Isabella grape variety: planting and care

Growing a fruit-bearing grapevine is not that easy. Therefore, many gardeners, when deciding to plant grapes, at first plant picky, high-yielding varieties on their plots, which are guaranteed to produce a harvest of aromatic and sweet berries, symbolizing a sunny, warm summer. One of these varieties is the Isabella grape.

History of appearance

Isabella grapes are a variety that appeared as a result of the breeding work of Mother Nature herself. According to botanists, this variety appeared as a result of cross-pollination of the European variety Vitis Vinifera, brought to the American continent, and the local variety Vitis Lambrusca.

The Isabella grape variety is known by its official name as Isabella Banska, and has been grown by amateurs and professionals for almost 200 years. The first description of the Isabella grape variety was made by the American breeder William Prince, who encountered this plant in the gardens of Long Island. He is also the originator of the Isabella Rozovaya grape variety, which was bred on the basis of Isabella and is known in Russia as the Lydia variety.

Isabella grapes appeared on Russian territory in the 50s of the last century. This variety was highly appreciated by winemakers for its high yield, unpretentiousness and resistance to many diseases characteristic of this fruit crop.

Currently, Isabella is grown almost throughout Russia. The variety is very common in Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, where it is grown in private and industrial vineyards as a raw material for wine production.

The ideal climate for growing Isabella grapes is temperate, subtropical. This variety tolerates winter frosts well, which are destructive for other varieties.

In the 70s of the last century, the EU banned the production of wines on an industrial scale based on Isabella and hybrids bred on its basis. The official reason for the ban is the high methanol content in drinks as a result of fermentation. After some time, this “charge” was dropped from the Isabella grape, but in Europe this variety was never rehabilitated.

Distinctive characteristics of the variety

At the moment, Isabella grapes are the most popular and widespread variety in the world. Its direct purpose is tableware, which means that it is universal. The scope of application of the fruit is quite wide. Ripe fruits are used for wine production both at home and on an industrial scale, for fresh consumption, and also as raw materials for various preparations.

According to the description, Isabella grapes are late-ripening varieties.On average, its growing season is approximately 5-6 months. That is, the harvest occurs at the end of September - beginning of October.

The young vine takes a long time to grow. However, a fruit crop that is more than 5-7 years old annually grows in length by 3-4 meters or more. The bush does not form many stepsons, which is an advantage of the variety and makes the work of winegrowers easier. Isabella's shoots are greenish in color with a soft crimson tint and thick edges. Subsequently, the color of the shoots changes to gray with a brown tint.

The leaves of this variety are medium in size and can be either whole or slightly cut into three parts. The upper side of the leaf blade is dark green, the lower side is light gray.

The photo shows that the description of the Isabella grape variety is as follows: the clusters are of medium size, the average weight reaches 190-250 g. For the most part, the clusters do not differ in density.

High yield is achieved due to the increased number of brushes on each shoot compared to other varieties. That is, on one fruiting shoot, from 2 to 5 fruit clusters can immediately form.

The shape of the grape clusters is cylindrical or conical, with one wing. The yield of one mature vine averages 50-60 kg.

According to the description of the variety and reviews from gardeners, the berries of the Isabella grape (pictured below) are round, 1.6-2 cm in diameter, black-violet in color, covered with a thick, bluish coating, which is a distinctive feature of this variety. The skin of the grapes is quite dense and durable, which is of great importance for transportation.

Experts estimated the sugar content of Isabella at 16-18%, the average weight of one grape varies between 2.5-3 grams. The pulp of grape fruits has a sour-sweet taste, a slimy consistency, and a light green or yellow-green color. The taste of the berries distinguishes Isabella from other varieties - the delicate taste and smell of garden strawberries. The fruit has few seeds.

It is precisely because of the peculiar taste that European winemakers consider wine made from Isabella to be of poor quality. However, in other countries, in particular in Russia, Australia, North and South America, there are many lovers who greatly value wine made from this grape.

The peak of harvest ripening occurs in October. It’s very easy to know that the grapes have reached maturity and it’s time to pick the fruits - the berries spread the rich aroma of nutmeg throughout the garden.

The first bunches of grapes appear on the vine 3-4 years after planting young seedlings in the ground.

This variety has a fairly high resistance to frost. Without much damage, the bushes tolerate low temperatures down to –32˚С –35˚С with shelter. In the absence of shelter, grapes tolerate frosts well down to –25˚С –28˚С. This circumstance is the main advantage that allows this variety to be grown not only in the southern regions of Russia, but also in areas with a more severe climate.

The Isabella grape is also distinguished by the fact that if the bush accidentally falls under return frosts, young shoots very quickly appear in place of the frozen shoots, which manage to form in the current season.

The grapevine is very rarely affected by fungal diseases. Mildew, powdery mildew, oidium, and gray mold will not cause serious damage to shrubs. Phylloxera is also extremely rare on fruit crops, even if neighboring plants are infected with this disease.

