Growing grapes is a process that requires the necessary knowledge and skills that will allow you to avoid mistakes and obtain stable yields. Before starting such an exciting activity, you should study the basic rules and care requirements and decide on a variety suitable for the region. Beginning gardeners are often recommended to start with Zabava grapes, which are distinguished by attractive qualities for beginners - unpretentiousness and resistance to adverse external factors.
- History of selection of the Zabava variety
- Brief characteristics of the hybrid
- Appearance
- Taste qualities of berries
- Pollinability
- Low temperature resistance
- What diseases are grapes susceptible to?
- Vine propagation methods
- Planting and agricultural technology
- Requirements for the site and soil
- Composition of soil mixtures
- Dates and scheme of seedlings planting
- Into the pit
- In the trench
- Rows
- Watering frequency
- Feeding young and fruit-bearing vines
- Shaping and tying to posts
- Treatment against infections and insects
- Preparing for winter
- Beginning of fruiting. Ripening time
- Collection and storage of bunches
History of selection of the Zabava variety
The Zabava variety was obtained by crossing Kodryanka and Laura. The breeder who developed this wonderful variety is V.V. Zagorulko, a famous specialist from Ukraine, who worked all his life at experimental stations in Russia. The variety is several decades old. This time was enough for gardeners to be convinced of the benefits of Fun and confidently bring grapes to the leading positions.
Brief characteristics of the hybrid
Studying the characteristics and descriptions of the Zabava grape is a prerequisite that should be completed in advance.
Knowing what requirements the variety provides and what to expect from the plant, it is easy to prevent unpleasant problems and improve productivity.
Appearance
A distinctive feature of Zabava grapes is active growth. In a short time, the plants produce powerful long shoots that need pruning. The dark fruits are quite large, exceeding 10 g with proper care. The clusters resemble an elongated cone. The weight of the bunch often reaches 800-900 g.
Taste qualities of berries
The taste of Zabava fruits is a combination of sourness and sweetness. The berries have a bright nutmeg aftertaste. The fruits are juicy and have thin skin.
Pollinability
The bushes form inflorescences of two sexes, so there is no need to plant pollinators. Self-pollination guarantees an excellent harvest and numerous clusters.
Low temperature resistance
Frost resistance of Zabava grapes is average - in frosts below 22 degrees there is a risk of plants freezing. It is recommended to use winter shelters that will protect against adverse effects.
What diseases are grapes susceptible to?
Gray rot and oidium rarely affect the plant; high immunity allows you not to worry about bush disease. The only disease that can lead to the death of Zabava grapes is mildew.
Vine propagation methods
The main methods of propagation of Zabava are cuttings and layering. It is better to harvest cuttings and plant them in containers in autumn or spring. Propagation by layering is recommended to be carried out in late spring or summer; good roots will have time to grow before autumn.
Planting and agricultural technology
Planting and further caring for Zabava are processes that even a novice gardener can handle. The main thing is to understand the basic requirements of the variety in advance.
Requirements for the site and soil
For Zabava grapes, it is recommended to choose the brightest and most comfortable area in the garden. Planting near buildings also has its advantages; strong winds will not damage the bushes. The variety prefers fertile soil; groundwater should not pass too close to the surface. If necessary, lay a thick layer of drainage.
Composition of soil mixtures
If the soil in the garden has a poor composition, add to the holes when planting:
- coarse river sand;
- black soil;
- peat;
- humus.
When preparing the soil mixture, it is also recommended to add some mineral fertilizers.
Dates and scheme of seedlings planting
It is recommended to plant grapes long before winter frosts or soon after the onset of stable warmth. For harsh regions, it is better to prefer spring planting. Bushes are planted in single or multiple rows.
Into the pit
If one bush is planted, make a hole up to 80 cm deep and 60 cm in diameter. It is recommended to retreat from trees or shrubs. The distance between plants is up to 3 m.
In the trench
The Zabava bush is quite large, so it is recommended to leave a distance of 2-4 m between plants when planting. At the same time as planting, it is recommended to build supports.
Rows
Planting in rows requires maintaining the recommended distance. Leave 2-3 m between bushes, make row spacing 2-2.5 m.
Watering frequency
Irrigate the soil every 2-4 days during the hot season. Apply at least 20 liters of water to one adult Zabava grape bush. Be sure to keep the liquid in the sun during the day. Before irrigation, loosen the soil.
Feeding young and fruit-bearing vines
Fertilizing is a prerequisite for increasing the yield and improving the development of grape bushes. It is recommended to use complex formulations offered by gardening stores. In the spring, after the onset of heat, use organic fertilizers - rotted manure, compost. Apply nutritional compositions as a mulch layer.
Shaping and tying to posts
It is recommended to form a bush 2-3 years after planting. Usually only part of the main stem is removed, leaving a short trunk (up to 1 m). Formative pruning is carried out annually, thickened, dry, damaged shoots are removed. Tie the grapes to the supports immediately after planting. Over the course of a year, the shoots grow more than 15 cm, so care should be taken to provide stable, high supports.
Treatment against infections and insects
Preventive treatments are the only way to protect Zabava bushes from disease infection or pest occupation.It is recommended to use chemicals that have a long duration of action. The use of folk remedies will have to be carried out weekly; gentle compositions quickly lose their qualities.
Preparing for winter
In regions with a warm climate, it is not necessary to prepare Zabava bushes for wintering. In areas that experience severe winter frosts, you will have to resort to shelter. Carefully remove the vines from the supports and place them only on a thick bed of straw or spruce branches. Cover the top with straw mats, conifers, and geotextiles. In winter, cover the grapes with snow, but make sure that the snow layer is not too thick.
Beginning of fruiting. Ripening time
Zabava grapes will produce their first fruits just 2-3 years after planting. It is recommended to leave only 2-3 ovaries; an abundance of bunches can damage the bush. Fruit harvesting begins in early or mid-August. In regions with a cool summer climate, ripening occurs a little later - in early September.
Collection and storage of bunches
It is recommended to collect bunches of Zabava grapes carefully so as not to damage the vines. Carry out the process with garden pruners. After picking, sort the berries. Send the densest, healthy bunches to the basement or refrigerator for storage, the rest immediately for processing - into canned food, wine, and desserts. Zabava is one of the favorite varieties of many gardeners. Even in the absence of increased attention, the grape variety bears fruit and develops well. Watering, adding nutrients and regular pruning are enough for the bush to reward you with a wonderful harvest.
