How to Grow Gold Finger Grapes? Latest Cultivation Techniques and Methods Tutorial

Gold Finger grape belongs to the European-American hybrid varieties. Its clusters are enormous, elongated conical in shape, moderately loose or tight, with an average cluster weight of 750 grams and a maximum cluster weight of 1500 grams. The berries are uniquely shaped and attractive, ripening in late July. It has strong resistance to stress, strong adaptability, and strong cold resistance. It is the only high-sugar, early-ripening European-American hybrid variety, standing out uniquely in the vast grape family. Now let us take a look at Gold Finger grape cultivation techniques!

Economic Benefits of Growing Gold Finger Grapes

Gold Finger grapes have a beautiful appearance, exceptionally high sugar content, and excellent flavor, which perfectly matches the high-end consumption concept, so they can fetch a very high price. In 2007, Gold Finger grapes sold for 50 yuan per jin. Calculated at 3000 jin per mu, this could reach an astonishing output value of 150,000 yuan per mu. Even in economically backward areas, the price is several times that of Kyoho grapes. Calculated at 5 yuan per jin, it can still reach an output value of 15,000 yuan per mu, making the benefits very considerable.

Trellis Construction for Gold Finger Grapes

1. Trellis selection: Gold Finger grapes have relatively strong growth vigor and easily form flower buds, making them suitable for any cultivation mode. The Shandong Fresh Grape Research Institute has conducted various trials in recent years, including small canopy trellis, large canopy trellis, single-arm vertical trellis, double-arm vertical trellis, T-shaped trellis, double-cross V-shaped trellis, and Y-shaped trellis. All produced good results, but the Y-shaped trellis performed the best.

2. Trellis design: Posts are 2.3-2.4 m tall, buried 0.5-0.6 m underground, with 1.8 m remaining above ground. At 0.7 m, 1.2 m, and 1.7 m above ground, attach three crossbars measuring 0.5 m, 0.8 m, and 1 m in length respectively, requiring equal lengths on both ends. Stretch a wire along the row at each end of the crossbars. At the same time, at 0.5 m above ground, stretch a wire on each side of the posts. In this way, there are 4 wires on each side of the posts, completing the trellis structure.

3. Trellis building and planting: After the soil thaws in early spring, preparations for planting can begin. Generally, irrigate the plot thoroughly once. If it is saline-alkali land, irrigate thoroughly twice. When planting, do not bury the seedlings too deep in the soil. The top of the seedling should protrude 5—10 cm above the ground. After planting, water lightly once, then cover with plastic film. Dig the aboveground part of the grape seedling out from inside the film, and press the film down with a small amount of soil to prevent it from being torn by wind. The planting density is 2.5-2.8 m for wide rows, 0.2 m for narrow rows, and 1 m between plants, with 400-500 plants per mu.

Cultivation Techniques for Gold Finger Grapes

1. Soil management: During cultivation and management of Gold Finger grapes, strengthen soil management by frequently cultivating and weeding, and deep plowing at appropriate times. Combined with other management practices, a good harvest can certainly be achieved. The main methods include deep plowing, cultivating and weeding, intercropping, mulching, and growing grass cover.

2. Fertilizer management: Gold Finger grapes have a well-developed root system, moderate to slightly vigorous growth vigor, and relatively upright new shoots. Fertilization is the same as for other varieties, requiring not only elements such as N, P, K, and Ca, but also trace elements such as Zn, B, and Mn. The fertilization timing should closely align with the growth and development stages of the grapes.

3. Water management: Gold Finger grapes have stronger drought resistance than fruit trees such as apples, pears, and peaches. Many dryland vineyards can still achieve high yields. Although drought resistance is strong, timely irrigation can ensure high yield and high quality of the fruit. At the same time, irrigation of the vineyard should also take into account the physiological characteristics of the grape's growth and development stages.

4. Reasonable crop load: Excessive grape yield not only affects quality and delays ripening, but also easily causes premature aging of the vine. In production, the crop load of the vine must be strictly controlled. Under normal management conditions, a vigorous fruiting cane can retain 1-2 clusters of fruit, a moderate cane should retain only 1 cluster, and a weak cane should retain no fruit.

5. Grape bagging: Bagging is one of the best ways to obtain brightly colored, high-quality, pollution-free fruit. It has become an essential step in producing high-end grapes. Grape bagging can effectively reduce damage from diseases and insect pests, reduce the number of spray applications, lower pesticide residues, improve fruit quality, and increase commercial value.

6. Timely harvest: Gold Finger grapes can be successively picked and marketed 20 days after swelling and softening. However, if you want to bring out the rich honey aroma of Gold Finger grapes, it is best to let them fully ripen before harvesting. The bagged Gold Finger grapes at the Shandong Fresh Grape Research Institute are generally harvested around September 1 each year, ending in mid-to-late October. During this period, the grapes are fully ripe and can serve as high-end gifts.