Kishmish Radiant is considered one of the best seedless grape varieties of mid-early ripening, originally from Moldova. This hybrid is distinguished by consistently high yield and cold resistance, which makes it suitable for cultivation in unfavorable climatic conditions. The sweet taste of the berries and large-fruited grapes also brought wide popularity to the variety.
A little history
The Kishmish Radiant grape variety is relatively young - it was bred by a group of breeders from the Moldavian Institute of Viticulture about thirty years ago.The hybrid inherited the characteristics of two other varieties used in its creation: the Kishmish Cardinal species (American origin) and the Kishmish Pink species (Armenian). The result of the researchers' work was a high-yielding table grape variety with large berries.
Description of the grapes Kishmish Radiant
The hybrid is a medium-ripening variety - the clusters ripen within 120-130 days. Kishmish berries Radiant light pink color, juicy, crispy, with elastic thin skin and a light nutmeg aroma. Despite the fact that the description indicates the variety as seedless, barely noticeable rudiments of seeds are occasionally found in large berries. The size of the berries ranges from 25 to 30 millimeters in length.
The variety's clusters have an oblong cone-shaped shape, their weight, on average, varies from 200 to 800 grams.
The structure of the bunch is loose. The Kishmish Radiant grape bushes are tall, branched, with a strong vine. The leaves are small, heart-shaped. The sugar content of the variety is 17-21%, acidity is 6-7 grams per liter.
Important! The variety is often confused with another table hybrid - the Kishmish Radiant species, which is the result of selection of the Kishmish Talisman and Kishmish Radiant varieties.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the variety?
Kishmish Radiant stands out from other varieties with a number of advantages:
- Good ripening of shoots - 60-70% of them are fruitful.
- The structure of the vine is that it can be removed from its support for the winter. This allows you to cover the grapes for the winter, making the hybrid popular in regions with cold climates.
- Seedlessness - rudiments of seeds are found only in especially large berries.
- High yield - 30-40 kilograms of grapes are harvested from one bush.
- Good transportability - the elasticity and thickness of the skin allow you to easily transport berries over long distances.
- Resistance to many diseases - in particular, the variety rarely suffers from gray mold and oidium.
- Preservation of taste and attractive appearance for a long time - ripe berries can remain on the branches for a long time.
The disadvantages of the species include the demanding level of care and the weight of the bunches - their weight, with proper care, can reach 2 kilograms, which can lead to the vine breaking off. Also, the high level of sugar content attracts wasps.
Planting dates and tips
Unlike most other species, Radiant Kishmish must be planted in an area with good ventilation. In addition, this hybrid loves space - the distance between two adjacent bushes should be at least 2.5 meters. Planting pits for seedlings are prepared 1-2 weeks before planting. The optimal pit dimensions are 80 by 80 centimeters. Fertilizer compositions are placed at the bottom of the pits.
Grapes are planted in spring or autumn, focusing on local climatic conditions.
How to properly care?
Caring for the variety consists of regular watering, periodic fertilizing, pruning branches and timely creation of supports to prevent breaking of heavy branches. The type of fertilizer depends on the quality of the soil - on alkaline soils it is recommended to feed grapes with potassium, on acidified soils - with phosphorus and sodium. Excess fertilizer can affect the formation of ovaries and delay the onset of flowering.
Also, Kishmish Radiant needs to be trimmed, and its dry parts are removed. This is done to stimulate shoot growth and ensure better berry set.Water the grapes once every 3-4 days, and each bush should use no more than 6 buckets of water. Overmoistening the soil can cause the characteristic nutmeg flavor to disappear in the berries.
When can we expect the harvest?
With proper care and regular pruning, Kishmish Radiant begins to bear fruit in the second year of life. The berries usually ripen by mid-August to early September.
Features of reproduction
Radiant Kishmish is propagated both by cuttings and with the help of seedlings, but the first method is especially popular. The yield of seedlings from cuttings reaches 70%. In addition, there is an opinion that propagation by cuttings is more rational - growing and planting cuttings yourself reduces the risk of infection entering the vineyard.
Diseases and pests of the variety
The hybrid is resistant to most fungal diseases, which include gray rot, powdery mildew and oidium, but prevention is never superfluous. In order to prevent the development of infection, plants are treated with fungicidal preparations, but it is recommended to do this before flowering begins.
High levels of sugar attract large numbers of wasps, which can be repelled using chemicals. However, most gardeners use more gentle methods - you can distract insects with jam traps.
