Hailing from the USA: Cultivation features of the Century variety

Grapes "Century" not so long ago became famous in the CIS, but has already managed to win the love of many gardeners.

Consider the description of the variety, find out what he needs care and for which he received his popularity.

Breeding history

The grape, known here as the centennial raisin, is the result of a complex crossing of two grape varieties - "Gold" and "Q25-6". The first experiments began to be carried out in 1966 in California, USA. Testing varieties lasted as much as fourteen years, and only in 1980 the variety was added to the list of varieties of America. In the CIS, the variety appeared after 2010 and became quite widespread.

Most likely, the patent for a grape variety was overdue, due to which the raisin was considered to be grapes suitable for cultivation and at home. Thus, not only experienced growers, but also beginning gardeners and owners could note the results of many years of work on breeding the variety.

Description and distinctive characteristics

Kishmish belongs to the varieties that ripen early enough. The Century gives fruit approximately two to three years after disembarkation. In the year of ripening, the crop can be obtained 140 days after the growing season. The main feature of the variety is the absence of seeds in the fruit, this seedless grape. The harvest will pleasantly surprise any gardener. The weight of the grapes sometimes reaches 1.5-2 kg, and the smallest bunch will weigh about 700 g. The grapes remain for a long time and the berries do not crack or rot, but it is recommended to harvest in time to avoid shedding.

The berries themselves reach weights of up to 10 g, and on average - 5-7 g, which is quite a high figure for seedless varieties. Their shape is oblong, oval. When ripe, the raisins change color from green to yellowish-golden.

You can eat berries together with the skin - it is thin and does not have a pronounced taste, and the flesh has a uniform, moderately dense structure. You can also feel that the raisin has a light nutmeg flavor. Differs raisins and taste. It is not sugary, but moderately sweet, despite the fact that the sugar content of the berries is no higher than 15% (some varieties are grown with a sugar content of 20% or more, but they are less in demand and specially grown to order).

The acidity of the variety is only about 5%, which is why the taste buds perceive the berry as moderately sweet.

"Century" is growing rapidly, so if you do not have too much space for grapes, it is better to plant seedlings - this way you can save space.

But grapes grown from short cuttings, grows many times stronger. In the first year of planting, shoots of grapes can grow up to several meters. The presented variety of raisins is also highly resistant to frost - up to -20-25 ° C. Fruit "Centenary" from mid-September until the very cold, which is also important.

Growing conditions

Despite the fact that the variety is frost-resistant, it is desirable to plant grapes in the southern areas. "Century" grows best in countries with warm winters. At home, he should allocate a plot as far as possible south of the house or fence.

If you have not found one like this, then it is strongly recommended to plant grapes at a depth of about half a meter.

It is important that the plant has enough space, as this variety grows quickly. It is also important that the grapes are not shaded. For development, it requires sunlight, and during the ripening of berries it is vital for you to enjoy the harvest in full.

How to plant grapes

Of course, one of the most significant issues is planting grapes.

It depends on it, whether it will develop normally, take root, therefore, this stage should be given special attention in order to provide the plant with the best conditions for growth, and give yourself an opportunity later to enjoy the beautiful harvest.

Selection of seedlings

The first thing we pay attention to is, of course, seedlings. It depends on them how the plant will grow - whether it will be strong enough, whether it can actively develop. Winegrowers share seedlings for quality. There are so-called elite, first and second grade, as well as substandard.

Consider each of these types, so you can decide on the most suitable for you on the characteristics and price and not be left without grapes.

The distinguishing characteristics of elite saplings are the presence of four or more roots, and the thickness of each of them should be at least 2 mm, and the arrangement should look uniform. Matured growths must necessarily have a length of 25 cm (at least), and the thickness of their base is approximately 5 mm.

The first variety is characterized by having four or more rootsas an elite species, but seedlings of the first grade have a difference in the fact that at least two of them must be 2 mm thick. The roots should also be located at approximately equal distance from each other. Shoots in this species must have more than one, and at least one must be 20 cm long.

The second grade is much inferior in characteristics to the first. The requirements for it are less: at least two roots developed at the base, and three knots of mature growth.

Non-conforming seedlings are those whose growth is very weak or has not even matured yet. Such seedlings purchase is not recommended.

It is better to leave them for ripening or to get rid of them, because they are defective, especially you can not grow anything from a substandard seedling, just waste your time and energy.

Timing and landing scheme

The most favorable seasons for planting grapes are autumn or spring. The most important point in planting is rightly considered the choice of a suitable soil. It depends on him how firmly the seedling will take root, what kind of nutrients he will receive to ensure the seedling will develop normally.

Before planting grapes "Century" it is necessary to prepare the ground. It should be a sufficient amount of moisture, and the soil should "sit down." This will contribute to good rooting of the plant.

It is important that the soil has a water-air regime, and also has beneficial substances and trace elements in its composition, which will positively affect the growth and development of the plant.

The depth to which the seedlings must be placed depends directly on how light or heavy the soil is. Thus, the hole on the weak ground area will be 40 square meters. cm, and its depth will be not less than 60 cm. A hole with a depth of 70 cm and more is pulled out on heavier soil, and its area will be approximately equal to 60 × 80 cm. spring will not be flooded with melted snow. Grapes, of course, loves water, but not in such quantities.

