eye or into an overlay. In the second method, a rootstock and scion of the same thickness are selected.

The video demonstrates cleft grafting:

To grow a seedling from a cutting, perform the following steps:

• At the beginning of February, cuttings are taken out of the basement. Using pruning shears, cut off the lower part, filled with paraffin.
• Using the sharp tip of a knife, scratch the bark of the cutting near a fresh cut about 2 cm long. It will be easier for roots to grow from the grooves.
• Cuttings are placed in water, wet soil or wrapped with moss and film on top. In April, sprouted Maradona grape seedlings can be hardened off outside. If germination was carried out in water or moss, after the roots appear, the cuttings are planted in pots with soil.

Planting seedlings of the Maradona grape variety begins in early or mid-May. The timing depends on weather conditions. The planting rules are the same as for other grape varieties:

• The hole for the Maradona seedling is prepared in the fall or no later than a week before planting. A hole is dug with a depth and diameter of about 80 cm.
• About 50% of the pit is filled with a mixture of fertile soil and compost. Potassium and phosphorus fertilizers are added. If the soil is heavy, sand is added to loosen it. Before filling, the bottom of the pit is equipped with drainage made of stone or broken brick.
• A Maradona grape seedling is carefully removed from the pot along with a lump of earth, lowered into a hole and covered with soil. After watering, the soil will settle. It needs to be topped up and covered with sawdust or peat mulch on top.

On the market, seedlings of the Maradona variety are often sold with bare roots. When planting such grapes, a mound of soil is formed at the bottom of the hole. The root system of the seedling is straightened over the hill, after which backfilling begins.

Vineyard care

When reviewing the detailed description of the Chocolate grape variety, photos, and reviews from gardeners, it is worth paying attention to caring for the crop. There are no special requirements, but weeding, watering and fertilizing need to be done. In autumn, pruning followed by covering is required. The last step is necessary for cold regions.

The frequency of watering the Maradona variety depends on weather conditions. The soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. Chocolate grapes must be watered four times per season:

• before flowering;
• while pouring berries;
• at the end of the harvest;
• late autumn before shelter.

To avoid crust formation, loosen the soil with a hoe after each watering. To preserve moisture and provide additional feeding, the ground under the bushes is covered with a thick layer of mulch.

Features of planting seedlings

In many ways, the features of development and growth depend on proper planting. Only compliance with clear recommendations will contribute to rapid adaptation and fruiting.

Recommended timing

You can plant grapes in spring and autumn. In cold regions, in particular in the central zone, planting work is best done in the spring. The crop will have enough time to take root and strengthen before winter. The exact time depends on the climate of the area. In warm regions, planting begins in April, but in colder regions you should wait until mid-May.

It is important that by the time planting begins, the likelihood of return frosts is insignificant.

When planting in autumn (carried out in the southern regions), the date is chosen so that at least 1-1.5 months remain before the onset of cold weather. Spring planting in such places is dangerous because it will be difficult for the seedling to take root during periods of heat and drought.

Choosing a suitable location

For Chocolate grapes, choose places with maximum exposure to sunlight. The ideal option is slopes with black soil, sandy loam or loamy soil.

For grapes, choose places with maximum exposure to sunlight.

In areas that are too acidic (above 5.5-6.5 pH), deacidification is carried out - adding dolomite flour, chalk or slaked lime to the soil.

Neighborhood with other cultures

When planning the location of crops in the garden, you should choose the right plants for the neighborhood. Grapes are a tall, light-loving plant, so shorter, shade-loving crops are planted next to them.

The following will grow well with grapes nearby:

• sorrel;
• celandine;
• cauliflower;
• yellow mustard;
• pansies;
• beet;
• melon;
• cucumbers;
• spinach;
• radish.

There are also a number of crops that will not only grow well, but will also enrich the soil and have a positive effect on the vineyards. For example, legumes replenish nitrogen in the soil; onions or garlic, due to their aroma, will repel some pests.

Onions or garlic, due to their aroma, will repel some pests

But marigolds, dandelions, clemantis, tomatoes, eggplants and corn cannot be planted with vineyards.

Selection and preparation of planting material

Seedlings should be purchased exclusively from specialized nurseries. This is the only way to avoid deception. In nurseries, seedlings can be sold with an open or closed root system. In the second case, carefully examine the above-ground part of the plant. The bark of the shoots should be uniform, without signs of disease or pest damage.

