Content
Not all grape varieties are grown to obtain a bountiful harvest; sometimes the quality of the fruit is more valuable than its quantity. Izyuminka grapes are a variety that is more pleasant to eat than to grow. This culture is capricious, requiring a special approach, constant attention and complex care. But the harvest of Izyuminka is definitely pleasing: the clusters are very large and beautiful, the berries are oval, deep in color, with excellent taste and strong aroma. This variety is not recommended for beginners; it is recommended for experienced winegrowers to buy cuttings of Izyuminka.
A detailed description of the Izyuminka grape variety, with reviews from gardeners and photos of the bunches, is in this article. Below you can read about the strengths and weaknesses of the large-fruited variety, learn about the best way to grow capricious grapes and how to care for them.
Features of culture
The grape variety Izyuminka is considered a table grape variety. And these are red grapes with early ripening. This variety is easily recognized by its large, finger-shaped berries of a rich wine color.
The hybrid is zoned for Moldova, Ukraine and the southern regions of Russia.But even in the climate of these areas, Izyuminka should be covered for the winter, since the variety is very heat-loving.
The Izyuminka grape became known only recently, because it was bred several years ago. The origin of the variety is Ukrainian; its “homeland” was the Magarach Institute of Viticulture, located on the territory of Ukraine. The “parents” for the new hybrid were the Chaush and Cardinal varieties, and the scientific name of the species obtained as a result of crossing was XVII-241.
It is no coincidence that the new hybrid received the more poetic name “Zest”. Winegrowers noticed an amazing feature of the variety: if you do not rush to harvest and leave a few uncut bunches on the vine, in a couple of weeks they will turn into wonderful raisins.
Description of the variety Izyuminka:
- The grapes ripen early - at least 110-115 days must pass from the moment the buds open until the fruits are fully ripe;
- the bushes are very tall, the vine has good and fast growth, ripens along almost its entire length;
- inflorescences on the bushes Raisins are only female, that is, the flowers do not have stamens and cannot self-pollinate (therefore, next to the variety in question, it is necessary to plant other grapes with the same early ripening periods and bisexual or male inflorescences);
- The grapes are pollinated well, the bunch set is normal;
- bunches of Raisin are large, loose, cone-shaped;
- the average weight of one bunch is 400-500 grams;
- when pruning and rationing, one bunch is left on each shoot;
- “peating” of berries is not typical for the variety - all fruits are approximately the same in size and shape;
- the berries are very large - about three centimeters in length and weighing 10 grams;
- the shape of the fruit is oblong, very elongated (shown in the photo);
- the color of the berries is dark, rich, red-violet;
- the pulp is dense, crispy, with a marmalade structure;
- Izyuminka has a wonderful, balanced, sweet taste;
- sugar content in grapes is 15-20%;
- the peel on the berries is dense, but is practically not felt during eating;
- the yield of Zest grapes greatly depends on the age of the vine and the care of the bush;
- it is believed that the yield of this variety is low: in the first years it is possible to remove only a few kilograms from a bush, later the figures can reach 15-18 kg from each plant;
- with proper care, the vine begins to bear fruit only in the third or fourth year after planting;
- The raisin is not pruned in the first years after planting - this is what distinguishes the variety from many others;
- The frost resistance of grapes is weak - without shelter the vine can withstand a temperature drop to a maximum of -12-15 degrees;
- The variety has practically no resistance to diseases and pests, so the main work of the winegrower will be preventive treatments of the vines.
Advantages and disadvantages
Praise for the Izyuminka variety is rare: the winegrower must be prepared for regular spraying of the vine and a constant struggle for the integrity and health of the bush. As mentioned above, Many people like the appearance and taste of this grape, but growing Izyumina is a dubious pleasure.
The variety has several advantages:
- excellent presentation;
- large size of bunches and berries;
- excellent taste and high sugar content in fruits;
- a large percentage of vitamins and valuable microelements found in fruits;
- suitability of grapes for transportation and long-term storage (in cellars or refrigerators).
When listing the strengths of the Izyuminka grapes, one cannot fail to mention the real possibility of increasing harvest volumes through proper agricultural technology and intensive care.