And the soil in which you will plant sprouts should not be dry. It must be moistened. It is equally important to clear the area from weeds and loosen the soil.

Grape roots before planting also need to be processed.

First, they need to be treated with drugs that stimulate growth (and if purchased petioles, they should be left in such a solution for 24 hours), then they use disinfecting drugs, and only after that sanitary pruning of roots is carried out as the final stage of processing. The recess into which you intend to place the sapling must also be prepared. This is done as follows: at the bottom there must be a drainage layer in which a complex top dressing is added, then a seedling is placed there.

Subsequently, it is filled with soil that is favorable for growth. If you are not sure that the soil is suitable or not available, you can use the humus, it will perfectly cope with its task.

Keep the distance between the seedlings themselves. Kishmish grows well, therefore, it is necessary to plant cuttings so that the distance between them is at least 3 meters.

Grade Care

For a favorable development, the Century will need not only a carefully carried out planting procedure, but also care.

Like any other plant, from lack of attention on the part of the owner or with improper care, the bush may perish or bring not the result that is expected of it, thereby questioning all its good qualities and reviews.

Watering

Grapes - water-loving plant, and it is important to ensure that the soil does not dry out. Kishmish needs regular watering. If you have a significant vineyard in the territory or not too much free time, then you can equip the drainage system.

Water should be supplied to the roots of the bush. It is important not to allow an excessive amount of water in the soil, the grapes do not like too wet soil. The method of irrigation - above ground, underground, drip - you can choose yourself. It often also depends on climatic conditions. In the fall and spring, watering the grapes should be abundant, as well as during the period when the bush blooms.

Fertilizer

No matter how fertile the soil, fertilizing the grapes will never hurt. It is good to add to the soil a mixture of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, as well as rich in trace elements.

Adding bird droppings will also have a beneficial effect onvital activity - this fertilizer has all the necessary substances for grapes and is considered one of the best for this plant. Adding manure would be appropriate if the soil is mostly clay.

Fertilizers are important to make annually, because they, due to the content of vital elements for the plant, have a positive effect on the growth and condition of the grapes.

Pruning

This procedure increases the yield, so we can not ignore this stage of plant care.

Since the eyes at the base of the shoot do not have high fruitfulness, experienced winegrowers definitely recommend it.

To do this, you will need a secateur and a little time (depending on the size of the vineyard, of course). The essence of the treatment is to remove the young shoots and pruning those that have already managed to woody, only 1/3 of them are left.

It is important when carrying out this manipulation with a plant not to touch the main fruitful shoot, therefore it is desirable to carry out pruning as far as possible from it.

Diseases and pests

Grapes of sultanas "Century" is highly resistant to diseases such as mildew and oidium, and is not predisposed to diseases in principle. For this reason, grapes usually do not need treatment against such diseases.

Plant rot was also not observed.

Treatment against pests "Century" will need. The main enemies of the variety are the two-year-old leafworm, which has a habit of climbing under the bark and infecting the plant from the inside, and phylloxera, the danger of which is very rapid reproduction.

A spraying of grapes with a preparation intended for this purpose is used against a two-year-old leafworm, and against phylloxera, rootstocks resistant to the pest are planted, but you should not forget about chemical treatment or special traps.

For os the sultry rape "Century", as a rule, not of interest.

Wintering

The variety of grapes "Century" is resistant to cold. It is able to withstand temperatures up to -25 ° C. Clusters of berries can hang to the very frost. You can focus on their capabilities and age of the plant.

For example, if you only planted a raisin in the fall, then of course you must cover it for the winter. The best option is to hide the plant from frost in the first 3-4 years of life. The climate of the area will play a significant role here.

Therefore, if the winters in your region are warm and without severe frosts - you can not worry about the grapes, it will cope well with cold snaps, provided that it grows in the southern part, since the northern and eastern ones can cause damage to the bushes.

Soil can be used for warming the raisins (bushes are covered with a layer of about 20 cm), and the use of moss, leaves and sawdust is also suitable.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before planting grapes on your plot, we recommend that you familiarize yourself not only with the peculiarities of caring for it, but also with its advantages and disadvantages, which we will examine separately.

So, to the merits of the centennial "Century" include:

• grapes regularly brings high yield;
• it is resistant to diseases, in particular - mildew and oidium, in view of which it does not require treatment against them;
• This variety can be grown on any kind of soil, if enough attention is paid to fertilizing the land;
• no cases of rotting and pea plant were observed;
• the variety is resistant to cold;
• This grape is one of the most transportable, that is, during transportation, the berries do not spoil and retain a beautiful presentation;
• the presence of precipitation and direct sunlight is not displayed on the berries - they do not crack;
• raisins are perfect for making high quality raisins;
• berries are often used for the preparation of fruit salads, as well as in muesli.

The disadvantages of the grapes are not so much. More precisely, it is only one and is directly related to appearance.

And the thing is that the direct sunlight on the clusters subsequently turns into a scattering of small brown spots on the berries.

It is better to get rid of such berries, so there is a need to thin out the harvest.

Kishmish "Century" not so long ago appeared on the territory of the CIS, but the description of this variety and all its characteristics make us understand that it is not in vain that he fell in love with the growers.

The variety does not require special attention to itself, and at the same time it has excellent taste and with proper care it will surely please the owners with heavy clusters.