The Kishmish 342 grape variety has many advantages that have determined the high popularity of the crop among gardeners. This culture attracts with the pleasant taste of berries that do not contain seeds. The plant has low maintenance requirements and produces an early harvest. The vine is characterized by rapid growth, so the grapes must be constantly pruned.
A little history
This variety appeared thanks to the work of Hungarian breeders. The plant was obtained by crossing the technical grapes Save Villar and the early ripening Perelet crop.
From its ancestral forms, Kishmish 342 received the ability to withstand sub-zero temperatures.
The plant produces fruits that are suitable for consumption early. The vine can be grown in areas with a harsh climate: the northern parts of the Urals, Belarus.
Description of the variety
The description of the variety states that Hungarian grapes are characterized by rapid growth. Therefore, the plant is grown at a distance from other crops and pruned regularly. To achieve good ripening, gardeners recommend removing 6-8 “eyes” on the vine. Thanks to this, up to 85% of the shoots will bear fruit on one plant.
The vine produces a bountiful harvest, the total weight of which reaches 25 kilograms. The weight of one bunch is 600 grams. But sometimes this figure reaches 1.5 kilograms.
Kishmish 342 practically does not form rudimentary formations. This is due to the fact that shoots and clusters provide sufficient load on the vine, thereby preventing the development of this process.
In Central Russia, Kishmish produces a harvest by September, in the southern regions - by mid-August. On average, the ripening of the bunches takes up to 135 days from the moment the vines finish flowering.
Characteristics of the plant and berries
Kishmish 342 is characterized by stable fruiting. The variety can withstand frosts down to -26 degrees, provided that winter covering techniques are followed. This process is complicated by the fact that the plant grows quickly and has elastic vines.
The berries of the crop are characterized by the following features:
- the absence of seeds, due to which the berries are used to make raisins;
- oval shape;
- weight is 3-4 grams;
- elastic and sweet pulp;
- the sugar level reaches 19-21% (depending on climatic conditions).
Kishmish is mainly used for making table wines due to its muscat flavor. The grapes have dense berries, so they are suitable for transportation over long distances.
Kishmish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 weeks after harvest. This variety is resistant to most fungal pathologies characteristic of grapes. Due to the high sugar content, the plant is often attacked by wasps. It is recommended to organize insect traps near the vine.
Pros and cons of grapes Kishmish 342
Kishmish 342 grows in various climatic conditions, which is explained by the good resistance of the variety to low temperatures. The advantages of culture include the following features:
- absence of seeds in berries;
- pleasant taste of fruits;
- resistance to common fungi;
- low maintenance requirements;
- high productivity;
- fast growth;
- strong vine.
It is not recommended to keep Kishmish clusters on the vine for a long time after ripening. In this case, the fruits lose their marketable appearance. If the rules of care and cultivation are not followed, the bush quickly becomes overgrown with leaves and extra shoots, which negatively affects the yield.
Planting Tips
For planting, it is recommended to choose well-lit areas located on the eastern or western parts of the site. The support next to the bush should be installed at a distance of 80 centimeters. The interval between seedlings should exceed 3 meters. Kishmish must be planted in early April or October, before the onset of frost.
The length of the pit for seedlings is 80 centimeters, the width is 70 centimeters. Expanded clay or crushed stone necessary to create a drainage layer should be poured onto the bottom.From above, the hole is half filled with a mixture of turf soil, humus, wood ash and sand. After this, a peg and a seedling are dug in. The plant is watered abundantly, and the soil near the future vine is mulched.
At the end, the seedling is cut into 2 “eyes”. The scion site should remain above the surface of the ground.
Growing and care
Every year, grape bushes are pruned by 6-10 “eyes”. Every season, the plant is watered abundantly, mulched and treated against fungi. Three months after planting, the top parts of the seedlings are pinched off.
In mid-summer, potassium-phosphorus fertilizers are introduced into the soil. During the season, it is also necessary to remove excess shoots and sprouts.
Diseases and pests
To avoid contamination of the crop, it is recommended to treat the plant with Bordeaux mixture or other biological products every spring. Kishmish 342 rarely gets sick. The main danger to the plant are insects: wasps, chafers, spider mites and leaf rollers. Without proper care, grapes can lose up to 90% of shoots and leaves.
Where is the best place to grow?
Kishmish 342 grapes can be grown both in the southern regions of the country and in areas where in winter the temperature often drops to -26, -30 degrees.
The culture is able to grow in various climatic conditions, provided that proper care is performed. Black soil is considered the optimal soil for growing.