The plant should have green leaves. If the root system is open, it is also considered additionally. They should be healthy, without swelling or damage. When cut, the color should be light, close to white.

Site preparation

After choosing a place, they prepare the soil. If planting is planned for spring, then work is carried out in the fall. During this time, the soil will absorb all the nutrients and settle.

Grapes are planted in separate holes or trenches. When preparing a hole, the top layer of soil (about 30 cm) is not thrown away, but is used to prepare a nutrient substrate.

Grapes are planted in separate holes or trenches

To increase fertility, add 10 liters of compost and humus, 60 g of nitrophoska, 50 g of superphosphate. Everything is mixed. A drainage layer of crushed stone, broken brick, and pebbles is placed at the bottom of the hole.

The process of planting young seedlings

After the hole and nutrient substrate are ready, begin direct planting. To do this, follow a simple algorithm:

1. A portion of the prepared nutrient soil is poured onto the bottom of the hole and a small elevation is formed from it.
2. A seedling is placed on an artificial mound in the center. The root system is straightened so that it looks down.
3. Sprinkle the plant with soil on top, gently shaking it by the trunk. This will avoid the formation of voids inside. The earth is compacted from above.

Algorithm for planting a grape seedling:
The young plant is watered. After the water is absorbed, the soil is mulched.

Landing rules

Chocolate is planted in regions with a warm and temperate climate: Central, Lower Volga, North Caucasus. These grapes love bright sun and do not tolerate rainy, stormy weather - the quality of the harvest immediately suffers. The variety feels best at low elevations.

Time and place of landing

Maradona is a heat-loving grape, so it is planted no earlier than mid-April, when the early spring frosts have passed. The best time to plant Chocolate bushes is the 20th of April, when the air warms up to +15°+16°C. A large area is selected for the variety - the distance between plants should be at least 1.2 m. Chocolate produces the richest and highest quality harvest on nutritious black soil soils.

Selection of seedlings

The Maradona hybrid is planted both as cuttings and as one-and-a-half-year-old bushes. A high-quality seedling of the variety has a branched, strong and thickened root system, consisting of 3-4 full branches, creamy-white in cross section.

The branches of a healthy grape bush are 28-30 cm long, their bark is a uniform dark brown shade, and the shoots are flexible and elastic. Maradona's eyes do not break off when touched, young branches of Chocolate are light green when cut.

Planting in open ground

Planting a Maradona seedling begins with digging a hole measuring 90x90 cm - 16-18 days before adding planting material of the variety. The bottom of the pit for grapes is covered with fine crushed stone to a depth of 10-12 cm, a soil mixture (sand, chernozem, ash, peat, monophosphate, bird droppings) is poured on top - in a layer of 25 cm. A mound is formed from it, and a Chocolate bush is installed in the center of it. it is immediately tied to the trellis. After this, the planting of grapes can be covered with earth (the root is buried 15 cm) and watered.

Rules for caring for a vineyard

The normal development and fruiting of grapes depends on high-quality and proper care. But growing the crop will not be difficult even for a novice gardener. You will need to regularly moisten the soil (if necessary), fertilize, and trim the vines.

Watering

The Chocolate grape variety is unpretentious. The crop is able to withstand short periods of drought without loss. The amount of irrigation carried out is influenced by the level of natural precipitation.

The vine reacts negatively to both a lack and an excess of water in the soil.

Irrigation is mandatory at certain moments of vineyard growth and development:

• before flowering;
• at the moment of setting berries;
• after collecting the main part of the harvest;
• before covering the vine.

For each plant, use 2-3 buckets of water; the soil should be wet by at least 50 cm. After the moisture is absorbed, the tree trunk circle is mulched. The materials used are sawdust, straw, and chopped grass.

Each plant uses 2-3 buckets of water

Feeding scheme

For normal fruiting, vineyards need regular fertilizing. For the first 2-3 years, fertilizers are not applied if all rules for increasing soil fertility were followed during planting. Fertilizing is carried out during key growing seasons:

• after flowering ends;
• during the period of fruit ripening;
• before covering the grapes.

It is advisable to combine fertilizing with watering or treatment with special antifungal drugs.

From time to time it is useful to use organic matter as fertilizer. Rotted compost, humus or manure are suitable for such purposes.

