Variegated Grapes

Table grapes Variegated refers to hybrids of private selection. It has become widespread in the south of Russia, it is distinguished by its very early ripening, excellent taste of berries. Differs in the ability to independently develop the root system, does not need vaccinations. Sometimes found under the name Motley Guseva.

A breeder from Dubrovka, Sergei Eduardovich Gusev, was engaged in the development of a new hybrid. To obtain a tall, early maturing subspecies, the parent varieties Talisman and Radiant Kishmish were taken. The result of amateur crossing was a hybrid with the best properties of the original plants.

The variety is very early. Harvesting begins in early August. It is noted that before the full ripeness and sweetness are set, the berries need another 1-2 weeks from the terms declared by the originator. The predicted ripening period reaches 100 days.

This grape is characterized by a conical shape and a high density of the bunch. The mass of the brush reaches 350-450 g. Sometimes the bunch is formed with a wing.

The variegated grapes are characterized by pink, in some places lilac shade of berries, there is a light waxy bloom. Its skin is firm, the flesh is juicy and crispy. The berries have a regular oval shape, large, up to 26 × 24 mm in size and weighing up to 8-10 g.

According to the tasting assessment, the taste properties of this grape reach 8.8 points. Muscat shade is very pronounced. Variegated is characterized by a high sugar content of up to 250 g / dm3 with an acidity of 5-6 g / dm3. When fully ripe, the nutmeg notes become sharper.

According to its indicators, the hybrid belongs to high-yielding varieties. Up to 130-150 quintals of berries can be harvested from 1 hectare. Fruiting shoots occupy up to 60-70% of the bush.

The Variegated grape hybrid needs a lot of daylight. It is planted in open spaces, on the south side, in a place protected from the wind. With strong shading, fruiting slows down or does not occur at all. A tall bush needs props when planting.

The choice of a landing site is simplified as much as possible. The hybrid grows well on black soil, on rocky and sandy soils. Annual shoots are usually planted from April to May, green stepchildren are rooted in the summer months. The preparation of a pit with a size of 0.8 × 0.8 m is carried out 30 days before planting. The bottom is lined with a nutrient mixture based on compost and humus, then a layer of ash, fertilizer and soil is laid - filling occurs on 2/3 of the hole.

After a month, the seedlings are transferred to the prepared pits.The nutrient-rich soil promotes rapid root growth.

Bisexual flowers are formed on the bush. The variety is self-pollinated. No additional effort is required to form the ovaries.

The vine is shortened to 7-8 eyes. Pruning is carried out in the spring, before the sap flow begins. Sanitary measures involve the removal of dried and frozen shoots. The thicker the vine, the shorter it is cut. In the summer, additional shortening of excess shoots is carried out, pinching is also used, performed 7 days before flowering.

Variegated grapes can withstand a drop in atmospheric temperatures down to -22 degrees without shelter. In colder climates, plants need extra protection. Growing in a covering culture involves the organization of a reliable shelter in the winter, both in the form of near-stem mulch at the roots, and in the form of a full-fledged wrapping of cut vines with spruce branches and snow.

Since the hybrid ripens very early, damage to plants by diseases and pests is extremely rare. Preventive fungicidal treatment in the spring is recommended. Pest control using chemical preparations is performed against typical parasites - bunch mites, spider mites and grape mites.

A distinctive feature of all early table grape varieties is their unsuitability for long-term storage. The Variegated Hybrid is no exception. It is removed from the bush only after full ripening. Then they are hung or laid in 1 layer in wooden boxes, at a temperature from 0 to +5 degrees and a humidity of at least 85%. It is important not to damage the protective wax coating on the berries, otherwise they will deteriorate faster than usual.