According to the characteristics and description of the variety, Isabella grapes are easily propagated by cuttings. The planting material quickly takes root and does not get sick during transplantation. Many breeders are still working to improve other varieties by crossing them with Isabella. New hybrids combine excellent qualities and are highly resistant to diseases.

The Isabella Belaya grape variety, the photo of which is presented above, also has high productivity and identical qualities; the description of the variety is not much different from the usual Isabella. However, unlike its closest relative, this variety belongs to crops with early ripening.

Another variety bred on the basis of Isabella is the Isabella large-fruited grape. It belongs to the mid-early varieties in terms of ripening. Berry picking begins a month and a half earlier. The main characteristics are identical and differ little.

Many gardeners value Isabella grapes not only for their taste characteristics.Fruit and berry crops can also be used as a decorative component when landscaping garden plots. The vine looks great twining around a garden gazebo, fence or veranda. With the onset of autumn, the foliage acquires a bright, yellow-golden color, which gives the garden a special, spectacular look.

According to the description of the variety, Isabella grapes are undemanding in terms of soil composition, fertilizing, and are not picky in cultivation and care. The requirements of agricultural technology are so simple that even a novice winegrower can cope with them.

Advantages and disadvantages

For almost two hundred years of growing Isabella grapes, gardeners have discovered a lot of advantages in it:

• unpretentiousness in planting, care, cultivation;
• high productivity;
  
• good keeping quality and transportability of ripe grapes while maintaining presentation and taste;
• distinctive taste characteristics inherent only to this variety;
• has high resistance to low temperatures;
• has immunity to many diseases characteristic of this culture;
• ease of reproduction;
• wide scope of application;
• relatively low calorie content in berries;
• decorative value of grapes.

But, in addition to its advantages, Isabella grapes also have some disadvantages:

• This variety is demanding on waterlogging or even short-term drought. With excessive watering, the development of putrefactive diseases is likely. But the lack of moisture will affect the yield: an apparently healthy vine can shed leaves and even brushes. The remaining berries become smaller, and when ripe they acquire a sour, tart taste.
• grapes do not like overly acidic and alkaline soils. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain the acid-base balance within normal limits.
• Despite her high immunity to many diseases, Isabella is prone to anthracnose. To avoid damage to the grapevine, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatments twice a year, in spring and autumn;
• wine made from Isabella or its hybrids acquires an unpleasant, putrid odor after three years.

The peculiar taste and aroma of Isabella grapes, reminiscent of garden strawberries, is considered by winegrowers to be a serious drawback. But some lovers of this noble drink like this variety precisely because of the presence of this distinctive quality.

Rules for planting and care

Planting seedlings of Isabella grapes can be done both in spring and early autumn. In autumn, the optimal planting time is the first two decades of September. The main thing is that before the expected frost there is at least 2-2.5 months left for successful rooting.

In spring, Isabella grapes can be planted in open ground in early to mid-May. It is important that the threat of return spring frosts passes. But even if the air temperature suddenly drops, young plants need to be provided with shelter.

Choosing a suitable site

Isabella grapes, judging by the description of the variety, do not have any special requirements for soil composition. This unpretentious crop grows well on sandy, clayey and even poor soil. However, the ideal option is slightly acidic, fertile soil.

When choosing a suitable place for grapes, you need to focus on the fact that the ideal place for the future vineyard should be well ventilated and sufficiently illuminated by the sun. Ideally, the vine should face west or south.

It is undesirable to plant grape seedlings:

• near solid fences and walls;
• in areas with high groundwater levels;
• in places where rain and melt water stagnate;
• in areas with high acidity and alkalinity;
• in places exposed to strong winds.

Do not plant grapes in areas where water from roofs will drip onto the vines. Also, Isabella grapes should not be planted near fruit trees. The minimum distance to garden crops should be at least 5-6 m. As the vine grows, it can “strangle” trees with its powerful roots.

How to choose the right seedlings

Before planting Isabella grape seedlings, it is important to know how to choose the right planting material. After all, the quality and quantity of the future harvest depends on this.

Annual grape seedlings tolerate transplantation more easily and take root faster. The following requirements apply to high-quality young shoots:

• the length of the chibouks is 20-35 cm;
• the length of the root system must be at least 10-15 cm;
• clean and uniform bark, without signs of damage, lesions or signs of disease;
• the presence of 3-5 healthy, well-developed kidneys;
• The color of the cut on the root of healthy seedlings is white, and that of the shoot is light green.

You need to purchase grape seedlings from specialized nurseries. If this is not possible, you can prepare planting material yourself.