Tying up

Tying vines to trellises or other supports is one of the mandatory procedures when growing crops. In fixed bushes, the most optimal conditions for crop formation are created: air and sunlight freely flow to the brushes and shoots.

Most often, fastening is carried out to trellises. To do this, metal supports are installed along the edges of the row, between which a thin wire is pulled. Growing vines are gradually tied to it, starting from the lower tier.

Scheme of tying grapes on a multi-level trellis

The bunches of Chocolate grapes are heavy; if they are not secured in a timely manner at the development stage, they will break the fruiting shoots.

Weeding and loosening

After each moistening, a crust forms on the soil surface. It becomes a serious obstacle to the supply of oxygen to the root system. Regular loosening can eliminate this problem.

In parallel with loosening, grown weeds are removed. Since it is the herbs that cause the appearance of pests and fungi in the plant.

Pruning and shaping the bush

Chocolate grapes are characterized by rapid vine growth, so sanitary and formative pruning is simply necessary. Procedures are carried out in autumn and spring. In the first case, dry branches and excess growth are removed. It is not worth cutting off a large volume of shoots, as this will cause serious stress to the crop, which will weaken the bushes. And plants with low immunity will not survive the winter well.

In the spring, in addition to sanitary pruning, during which frozen and diseased shoots are cut off, a formative procedure is carried out. The latter gives the bushes an attractive appearance and also stimulates abundant fruiting.

If there is enough free space on the plot, Chocolate grapes are formed into 2 shoulders. The plant is hardy, so you can leave up to 60 eyes on the bush (7-8 are removed from each shoot).

Scheme for pruning grapes in spring and autumn

Prevention and protection against pests and diseases

The Chocolate variety attracts gardeners with its high level of resistance to diseases and pests. But this does not mean that culture cannot suffer from diseases. Most often, weakened bushes suffer from damage, during the cultivation of which mistakes were made.

Oidium

The most dangerous disease that vineyards can suffer from. When affected, leaves and other above-ground parts become covered with a white coating. The fungus is most active in hot, dry weather.

To avoid disease, the crop should be treated with crushed sulfur. For preventative purposes, the soil is periodically fertilized with compounds based on phosphorus and potassium.

Mildew

Another dangerous disease that most often progresses at high humidity and temperatures. With severe damage, the volume and quality (sugar content level) of the crop decreases. The speed of vine ripening is lost. With massive damage, the foliage begins to fall off and the bush dries out. To treat the disease, the drugs Zineb or Maneb are used.

A disease that most often progresses in high humidity and temperatures

Phylloxera

Phylloxera is a pest that attacks the leaves, cuttings and root system of the plant. If left untreated, the grapes begin to quickly wither and die. When the ground part is affected, the following drugs are used for treatment:

• Zolon;
• Mitak;
• Karbofos.

If phylloxera has affected the root system, then the soil is additionally treated with volatile carbon disulfide.

Aphid

This is a pest that attacks leaves, feeding on their sap. The danger of aphids is that the insect is a carrier of spores of various fungal diseases.

For control, insecticides are used, applying them in courses. Moreover, all fruit plants in the garden should be treated, since insects move very quickly.

This is a pest that attacks leaves, feeding on their sap.

Thrips

A small pest that attacks leaf blades. The danger is that thrips often become carriers of viral infections.

When the first signs of the pest appear, insecticide treatments should be carried out.

Spider mite

A dangerous insect of microscopic size. It is difficult to notice spider mite infestations in the early stages. The appearance of thin threads of cobwebs indicates that the plant is massively affected.

Dangerous insect of microscopic size

The presence of spider mites will also be indicated by stopping the growth of bushes. The leaves begin to fall for no reason, the berries ripen much more slowly. For treatment, sulfur-based insecticides, DNOC or systemic acaricides are used.

Protection from birds and insects

Since berries contain a lot of sugar, the ripe crop often becomes the object of attention of birds. They happily peck at the fruits, and their remains often accumulate wasps, which cannot bite through the skin of the grapes on their own.

Dealing with feathered guests is difficult. The simplest option is to cover the vineyard with plastic or metal mesh with small cells. You can also fight birds using bird feeders. In a well-fed state, they are unlikely to attack crops.

