Grapes Gift to Zaporizhzhia

The gift to Zaporozhye fully justifies its name as a completely problem-free table grape variety for growing. Already in the first years, it bears a harvest and demonstrates excellent quality characteristics for most indicators.

A hybrid developed in Ukraine in the 80s. XX century by an experienced breeder E. A. Klyuchikov. When creating the variety, three resistant varieties were crossed: Kesha-1 (FV-6–6), Ester (R-65) and Tsytsa (V-70–90).

At first, the new product was given the name FVC-3-3, and later it was renamed into Gift to Zaporozhye, noting the ability of the variety to develop in almost any climate. But with a lot of advantages, the Zaporozhye variety was never included in the Rosreestr selection achievements.

Despite the relatively short period of existence, the Gift of Zaporozhye grapes have spread widely not only in the regions of Ukraine, but also practically throughout Russia. Winegrowers value the culture for its yield and ease of care.

A vigorous shrub with attractive-looking berries and bunches. Has excellent product characteristics. The berries have a special distinctive feature - they first gain size and only then ripen.

The growing season of the Gift in Zaporozhye is 120-130 days. A young plant begins to bear fruit as early as 2-3 years after planting. The hybrid vine ripens early.

The shape of the brush is conical or cylindrical-conical. The density of the bunches is from loose to dense. Each bunch weighs in the range of 600-900 g.

The berries are green. Top covered with a whitish wax coating. The shape of the fruit is oval, even slightly ovoid. Each berry weighs 10-12 g. This is considered a large size.

The pulp is fleshy, with a simple taste, with a subtle apple flavor. Specialists-tasters estimate the taste as high - by 8.4 points. The skin is firm, but thin, easy to chew. The sugar content of the berries is in the range of 16-18 g / 100 ml. The acidity is determined at the level of 6-8 g / l.

In the climate of the middle zone, the bunches are ready for harvest at the end of August or with the arrival of September. Ripe bunches can be stored on the bush until the second half of October. The yield of the harvested fruits exceeds 70%.

A non-capricious hybrid variety, it is well adaptable to environmental conditions. But it is still important to follow the rules for planting and caring for the vine.

It is better to grow the bush on the southern unshaded side of the site, protected from the wind. The Gift to Zaporozhye has no special requirements for soil, but stagnation of moisture is destructive for it. The close location of groundwater suggests the adoption of measures in the form of a drainage device at the bottom of the pit.

When planting, it is important to maintain a distance of 1-1.5 m between seedlings. The planted bush is watered with slightly warmed water and fixed on a support.

The landing time is determined by the local climate. Planting a hybrid in the southern regions is permissible in spring and autumn. In colder climates, planting is only recommended during springtime. This hybrid is not suitable for growing in areas with short summers. The berries do not have time to ripen before frost.

The flower is functionally feminine in type. Planting nearby a bisexual variety with a similar flowering period is recommended. It is not necessary to carry out the procedure to improve pollination, but in unfavorable weather at the time of flowering, this allows you to prevent peas on the berries. To facilitate pollination, the use of gibberellins and similar preparations is implied.

A gift from Zaporozhye requires frequent pruning - medium, 10-12 eyes long. A characteristic feature of the culture of this variety is the tendency of the bush to overload with berries, therefore, a rationing procedure is necessary. Otherwise, there is a high probability of peas.

Watering must be done monthly, except for the flowering period. Water the culture with warm water. Drip irrigation is an excellent option.

They are carried out with ready-made or self-assembled mineral substances. The feeding rate is once a month.

The bush shows resistance to frost, withstanding t up to -24. But in the regions of the central and northern location, it is recommended to cover the plant and insulate it for the winter.

Experts determine the resistance of the hybrid variety to mildew at 3 points and 3.5 to powdery mildew. Birds are considered the main pests of fruits. To protect the fruit from them, you can use ratchets and scarecrows. But these are all temporary methods, as soon the birds cease to be afraid of this. It is more reliable to use protective nets.

If the Gift of Zaporozhye is sufficiently resistant to fungal diseases, it only needs preventive treatment. Bordeaux liquid or copper sulfate is suitable for this. Treatment is shown a maximum of 2 times per growing season.

Ripe bunches are to be transported, laid out in boxes in one layer.This is due to the fact that grapes fall off quite easily. The variety is suitable for long-term storage in a dark, cool room.

Despite the fact that, according to the characteristics, the berries are not susceptible to cracking, most winegrowers point out this disadvantage. Especially after heavy rains. It is recommended to remove damaged fruits so as not to attract wasps to them and to prevent subsequent decay.

In general, rainy weather does not impede the development of culture.

The magnificent green color of the bunch retains even in overripe condition.

In the southern regions, the variety is planted with a gazebo for greater access to the sun's rays to the vine.