It is difficult to surprise modern gardeners with worthwhile options among the varieties of fruit and berry crops. The excellent taste of the fairly young Rochefort grapes has made it a popular planting in many summer cottages. Large clusters, dessert berries, ease of care, resistance to frost are a small part of the advantages of the standard variety.
Description and characteristics of the variety
The Rochefort variety appears in 2002. E. G. Pavlovsky crossed two varieties of grapes: Talisman and Cardinal. The result was a new, unpretentious look with many advantages.
A detailed description of the variety includes characteristics of external characteristics, taste, and characteristics of the variety:
- The vine is flexible and vigorous. Maximum height - 135 cm.
- The conical clusters are large. The weight of one is from 500 to 1000 g.
- The berries are large. The average weight of one grape is 8-13 g.
- The variety is highly resistant to cold. The general indicator of frost resistance is up to -21 degrees.
- The taste of the fruit is dessert. They have a special nutmeg aroma.
Important. The color of the berries varies from dark red to black depending on the degree of ripeness. This must be taken into account when harvesting.
Due to its high taste qualities, the Rochefort variety is considered a reference variety in the field of winemaking.
Productivity of the variety
The Rochefort variety is considered early. Flowering period is June. The first berries will ripen in early August. There is no need for additional pollinators for fruiting. One bush brings from 4 to 6 kg of ripe grapes. With good care and favorable climatic conditions, these figures can increase to 10 kg.
Features of planting and care
The Rochefort grape is unpretentious. Planting and care will not require much time or money.
Landing rules
When planting Rochefort, several rules must be followed:
- Choosing a location is an important step. The further development of the plant depends on the correct location of the grape bush. The variety prefers a sunny area without drafts or winds.
- Seedlings are planted in spring. Autumn planting should be done in October so that the plant has time to adapt before the onset of the first frost.
- The pit for the seedling is prepared in advance. The recess must be at least 80 cm. A mixture of soil and organic fertilizers is poured inside.The seedling is lowered into the hole, a wooden support is installed, covered with earth, and watered with warm water.
Important. The depth of groundwater should not exceed 2 m.
Watering and mulching
Watering Rochefort should be regular. To do this, follow simple recommendations:
- After planting, the grapes are watered every week. Then - once every 14 days.
- In drought conditions, abundant moisture is applied more often.
- During the flowering period, the planting is not watered. This will prevent the inflorescences from falling off.
- Watering should be maximum during the period of fruit ripening.
Moisture in the soil is retained by mulching. Straw and sawdust are best suited for these purposes.
Important. In northern regions, mulching will cool the grape root system.
Grape pruning
Pruning is carried out twice a year:
- In spring, when the temperature reaches +5. Branches that are frozen during the winter are trimmed.
- In autumn before the onset of the first cold weather.
Protection against diseases
The main plant disease that affects Rochefort grapes is powdery mildew. It penetrates through the leaves and quickly spreads to shoots and flowers. The main method of control is spraying with a sulfur solution. The bush is treated for 20 days.
Pest protection
Phyloxera is a common pest of Rochefort grapes. The insect damages roots, leaves, and shoots. An infected plant cannot be treated. He is being destroyed. An important measure to prevent the disease is to perform prophylaxis.
Parsley is planted next to the grape bushes. It repels the pest. The planting is sprayed with special insecticides.
The Rochefort grape has many benefits.The excellent taste of the fruit, easy care, and ability to withstand low temperatures have made the variety popular among summer residents and commercial gardeners. Large sweet clusters are considered an excellent summer dessert.
