Sapphire grapes have a unique shape; when ripe, they are seedless and pitless, with thin skin and tender flesh, making them a very popular grape variety. So, where are Sapphire grape seedlings suitable for planting? Let's find out below.
Where are Sapphire grape seedlings suitable for planting?
Sapphire grape seedlings have a very high survival rate and are cold- and drought-resistant, making them suitable for planting in both northern and southern regions. However, generally speaking, Sapphire grapes are best suited for planting in areas with low rainfall. Northern arid and semi -arid regions are ideal for cultivation, where they can be intercropped using trellises or pergolas. In southern regions, simple rain-sheltered cultivation or greenhouse cultivation is possible, with drainage ditches dug and small-scale trunk or pergola cultivation methods.
Characteristics of Sapphire Grapes
Sapphire grapes have large bunches, averaging 750-1000 grams, with some reaching 2500 grams. The bunches are conical in shape. Naturally seedless and large, they require no fruit enlargement or thinning. Each berry weighs an average of 9-10 grams and has a unique, slender tubular shape. The skin is firm and crisp, turning purplish-black when fully ripe, with minimal bloom. The flesh is firm and crisp, can be sliced, and has a sweet and delicious flavor with a soluble solids content greater than 19%. It releases little juice when cut, making it of excellent quality. Sapphire grapes can remain on the vine for up to two months, allowing for long-distance transport and long-term storage.
Cultivation methods of Sapphire grapes
1. Building the garden
Sapphire grapes are vigorous growers with wide adaptability, suitable for different soil types and climate conditions. However, overly fertile soil can easily lead to excessive vegetative growth, so the amount of nitrogen fertilizer applied should be controlled when establishing the vineyard, and excessive irrigation should be avoided.
2. Planting
Planting Sapphire grapes should be tailored to local conditions and planned according to the grape variety's habits. For the small dragon-trellis type, plant 266-333 vines per acre, with a row spacing of 2-2.5m and a plant spacing of about 1m. For single-trellis type, plant 460-600 vines per acre, with a row spacing of 1.5-1.8m and a plant spacing of 70-80cm. When planting, lay the roots flat and evenly distributed, cover with fine soil, firm it down by hand, and water thoroughly.
3. Fertilizer and water management
Sapphire grape seedling management should adhere to appropriate fertilization and watering, and improve the phosphorus and potassium ratio. Watering and fertilization should be carried out four times a year, starting with bud break. Fertilization and watering should also be done during the grape berry growth and coloring stages. Fertilization and watering should be done before the ground freezes.
