The first crop used by mankind to grow in gardens is grapes. It is believed that the berry gained popularity several thousand years ago. Now, through the efforts of breeders, an incredible number of varieties have been bred that differ in taste and external parameters. The grape variety "Kishmish Zaporozhye" is quite young, but is in great demand due to the fact that the number of its advantages far outweighs the disadvantages.
Description of the plant
The name of this culture is closely related to the area where it was bred - the city of Zaporozhye, located on the territory of Ukraine. The grape belongs to the seedless varieties, was obtained by crossing the grapes "Victoria" and "Rusball". Fertile black soil is considered the most suitable soil for growing thisvarieties.
The description of the grape variety "Kishmish Zaporozhye" says about the high rate of fruiting. One copy can contain over 90% of fruitful shoots, each of which is capable of producing 1.5-2 large clusters of berries. Often they develop with a "wing". The density of placement of berries is average, less often - loose. Petioles and young leaves of the plant have a light red hue.
As for the bunches, their average weight reaches 600-750 grams. In some cases, you can find a bunch weighing up to 1.5 kg. The berries are conical in shape, the color varies from red to purple. The size of the fruit is small, on average reaching 1.5-1.7 cm. The berries have juicy pulp with an amazing marmalade taste.
The plant belongs to early maturing varieties. Berries ripen in less than 4 months. "Kishmish Zaporozhye" is winter-hardy, it is not afraid of frosts down to -26 ° C, so the variety does not need shelter, but in order for the plant to comfortably overwinter in lower temperature conditions, it is recommended to cover it with agrofiber or coniferous branches.
Grapes self-pollinate, often becoming a pollinator for other varieties. The versatility of the culture makes it possible to consume its fruits not only fresh, but also to use them for conservation, making raisins and juices.
Fit features
Planting grapes "Kishmish Zaporozhye" does not cause any particular difficulties. When buying a seedling, it is necessary to carefully examine its rhizome to exclude the presence ofdamage. The root system should be he althy and green-brown in color.
The choice of a place for a plant plays an important role, since access to sunlight is necessary for the ripening of fruits. Planting of seedlings is carried out in spring or autumn.
It should be borne in mind that the root system of grapes is well developed, so groundwater should not lie too close at the place of its planting. Otherwise, the plant is likely to rot.
For a seedling, it is necessary to prepare a hole in the open ground. The minimum required width should be at least 80 cm, and the depth should be from 70 cm. A layer of drainage is laid out at the bottom of the dug hole and covered with a small amount of soil. The seedling is placed in the center of the pit, carefully straightening the roots, and covered with soil. Since the plant likes regular watering, it should be watered abundantly immediately.
Care instructions
The description of the grapes "Kishmish Zaporozhye" says about the unpretentiousness of the variety. The plant is undemanding to care, and the only thing it needs is:
- Regular watering (you need to water well once every 5 days plus equip drip irrigation on especially hot summer days).
- Weeding (getting rid of weeds, loosening the soil near the root system).
- Crop.
- Prophylactic treatment for pests and diseases (1% solution of Bordeaux liquid will reduce the risk of disease).
It is worth noting that watering is stopped after harvest. Stagnation of moisture should be avoidedas this can lead to the death of the plant. Simultaneously with weeding, it is recommended to feed the grapes with substances that contain nitrogen, magnesium sulfate and potassium monophosphate.
Need to trim
For comfortable growth and development, grapes need pruning. Timely pruning will avoid overloading the vines with berries, to which "Kishmish Zaporozhye" is prone due to the high level of fruiting. It is recommended to prune for 7-8 eyes, leaving no more than 35 eyes on one bush.
Pruning will help avoid darkening of the vine, which reduces yields, and cutting off the ends of excessively large inflorescences can improve the commercial quality of the fruit.
Pruning is done in the spring, when the winter frosts have completely receded. Weak or damaged branches are pruned without fail. In the summer, with the help of pinching, they get rid of extra stepchildren.
The next pruning is done in autumn, when the grapes shed their leaves. Those shoots that have a light green tint are subject to removal.
Disease resistance
Grapes of this variety are very resistant to many common grape diseases. These diseases include, for example, grape rot, mildew and oidium.
However, the plant is quite vulnerable to wasps. Its sweet aroma attracts insects that can harm the appearance. Timely treatment of grapes with insecticides will help protect the bush from attention.insects, but if chemically processed, the berries should be thoroughly washed before eating them.
Pros and cons
Grapes "Kishmish Zaporozhye", the photo of which you see below, has many advantages.
Clear pluses include:
- bright taste;
- lack of seeds in berries;
- high yields;
- universality of pollination;
- precocity;
- frost resistance, making it suitable for cultivation in northern areas;
- good disease and pest resistance.
Culture has few shortcomings. These include:
- excessive formation of stepchildren on bushes;
- somewhat difficult to separate the bunch from the stalk;
- Increased attention of wasps to berries because of their sweet smell.
Some gardeners talk about watery berries. Otherwise, "Kishmish Zaporozhye" is a useful and unpretentious plant. Any novice gardener will cope with its maintenance and care.