You should not use a fishing net to protect yourself from birds. Birds can easily get entangled in it and die.

The easiest option is to cover the bunches with netting

Preparing for winter

In the southern regions, due to their good frost resistance, Chocolate grapes do not need additional insulation before winter. It is enough to carry out simple manipulations:

• cleaning up fallen leaves and berries;
• feeding to improve immunity;
• carrying out moisture-charging irrigation;
• preventive treatment against diseases and pests.

But in the central zone and northern regions additional insulation is carried out. To do this, make a shallow trench on the ground, in which a substrate of boards, plywood, straw or spruce branches is arranged. The vines removed from the supports and tied are placed on top. Then cover with agrofibre or any non-woven material with holes for ventilation. The grapes are covered with spruce branches, straw or other insulating material on top.

Chocolate (Maradona, PG-12) – description of the grape variety

Chocolate – table grape variety of medium-late ripening period

Synonyms: PG-12, Maradona red, Taifi resistant

Originator: Magarach Institute

Parental pair: (Kata-Kurgan x Kirovabad canteen) x Antey Magaracha

Description and main characteristics: Self-rooted and grafted bushes are very vigorous, the flower type is bisexual. The harvest ripens in the southern regions of Russia in the third ten days of September. The clusters are conical, often winged, of moderate density and medium-dense, with an average weight of about a kilogram, without peas. On powerful formations, the mass of the bunch easily reaches one and a half kilograms. On the bushes, the bunches look very elegant, especially when they are not fully ripe, when the tips of the berries are brighter in color than the rest of the berries. The berries are oval, red or red-brown, with an average weight of 9-10g. The skin is dense, the flesh is fleshy and juicy, with a jelly consistency. The taste is simple and harmonious. The vine ripens very well, cuttings take root easily. There are more than 70% of shoots with clusters, the yield of the bushes is high. The Chocolate grape variety is relatively resistant to gray rot; resistance to mildew and oidium is low. The berries can crack due to rain, despite their thick, rough skin. Winter hardiness is about -22C, the bushes are grown in a cover crop. The Chocolate grape variety does much better in areas with a hot climate and little rainfall during the ripening period. If the ripening crop is exposed to prolonged rains, the berries crack, the pulp becomes more watery, sugar accumulation decreases, and the skin feels excessively rough when eaten. The harvest is suitable for storage in refrigerators, however, the shelf life of the bunches at room temperature, for example, on shelves and display cases, is low. The berry retains turgor, but the color quickly changes from red to dirty brown, which sharply reduces the attractiveness of the bunches. The ridges dry out quickly. Previously, the Chocolate grape variety was distributed among amateur winegrowers under the names Maradona Red, PG-12 or Taifi resistant, but the correct name of the variety included in the State Register is Chocolate.

Photo of the Chocolate grape variety (aka Maradona red, PG-12, Taifi resistant)

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Harvest and storage

Collect brushes as they mature. The bunches are cut with sharp pruning shears. The peculiarity of the chocolate variety is that the berries ripen perfectly on the bushes. Over time, they become more saturated in color and a bright chocolate shade appears in the taste.

Collect brushes as they mature

The value of the berries also lies in their good keeping quality. In a cool, dry room, berries can be stored for about 3 months without loss of marketability and taste. And if you use special industrial refrigerators for such purposes, the period will increase by 2 times.

Advantages and disadvantages

This variety has more advantages than disadvantages. Here are some of them:

• The clusters have a presentable appearance; the berries are not crushed in them.
• Rainy weather prevents the berries from bursting
• The grapes can be perfectly preserved on the bushes.
• Does not require special care.
• High-yielding (up to 14-15 tons per hectare).
• The harvest is well stored.

Minor disadvantages:

• It is believed that due to the color of the berries, the grapes are inferior to other varieties, and therefore are not exactly a market option, that is, for everyone.
• You can enjoy the grapes for a short time.
• You can make a mistake about the time of harvest.

Important! Not fully ripe berries are red-brown in color. They are already acquiring sweetness and seem edible, but such clusters have not yet ripened and are not ready for harvesting. When fully ripe, the berries acquire a chocolate color and original varietal taste.

Reviews of the Chocolate grape variety

Andrey, 35 years old

“I’ve been growing grapes on the plot for many years. This is my hobby. A friend advised me to buy this particular variety to get later berries. I have never regretted it, the plant grows and develops beautifully, and has not yet gotten sick. The harvest is stable and relatively high.”

