Rumba grape

The Rumba grape, which was born quite recently (about 10 years ago), has already managed to fall in love with many and is one of the most popular grape varieties. Its popularity is due to the fact that the variety is unpretentious, gives a bountiful harvest, has a pleasant sweet taste, and is also frost-resistant, which attracts a huge number of amateur gardeners.

Its author was Kapelyushny Vasily Ulyanovich, a Don breeder who has been doing his business for over 20 years. It was he who introduced the world to a variety that will stand out for its prevailing positive characteristics. Rumba was bred by crossing two varieties - Red Rapture and Charrel. For breeding, no special breeding technologies were used, therefore the hybrid form is considered amateur.

It is an early table grape variety. It boasts high yields and resistance to low temperatures, even when no shelter is available. Has a bisexual flower.

Rumba ripens rather quickly, it takes 95-100 days, but weather conditions can affect ripening, slowing down its period.

Rumba bunches are eye-catching with their charming appearance, have a cylindrical shape and moderate density, on them there are several branches spliced ​​with the main crest, on which juicy fleshy berries are located.

Rumba has large oval pinkish berries, the end is elongated. The weight of one grape ranges from 8 to 10 grams, but, despite their weighty size, the berries usually do not crack. Although, due to heavy rain, crackling of several berries from a bunch is still possible. There is a dense skin that perfectly protects the grapes from insects and other pests.

Rumba is distinguished by a high level of sugar accumulation and at the same time a very harmonious taste, and its ripe juicy pulp crunches loudly in the mouth. The seeds are large, but easy to chew without much effort. When fully ripe, the aroma of cherry is slightly felt.

Rumba produces a large harvest in a relatively short period of time. Begins to bear fruit in 2-3 years after planting.

The variety is unpretentious and does not need to find a special land for planting, growth is possible in almost any conditions. Also, it does not need frequent fertilization, it should be applied no more than once every 3 years.

Rumba should be planted in the spring when the ground temperature reaches above zero. A possible season for planting can also be autumn, but it is important to know that the temperature should not be below zero degrees, otherwise the bushes will simply freeze out.The roots of the seedlings must be at least 15 centimeters long. And since the variety grows strongly due to its powerful root system, the distance between the seedlings must be left at least 3 meters.

For planting, you should dig a hole meter by meter, pour one bucket of gravel, half a bucket of humus with compost, a glass of ash and 2 tablespoons of superphosphate at its bottom. Then you need to plant a seedling in the ground, sprinkle it with earth and immediately insert a support.

Since the Rumba variety is self-fertile, replanting bushes of another variety for pollination is not necessary.

Pruning is one of the most important care items for Rumba and is done in the spring, summer and fall.

• In the spring, remove all overwintered vines.
• In the summer, you need to remove all unnecessary shoots, stepchildren and bunches. After pruning, no more than 20 brushes should remain on young bushes, and up to 40 on an adult.
• In the fall, pruning is done before the grapes are harvested for the winter.

Since Rumba does not require thorough pruning, 8-10 eyes are left on the vine for the winter.

Watering Rumba should be done regularly throughout the season from April to December. The first watering of the grapes is carried out immediately after planting. Further, after two to three weeks, the grapes are pruned, after which the seedlings are watered again. You need to carefully monitor the regularity of watering the plant, but do not overdo it, thereby allowing excessive soil moisture, due to which the plant increases the risk of fungi.

Rumba needs feeding every 3 years. For this, humus or bird droppings are usually used, which is an organic fertilizer. To carry out top dressing, small holes are made around the grape bushes.

Mineral fertilizing in the form of nitrogen salt is especially effective after winter, and fertilizing in the form of organic fertilizers should be carried out before flowering Rumba and before it is sheltered for the winter.

Frosts for mature bushes and seedlings of Rumba are not a hindrance, they are able to withstand temperatures down to -18 degrees, while young ones need shelter.

There are a great many ways of covering. The most frequently used ones are: shelter with sawdust, earth, bags, spruce branches, as well as dry shelter.

Rumba is immune to many diseases, including fungal, if properly cared for. Proper care should consist of removing excess weeds, spraying grapes in autumn and spring with disinfecting agents, and preventing thickening of the shoots.

The attack of wasps and other insects is not terrible for this variety, due to the presence of a dense crust in it, which saves it from raids. To make the harvest even more safe, you need to harvest it on time, as well as destroy the hornets' nests close to the grapes.

Use a scarecrow or ratchet to scare off large pests such as birds.

For long-term preservation of the original flavor and appearance, grapes should be stored in a cool, dark place with air conditioning. In this case, the temperature should remain within 8-10 degrees. Under these conditions, the shelf life can be up to 6 months. Rumba can be stored indoors for no more than 7 days.