Unfortunately, this beautiful and tasty grape also has disadvantages, and they are quite significant. All the disadvantages of the variety are associated primarily with its capriciousness. The following factors upset winegrowers most:
- whimsicality to the composition of the soil and its nutritional value - on poor soils, the Raisin bears fruit very poorly, and the leaves on the vine become small;
- weak immunity, due to which winegrowers have to fight various pests and infections throughout the warm season;
- low frost resistance - the vine without shelter can withstand temperature drops of only -12 degrees;
- late fruiting - only six years after planting can you expect the first normal harvest;
- low yield, strongly related to the amount of fertilizer and regular care.
In this situation, even more frequent pruning does not help, since trimmed bushes grow even faster and more abundantly. All this leads to depletion of the vines and a decrease in the yield of the entire vineyard.
Growing rules
The Izyuminka grape variety will require maximum effort from the gardener, but in return it will delight you with very large and incredibly tasty berries on massive clusters. It is better for beginners not to choose this variety as their first experience; Zest is more suitable for experienced winegrowers with enough time.
Planting cuttings
The Izyuminka grape loves warmth and sun, so it should be planted on the south side, no closer than a meter from the wall of a building or fence. Such planting will protect the vine from the icy northern wind and prevent the roots from freezing during snow melting or sudden temperature changes.
The roots of Izyuminka are not too long, the main part of them lies at a depth of 30-40 cm - this is where the most fertile layer of soil should be located. The optimal dimensions of the planting pit are 0.6x0.6x0.6 meters.
A 20-centimeter layer of broken brick or crushed stone is laid at the bottom of the pit, then fertile soil consisting of soil, sand, compost, humus, ash and mineral fertilizers is poured.
It is recommended to install a vertical 50-centimeter section of pipe along the edges of each hole - it will be very convenient to water grapes through these wells.
How to care
The capricious variety needs careful care - this is the only way to increase the yield of grapes and expect at least some result.
Here's how to care for a vineyard with a twist:
- Water the bushes, using special systems or pipe-wells, will have to be done regularly, especially during periods of drought.It is also important not to overdo it with irrigation, since Izyumina is predisposed to the development of various fungal infections, and high humidity contributes to their spread.
- To protect the vineyard from infections, pests and overheating of the root system, it is recommended use mulch. Organic mulch in the form of sawdust, peat, humus or straw will not only protect the Raisin, but will also become a source of nutrients for the grapes.
- Feed The Izyuminka variety will need to be grown frequently and abundantly, since the crop bears fruit very poorly on poor soils. Every three years in autumn it is recommended to apply a large amount of cow manure (about 7 kg per square meter). During the summer season, you can feed the grapes several times with special mineral complexes or use a phosphorus-potassium mixture. In spring, Zest responds well to a small portion of nitrogen; it is applied before and after flowering.
- Trim the vine It’s better to do it twice a season: in spring and autumn. This schedule is recommended due to the rapid growth of the bush and the strong growth of young shoots. Medium or long pruning is used, leaving 5 to 8 buds on each shoot. Before sheltering for the winter, it is better not to prune the Izyuminka grapes, as this will encourage even greater growth of shoots that can disrupt the integrity of the shelter.
- Preventive spraying should become a habit among those who planted the Izyuminka variety on their plot. You will have to fight mildew, oidium, bacterial cancer, gray mold, anthracnose, and escoriosis. In addition to diseases, large-fruited grapes are also plagued by various pests (grape mites, spider mites, phylloxera).Bordeaux mixture can be used for spraying at least three times per season. It is recommended to start as early as possible - with the first stable heat. If the vine is infected, you will have to remove all the ovaries and leaves and thoroughly irrigate the bush with a fungicide - this is the only way to save the Raisin.
- Cover Non-frost-resistant grapes are a must, since even in the warm Crimea, cases of Izyuminka freezing are not uncommon. Collecting many young and old shoots and tying them is still a pleasure, but it must be done. It is effective to cover the vine with agrofibre and protect the roots with a thick layer of mulch.
Review
Conclusion
The Izyuminka grape variety cannot be called universal - it is not suitable for everyone. This crop loves warmth and sun, does not tolerate frost, often gets sick, needs regular feeding, watering, and careful pruning - the winegrower will have a lot of trouble. The reward for long labor will be large clusters with huge berries of an interesting type and amazing rich color.
