Description and characteristics of the Druzhba grape variety, cultivation rules and care

For every gardener growing grapes in the garden, it is important to choose the right variety that is most suitable for the region. Hardiness, yield and resistance to climatic conditions are traits that are usually paid attention to. You should take a closer look at the Druzhba grapes, which have the necessary characteristics and are distinguished by their taste. It would also be useful to familiarize yourself with the growing rules - proper care will have a positive effect on the fruiting of grapes.

Grapes Friendship: description

Druzhba is a universal grape variety. Externally, the crop differs little from other varieties, although there are features that, upon careful examination, allow one to accurately identify this particular variety.

External parameters

Friendship bushes are not too large, although the shoots are powerful and can easily support the weight of the bunches. The fruits often reach 5 g. The clusters are of medium size, exceeding 400 g if the care rules are followed.

The color of the fruit is green-yellow, often varying to a light amber hue. The clusters are cylindrical, dense.

Positive and negative sides

The Druzhba grape has many advantages. Among the advantages over other varieties are noted:

• resistance to infections;
• excellent taste;
• frost resistance;
• nutmeg persistent smell;
• early ripening;
• versatility of use.

In addition to its advantages, the Druzhba variety also has several disadvantages. Among them is the need to normalize the harvest - the weight of the bunches can damage the vines. It is recommended to remove unripe ovaries, being careful not to damage the vines.

Characteristics

Familiarity with the characteristics of a variety is a prerequisite before growing a crop. Susceptibility to frost, ripening time, use of Druzhba grapes - knowledge about these features will simplify care and prevent mistakes.

Table universal variety

The peculiarity of the Druzhba variety is its versatility.It is recommended to use grapes for making wine, preserving them, and using them in making desserts.

Ripening period and harvest quantity

The Druzhba grape is one of the earliest hybrids. Already in August, the first wave of the harvest is collected. In cool regions, ripening occurs in early September. Greenhouse conditions allow you to harvest in early August.

Unpretentiousness, resistance to low temperatures

There will be no particular difficulties with growing Druzhba grapes - the variety is extremely undemanding and thrives with minimal attention from the owners. The culture is also distinguished by its endurance - without covering it can survive the winter at 25 degrees below zero, but it is better not to take risks and use shelter.

Possible diseases and pests

Friendship has strong immunity and is rarely affected by diseases. Of the diseases that can affect grapes, only gray rot and mildew can affect grapes, against which it is recommended to use chemicals. Pests rarely settle on bushes, but it is better to carry out preventive treatment with chemicals.

Properties of berries

The fruits of the Druzhba grapes are a combination of taste and persistent muscat aroma. In terms of the content of useful substances, the berries are leaders among the extensive grape family.

Tasting notes

The taste of the fruits of Friendship is a combination of pleasant sourness and sweetness. Grapes are considered to be an analogue of nutmeg. The sugar content of ripened berries is more than 20%.

Vitamin content

Thanks to the increased content of vitamins, Friendship is boldly placed among the leaders. The saturation of useful elements significantly exceeds the beneficial qualities of other table varieties.

Planting seedlings

Much in the successful cultivation of a variety depends on strict adherence to planting rules.Before decorating your garden with fruit-bearing crops, it is recommended to study the basic requirements for planting seedlings.

Seasonality of planting

It is recommended to plant young Druzhba grape bushes in early autumn - the plants will have time to take root, put down new roots, and prepare for wintering. If for some reason it was not possible to plant the variety, save the seedlings in the cellar until spring and plant them in a suitable place, the bush will begin to grow a little later than after autumn planting.

In open ground

Seedlings are usually planted in open ground in the fall - this guarantees high survival rate. When planting in spring, it will take a lot of time to adapt.

In greenhouses

Growing in greenhouses is practiced only in regions with harsh climatic conditions. It is recommended to plant in autumn or spring, but gardeners often experiment and plant even in summer or winter (especially if the greenhouse is heated).

Growing and care

The requirements for caring for and growing Friendship are no different from the recommendations associated with other unpretentious grape varieties. Proper, timely watering, application of nutrients, and pruning are part of the rules that will have to be followed.

Bush pruning

It is recommended to form a plant in the second year of life. Usually the main shoot is cut off, leaving a height of about a meter.

One of the disadvantages of Friendship is the formation of too many young shoots. To avoid overcrowding, you will have to remove excess vines annually, otherwise the number of bunches will be significantly reduced and the fruits will be small.

Watering and fertilizing

It is recommended to irrigate the soil from spring until the first fruits appear.During the ripening period, water sparingly; if there is an excess of liquid, the sugar content of the grapes will decrease. For fertilizer use mineral or complex fertilizers. Use organic matter only in the fall as mulch.

Prevention and protection from diseases and pests

Preventive treatments against insects and infectious diseases are a prerequisite for successful crop cultivation. Irrigation on leaves against diseases is carried out up to 2 times a season. Insecticides are used against pests; for preventive purposes, treat up to 3 times per summer. During the ripening period, the use of chemicals is prohibited - use gentle home remedies.

Preparatory work before winter cold

Despite the frost resistance, it is recommended to take care to protect the bushes from frost. Annuals are first hilled up, after which they use geotextiles or simply cover them with a thick layer of spruce branches.

Remove the mature grapes from the support and place them on a cushion of spruce branches. The shelter is constructed from straw, spruce branches, and special material.

Collection and use of fruits

Druzhba grapes are harvested at the end of August (in cool regions - in September). Shelf life is about a month, but only in cool conditions (up to 8 degrees). The fruits are processed into wine, preserves and juices are prepared, and they are sent to the freezer. Desserts, pastries, and berry marmalade are also very popular among housewives.

Friendship is a variety that has been tested by many gardeners and received excellent recommendations. The unpretentiousness of the bushes, high yields, and excellent taste have long become the hallmark of grapes. Despite the abundance of varieties, it is this species that beginners and experienced gardeners continue to prefer.