Zilga grapes

Zilga grapes are great for making wine. The drink turns out to be a deep dark red color. The sophisticated and captivating aroma should be noted separately.

The variety called Zilga appeared in the early 60s of the last century. It was created by a breeder from Latvia Paul Sukatniek by crossing three varieties: Smuglyanka plus a mixture of pollen from the varieties Dvietes zila and Yubileiny Novgorod. Due to the use of frost-resistant varieties, the new variety received their hardiness and other characteristics. And also Zilga has acquired disease resistance and fragrant fruits.

This variety grows remarkably well in its homeland of Latvia. It is also grown in Canada, Estonia, Sweden and Hungary. On the territory of the post-Soviet space, vineyards can be found in Belarus and different regions of Russia.

This variety is considered universal due to the fact that the fruits can be used both fresh and for making wine. It is a vigorous plant with three-lobed leaves of a rich green color. In the Baltic States, grapes are used as a hedge, as well as to decorate terraces, balconies and gazebos.

Garden culture belongs to early ripening varieties. The ripening period is from 102 to 108 days. Due to the short growing season, you can get a crop not only in the Moscow region, but also in Siberia and the Leningrad region.

Ripe bunches are cylindrical with a wing. Some bunches may be tapered. The density index is medium or high. Fruit weight varies from 320 to 400 grams. A maximum of 3 clusters are formed on one branch.

Note: high density negatively affects the preservation of the fruit, and they begin to rot. To protect the crop, it must be treated with a solution containing aspirin. The work is carried out during the ripening of the berries and at the beginning of flowering.

The berries turn dark blue. The acidity index is from 4.5 to 5 g / dm³. Sugar - from 180 to 220 g / dm³. The skin is firm. The weight of one berry is about 4 grams. The size is large. The pulp is slimy. The fruits are oval-shaped. There are 2-3 large bones inside.

The fruits of this variety have a sweet and sour taste. Experts noted a light and pleasant nutmeg flavor, you can also catch notes of strawberries. To make the berries less acidic, they need to be picked between August and September. Many people compare this taste with the famous Isabella variety. Assessment of tasters - 7.1 points.

With proper care, up to 12 kilograms of fruit can be harvested from one adult bush. Due to the early ripening of the berries, the bunches can be harvested in late July or early August. Experts recommend leaving the harvest on the branches for a while - so they will be sweeter and tastier. In a warm and dry autumn, the berries left on the branches lose moisture and turn into raisins.

This variety is vigorous, and this must be taken into account when cultivating a crop. Gardeners note a high percentage of fruitful shoots - from 80 to 85. On the bushes leave from 30 to 40 eyes. All growing requirements must be met to get a stable harvest.

Planting can be done in spring or fall. During this time, the plant will have time to adapt to weather conditions and will feel comfortable. In the northern regions, it is recommended to plant in spring. As soon as the frost has finally passed, the grapes are planted at a permanent location. In the northwestern zone, work begins in early June. If the decision is made to plant grapes in the fall, it is necessary to do this before the onset of frost.

When planting in the spring season, the pit is prepared in the fall:

• the most suitable place is a sunny area, which is completely protected from wind and drafts;

• the optimal depth of the fertile layer is 70 centimeters;

• it is necessary to pour sand into the soil if the soil is clayey or heavy;

• the average depth of the pit is 60 centimeters, a drainage layer is laid on the bottom;

• fill the pit with a mixture - compost, horse manure and garden soil;

• cover the pit with a thick and dark film.

Before planting, it is necessary to remove excess soil from the planting site.

During the flowering period, the plant is covered with bisexual flowers. Due to this, the grapes can self-pollinate. It is recommended to plant several bushes of this variety next to each other.

Zilga grapes develop very quickly and therefore require intensive pruning. Bunches are formed on the growths of the current year. Within the boundaries of the northern regions, special attention should be paid to biennial and annual shoots. Annual pruning is mandatory in the fall. During work, 5 to 7 buds are left on the shoot. With the arrival of summer, overly long branches are pinched. And also remove excess and damaged shoots. Young bushes, whose age is up to two years, are practically not cut off.

For young bushes of grapes, you need to organize systematic watering. This variety grows and develops remarkably on moderately moist soil. In hot weather, it is necessary to periodically water the plant, preventing the soil from drying out. When the ovary is forming, watering must be stopped.

This variety does not tolerate stagnant moisture. Small grooves around the perimeter will help get rid of excess water.

Once every three years, you need to feed the bushes. It is recommended to use organic formulations. Half a meter from the trunk, you need to dig a groove around the perimeter. Horse or cow dung is placed in it. After that, the groove must be carefully sprinkled with soil. Fertilize grapes in the spring - about a bucket of manure is used for one bush.

When the flowering period comes to an end, the grapes are fed with phosphorus. A glass of ash is brought under the bush. It is also recommended to feed the plant with ash in autumn. The potassium contained in its composition will help the grapes to prepare for winter, 300 grams of ash will be enough to fertilize one plant.

The Zilga variety is not afraid of frost and can tolerate frosts up to 25 degrees Celsius below zero. The grapes are considered uncovering, however, in the Leningrad Region and the Moscow Region, it is recommended to protect the root system. For this, spruce branches are used and the shoots are trimmed. They harbor grapes in Siberia and other regions with harsh and long winters.

The grapes have good resistance to various fungal diseases. Regardless, there are simple preventive measures to keep in mind. Treatment with special compounds is also necessary in adverse weather conditions.

Store the harvested fruits in a cool place, away from sunlight. Wooden crates are ideal. Such containers help to avoid crop rot. And also the berries perfectly tolerate long-term transportation. They retain their taste, useful properties and presentation.