Oksana, 42 years old

“I love Chocolate Grapes the most. Amazing taste, good harvest, and most importantly, the bunches are stored for a long time, which allows you to enjoy environmentally friendly vitamins for several months.”

Igor, 42 years old

“I have been growing Chocolate grapes for a long time. I love the variety for its ease of care, as well as its rare incidence of diseases and pests. The only thing I don’t like a little is the small size of the berries. But the sweet taste makes up for it."

Chocolate grapes are an excellent table variety that can be grown commercially or for personal use. The fruits are great for fresh consumption or canning. If you follow the minimum rules of agricultural technology, the harvests will be stable and good. Delicious juicy bunches can remain on the vine until frost.

Did you like the description of the Chocolate grapes? Are you planning to plant it on your site?

Briefly and succinctly - description of the Chocolate variety

In fact, Chocolate is not a variety, but one of the names (synonym) of the hybrid form of PG-12. Also distributed among winegrowers under the name Taifi, Maradonna.

• Table form, medium-late or medium ripening period, growing season 130-145 days. Fruiting occurs from August 20-25 to October.
• The bunch is large and very large, dense, often with a wing, cylindrical-conical (elongated teardrop-shaped), weight 700-1200 g with proper agricultural technology, minimum 45-500 g.
• The berry is oval-shaped or slightly elongated, weighing 27-30 x 22-24 cm - very large. On average, the weight of the berries is 8.3-9.1 g. The berries are dense, fleshy, juicy, the skin is strong, but not rough. It sticks well to the stalks and the seeds are easy to remove.
• The taste is harmonious, sweet, refreshing - among those who have tasted it, you will not meet those who do not like the taste.
• There is a high growth vigor of the bush, good ripening of shoots, the length of which reaches up to 15 m, the petioles take root well, and are compatible with most rootstocks.
• Frost resistance -22-23 C.
• It is resistant to gray rot, weakly resistant to oidium and mildew, however, based on observations, it does not suffer from particular pain.
• It has good transportability and is stored for a long time after cutting in comparison with other varieties and forms.

Growing features: what you need to know

• Fruitful shoots are 67-78%, on average the number of bunches per shoot is 1.3-1.6. On young shoots, it is easier to remove the second and third bunches in the spring when rationing to avoid peas.
• Load of Chocolate grapes (PG-12, Maradonna) 35-40 buds, pruning vines for 8-12 buds, sometimes 4 buds. Reacts favorably to long pruning. The load on the bush in the third year is 6-8 clusters of 800-1200 g, for an adult plant, about 10 years old - from 45-70 clusters.
• Do not overload - however, with sufficient feeding, it ripens and the berries do not become smaller. With moderate load it can compete with many large-fruited varieties.
• Long pruning is recommended, since short pruning will fatten the shoots and result in a small harvest.
• Molding - from the options: a vertical trellis in one standard, one sleeve, over time from a four-armed single-sheet to a Guillot cordon.

As for the reviews of winegrowers, not everything is so simple. Let's summarize a lot of things we've heard over more than 10 years: Pros:

• With proper rationing, it gives a good harvest.
• Very sweet, juicy, pleasant to taste
• Does not burst or crack in rainy weather;
• There are practically no loose clusters, no peas;
• It does not deteriorate for a long time without removal - on bushes;
• Well kept.
• It is unpretentious in care - standard fertilizing during planting and 2-3 times during the season, 2 times treatment against diseases - under acceptable growing conditions, as already mentioned, no particular pain is noted.

Flaws:

• Too dense brush;
• Color, as they say, is an acquired taste - for the market, you may not be able to guess the buyer’s taste;
• Susceptibility to Oidium (the susceptibility to mildew indicated in the description does not appear often); The taste is simple and sweet.
• Extended fruiting (maturity) (from August 20-25 to October frosts).

And in conclusion, the Chocolate grapes have varied reviews from the winegrowers who grow them, is it worth planting, is the powerful vine and beautiful dark berry worth it? It's up to you to decide

Definitely, the variety is promising and is worth paying attention to - in good hands, a good berry will always take root and reward you with a generous harvest

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Beautiful grapes with an exotic taste - “Chocolate” variety

The grape culture is confidently moving north, and now the vine climbs where it previously could not grow due to the excessively harsh climate, providing the caring gardener with fresh berries.

