It is known that grapes are a whimsical plant both to weather conditions and to the composition of the substrate in which it grows, as well as the quality of its care. Breeders today present to our attention an increasing number of grape varieties with improving characteristics. They are resistant to infection with diseases, climatic changes, are not susceptible to pest infestation, and have excellent taste properties. And it is becoming easier and easier to grow bred grape varieties in any corner of the country. Kesha grapes can be safely called such a variety. The creator of this species was the famous agrobiologist of the Soviet era - Y.I. Potapenko.
Description of Kesha grapes
The Kesha grape is the result of crossing two varieties: Frumoas Albe and Delight. The table variety is a fifth generation hybrid. The following valuable qualities are characteristic of him:
- The variety is early maturing. The grapes ripen in 125-130 days.
- The bush is strong, vigorous.
- The vine becomes mature amicably.
- There are bisexual flowers.
- The bunches have high aesthetic characteristics, weighing 1.3 kg. The shape is conical-cylindrical or conical. The more harvest is removed from one bush, the less weight each vine has (from 0.6 to 0.7 kg).
- The berries are large, scattered on clusters. The weight of each berry can reach from 11 to 15 g. The color of the grapes is white, oval in shape, the pulp is dense and translucent. Each grape contains several seeds.
- The taste of the grapes is aromatic, harmonious. Connoisseurs rate the taste characteristics of the Kesha variety at 8 points.
- The presentation of the bunches allows them to be used to decorate the festive table.
- The variety is self-pollinated.
- The yield is high, it is stable from year to year.
The first harvest can be obtained 5 years after planting the grapes. Subject to the optimal growth and care conditions for the Kesha variety, it will bear fruit every year without interruption. The variety is resistant to low temperatures. He will survive even if the frost is at -23 degrees in winter. Bunches of grapes are well transported. The Kesha variety is resistant to diseases and pests.
This type of grape is not free from disadvantages. So, if there are too many bunches on the bush, each brush will have a small weight and size. Despite the fact that grapes respond well to fertilization, it is important to remember that an excess of nitrogen in the soil invariably leads to the death of the variety.
Characteristics of the variety red Talisman
The Kesha variety served as the basis for breeding a new species - red Talisman or Kesha-1 grapes. The new hybrid takes one of the leading places in terms of taste and yield. Talisman red has the following features:
- The ripening period for berries varies from 125 to 135 days.
- The bush is massive, strong, self-pollinated.
- The density of the clusters is low, the structure is loose, the shape is oval-conical.
- The weight of the bunches varies from 1.2 to 1.8 kg. With proper care, the bunches can weigh about 2 kg.
- Large berries have a light red tint. They are large. Each berry can weigh from 12 to 17 g. The pulp is firm with a shade of apples.
- High yield of shoots.
- It is well transported, retains its presentation and excellent taste for a long time.
- The berries can remain on the vine for a long time without crumbling.
- The red talisman is not susceptible to pests and fungal diseases.
- The variety is frost-resistant.
Planting and growing Kesha grapes
Both Kesha and the Red Talisman require certain planting conditions to be followed in order to achieve a full, healthy fruiting bush.
The land for planting seedlings should be as fertile as possible. It is desirable that it be black earth soil. It is important to observe the degree of substrate moisture. If the soil is too wet, the root system, especially in young plants, will quickly rot. Both varieties are planted on the south side of the site so that the vine receives as much sunlight and heat as possible.
The varieties Kesha and Talisman red take root well both in autumn and in spring planting. A seedling can be purchased, or you can get a variety by means of a rootstock, which is grafted onto the stem of an old bush. During spring planting, the threat of frost should be avoided, and the air should warm up to a level of 10 to 15 degrees.
Landing pits should be 1.5 m apart. The root system of a young plant is too fragile, therefore, when planting grapes, you must be extremely careful. The neck of the root part of the plant, as well as the scion, should be above ground level and not covered. The upper bulk layer of the substrate must be mixed with fertilizers. The first time after planting, a young plant needs abundant watering. So the rate of water consumption per seedling is from 20 to 25 liters. It is advisable to fix the seedlings on a reliable support immediately after planting.
Kesha's grafting on an old stem
In order to get a new Kesha grape variety on your site, you do not need to remove old plants. For this, it will be enough to graft the cuttings of Kesha, which are covered with a stiff layer, to the vine of the old bush. Before inoculation, the shoot must be cut obliquely, soaked in a solution of humate.
On an old plant, the grafting site must be thoroughly cleaned. Only after cleaning, the stem is split with an ax or knife. Several new cuttings can be grafted onto one stem at once. The shoot must be inserted into the split area and covered with a cloth.
Kesha grape care
The quality of the crop, as well as its quantity, directly depend on the regularity and abundance of watering. In the spring, the plant awakens from winter, vegetative processes begin to actively start in it, therefore, starting from the spring months, the grapes have an increased need for watering. It persists during the period when the bush has completely bloomed. This care rule applies to all types of grapes. It is important to place drainage systems near the vineyard, which will ensure the outflow of excess moisture, which is detrimental to the root system.
The soil under the grapes must be mulched regularly. This procedure will protect it from freezing and help maintain the required moisture level. Rotten manure is suitable for mulching. A three-centimeter mulch layer will be enough.
It is important to provide the plant with a strong, reliable support, since as it grows, the growing green mass and the clusters that appear will make it quite heavy.
Kesha grapes need regular feeding. Throughout the season, it is fertilized with organic and phosphorus-potassium substances.
How to prune Kesha grapes correctly?
Pruning grapes helps to properly distribute the load of the bunches on the bush, and also form a beautiful crown of the plant.If dried stems, damaged branches were found on the bush, then you need to get rid of them as soon as possible so that they do not interfere with the normal development of healthy parts. The grapes are pruned in the fall, when all vegetative processes in it are completed and it prepares for the winter dormant period. Spring is also good for pruning, but only in the early months when the buds on the plant have not yet begun to awaken. Compliance with pruning principles will ensure a bountiful harvest and plant health as a whole. It will be correct to leave one vine on one branch. This is especially true during the dry hot summer.
In late autumn, young plants are sheltered from the approaching frost. As a covering material, straw, hay, which are fixed on the branches with a heavy load, are suitable.
The above basic principles of caring for the Kesha grape variety will help to achieve a rich harvest every year, keep the plant strong and healthy.
