Growing Rumba grapes is a relatively recent hobby for Russian gardeners. The variety is ten years old. But even in such a short period, it managed to gain popularity and supplant many once famous table grape cultivars. Its prospects grow thanks to the characteristics of both the plant itself and its cultivation. But what are they?
Description and history of the variety
The Rumba grape variety is a hybrid and fast-growing one. The vine produces a five-meter growth of shoots on the bush.Full fruiting begins within a couple of years after the grapes are planted. It is impossible to describe this variety without mentioning the size of the brushes - they are large and often reach a weight of a kilogram. It is not so rare for a hand to weigh more than one and a half kilograms.
Rumba is classified as a young variety because it is no more than 10 years old. Bred through the hybridization of Cherrel and Red Delight, by the famous grape grower-enthusiast from the Rostov region V. Kapelyushny.
Distinctive characteristics
The main characteristic of the variety is that it belongs to the table variety. This means that the best use is not wine production, but consumption as a food product.
But, of course, there are other distinctive qualities that make Rumba stand out from its competitors:
- fruit color - pink;
- berry weight - up to 10 grams;
- shape - oval;
- aroma - pronounced nutmeg;
- sugar content - up to 23%.
The berries ripen depending on weather conditions: a minimum of 95 days, and a maximum of 102 days. The plant can withstand quite severe frosts without shelter - down to -23 degrees Celsius. This is due to the resistance of the parent varieties.
What are the advantages of Rumba grapes?
This grape has a number of advantages that have made it popular among domestic gardeners and summer residents. Today it is an extremely popular table variety.
So why is this variety so loved? But because Rumba:
- has transportable berries;
- bears fruit consistently;
- withstands low temperatures even without shelter;
- matures together;
- cuttings root easily in most soil types;
- has a pronounced berry sweetness.
Of course, it does not come without some drawbacks.But they are the other side of the advantages. Thus, high yields sometimes lead to smaller fruits.
Boarding procedure
Rumba grapes are classified as undemanding varieties. Not picky about soil composition. Unlike technical varieties, it grows easily on heavy, humus-rich soils. And, at the same time, it tolerates very poor soil.
But such unpretentiousness does not mean that the crop can do without following certain planting rules.
It is necessary to dig up the soil a couple of weeks before digging trenches for planting cuttings. A bucket of organic fertilizer is applied to each square of the plot area.
Provide a distance of at least three meters between future bushes. It is important to arrange drainage, since grapes do not like stagnant water. A support is also installed in each hole.
Features of care
The rules for caring for the plant are quite simple and include timely watering and applying the necessary fertilizers. At the same time, as noted above, grapes do not like too much water. Seedlings are watered especially abundantly immediately after planting. Later they are limited to two dozen liters per bush per watering - after the soil dries out. The volume is reduced even more as the rest period approaches.
Complex fertilizers are applied rarely - once every three years. Nutrients are added during watering. Organic fertilizers are applied at the same frequency. Superphosphate, saltpeter and potassium salt are added before flowering. Pruning is a mandatory procedure for any grape bush. It makes it possible to regulate the load on the plant during fruiting. The optimal number of eyes is 35 pieces per bush.
A sign of proper formation is the ripening of the vine by 2/3.
Reproduction methods
Rumba grapes are propagated in the same way as other varieties - by seedlings that are cut from the vine in spring or early summer.
What diseases are you susceptible to?
This variety is particularly resistant. Rarely affected by common fungal diseases such as mildew and powdery mildew. Although, from time to time, it requires preventive treatments with fungicides.
Conclusion
The Rumba grapevine variety is the pride of domestic amateur selection. This hybrid of two other popular cultivars is exceptionally persistent. Able to withstand such features of the Russian climate as very low temperatures in winter, without noticeable consequences.
The taste of the berries is distinguished by sweetness, and the aroma has pronounced nutmeg notes. The ease of care has already made this crop very popular.