But even where grapes do not grow, sweet bunches are imported.

Over the past decades, breeding scientists have begun to develop more table varieties that retain their freshness for a long time, and this includes Chocolate, a high-yielding and quite disease-resistant mid-late variety with the exotic taste of beautiful amethyst fruits.

A large number of other mature varieties are early, but this one ripens in September, thereby extending the berry season by several months.

Yulian, Gordey and Anyuta are also early ripening.

Features of variety propagation and planting cuttings

Despite the good survival rate of the variety, for its growth it is better to choose an open sunny area with light and nutritious soil. Grapes do not like swampy areas, because there their roots gradually begin to rot. The lack of sunlight also has a bad effect on Maradona; in a shaded place, its berries do not reach full ripeness, remain pale pink and not very sweet.

This variety can also be propagated by grafting using young and mature rootstocks. For both methods, cuttings are prepared in the fall. To do this, when pruning the vine, its upper unripe part is thrown away, and the rest is cut into cuttings with 4–5 buds. After which the sections are treated with melted paraffin, the cuttings are wrapped in damp cloth and left in the cellar or basement until spring.

Planting is carried out as follows:

1. Around the beginning of February, the cuttings are taken out of the basement and the paraffin-treated ends are cut off with pruning shears.
2. Using a sharp knife, grooves of about 2 cm are made in the bark near the cut, facilitating the process of root germination.
3. Cuttings are placed in water, moistened soil or wrapped in moss and covered with film.
4. In April, hardening of grape seedlings in the open air begins. If they grew in water or moss, when roots appear, the cuttings are planted in containers with soil.
5. In May (depending on the weather), seedlings are planted in a pre-prepared hole with a diameter and depth of about 800 mm.
6. Before this, the pit is filled with a drainage layer of pebbles or broken bricks and filled 50% with a soil mixture with compost and the addition of potassium and phosphorus fertilizers.
7. The seedling, along with a lump of earth, is removed from the pot, lowered into a hole and covered with soil mixture.
8. The plant is watered, after shrinkage the soil is replenished and covered with mulch from peat, sawdust or mown grass.

When planting a seedling with an open root system, you should first form an earthen mound in the hole, and then carefully spread the roots of the plant on it.

Diseases and pests, combating them

In most cases, the Chocolate variety is not susceptible to disease or parasite invasion. But there are situations when the bush is affected by rot, downy mildew or oidium. When yellow spots appear on the leaf blades, which are subsequently covered with a whitish coating, we can talk about the plant acquiring rot. If the plant is not treated, the fungus migrates to the stems and brushes.

Infected fruits in such a situation should not be eaten. To prevent the appearance of any disease, it is necessary to spray it with chemicals that are effective for various diseases during the formation of the ovary. Preventive measures should be carried out periodically by spraying with copper sulfate or other substances. This is necessary to eliminate the preconditions for diseases such as chlorosis, bacterial cancer, and anthracnose.

If pests are found on the plant in small quantities, they must be removed mechanically or manually. In case of serious damage, it is recommended to treat the plant with folk remedies or chemical insecticides.

The most common parasites observed on the plant are aphids, phylloxera, thrips, and spider mites.

To prevent any infection of the vineyard, you need to monitor the condition of the plant. If any signs of the disease appear, begin treatment immediately and do not wait for the situation to develop seriously. Thus, the Chocolate grape variety is a productive variety that can be stored for a long time and does not burst under the influence of rain. The main thing is to properly prepare the soil and planting material, and also plant it in open ground. proper care will help to grow the plant and get a rich harvest.

More information can be found in the video:

Conditions for landing

You need to find a place to plant grapes that is sunny, warm, and not blown by winds on the south side. It is better if the vine grows next to the wall of the building, retreating 1 meter from it.

Almost any soil with moderate acidity is suitable, with the exception of salt marshes, wetlands and lands with close groundwater flow.

After choosing a site for planting grapes in the fall, you need to apply fertilizer and dig up the soil.

It is better to plant grapes in the spring, after the end of frost, so that by the onset of winter cold the vine has grown and become stronger.

Seedlings are either purchased in specialized stores or grown from cuttings yourself. Planting is carried out according to the usual pattern.