When planting Isabella grapes, you should adhere to the following recommendations of experienced winegrowers:

• the minimum distance between grape seedlings should be at least 1.5 m, row spacing should be 2-2.5 m wide;
• 10-15 days before the proposed planting, the soil in the future vineyard must be thoroughly dug up and, if necessary, mineral fertilizers must be applied;
• the optimal size of the planting hole is 80 cm X 80 cm X 80 cm;
• a drainage layer 10-12 cm thick at the bottom of the pit is required. Broken brick, small pebbles, expanded clay, crushed stone are suitable for this;
• at 20-25 cm you need to pour a layer of soil mixed with rotted manure or compost in a ratio of 2:1;
  
• then pour a layer of ordinary garden soil, and make a small mound in the center of the hole;
• Place the root system of the Isabella grape seedling on a mound, spreading all the roots evenly;
• fill all the voids in the hole, carefully compacting the soil lightly. At the base of the shoot, compact the soil slightly, but without fanaticism, form a watering circle around the seedling;
• and the final part is abundant watering. Under each grape seedling you need to pour at least 3-4 buckets of warm, settled water.

It is not recommended to thicken plantings. The root system of grapes grows very quickly, and after some time neighboring vines will fight with each other for nutrients, which immediately affects the yield of the crop.

As you can see, growing Isabella grapes is not that difficult. In the future, you will have to provide the plantings with appropriate care.And after 3-4 years you will be able to harvest the first harvest of tasty and aromatic grapes.

Further care

Subsequent care of the grapes consists of performing the usual manipulations for every gardener:

• installation of trellis;
• timely watering;
• regular feeding;
• seasonal pruning;
• if necessary, cover the grapevine for the winter.

A trellis for grapes must be installed. The simplest option is supports with stretched strong wire in several rows, to which you will tie the vine, forming a bush.

Watering rules

After planting, Isabella grapes need to be watered frequently and abundantly. This is necessary for rapid rooting and growth of seedlings. Therefore, water the plants twice a week, pouring at least 1-2 buckets of water under each bush. But be careful not to over-moisten the soil. Prolonged and excessive soil moisture is no less harmful to grapes than drought.

Mature bushes need to be watered as needed. The watering rate and scheme need to be changed. It is enough to water Isabella once a week; one bucket of water will be enough for the grape bush.

Please note that during the formation and active growth of berries, the soil in the vineyard must always be moist. It is advisable to water the grapes in the evening, after the heat has subsided.

At the end of August, when the berries begin to ripen en masse and they change color, you need to stop watering so that the grape clusters ripen well and do not burst.

In the fall, after the entire harvest has been harvested, it is necessary to carry out pre-winter watering in the amount of 50-70 liters per bush to help the grapes regain strength after heavy fruiting and fully prepare for winter.

When, how and what to feed the vine

Isabella grapes grow very quickly and bear fruit abundantly, so they need to be fed regularly. Once every 2-3 years, you can add no more than 1-1.5 kg of organic matter per bush to the soil.

Isabella needs to be fed three times throughout the year. The first feeding is in the spring. Water the grapes with a nitrogen-based solution - ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate or urea. Between planned fertilizing, you can water the berry crops with an infusion of dandelion or nettle.

The second feeding is during the period of active fruit formation. At this time, Isabella needs fertilizers based on phosphorus and potassium. Feed the grapes for the third time in the fall, after harvesting, with complex mineral fertilizers.

Winegrowers begin to form the vine in the second year. However, in addition to spring and autumn pruning, the grapes must be thinned out before the clusters begin to ripen. Otherwise, the lack of sunlight will affect the quality of the crop. The leafy clusters of Isabella grapes ripen longer, and the sugar content in the berries is significantly reduced.

If desired, you can mulch the soil in the vineyard. This will help you keep the soil moist for a longer time.

For the winter, Isabella grapes are harvested and covered in regions where the thermometer in winter drops below –25˚С –28˚С.In areas with warm climates, this grape variety is grown as a non-covered variety.

In general, among winegrowers, Isabella is considered the most unpretentious crop.

Diseases and pests

According to the description of the variety and reviews, Isabella grapes are extremely rarely affected by diseases characteristic of this crop. Even to phylloxera he has a fairly high immunity. The only thing that poses a danger to the vineyard is anthracnose. Therefore, do not forget about regular preventative treatments.

Pests also rarely appear on the grapevine. Insects are repelled by the nutmeg aroma contained in the skin of the berries. Even wasps and bees, lovers of sweets, fly around Isabella’s bushes.

However, birds are very fond of eating this grape variety. Therefore, take care to protect the crop in advance. Thin mesh bags placed on ripening hands help a lot.

An experienced winegrower presented in a video clip a visual description of the Isabella grape variety, its main characteristics and scope of application

Conclusion

As can be seen from the description of the variety, Isabella grapes are the most unpretentious and high-yielding variety. It is great for beginning winegrowers. With minimal care, you can get a bountiful harvest of aromatic, tasty grapes and delight your loved ones with both fresh berries and preparations prepared with love and care.

Reviews

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