Seedless grapes have many benefits. It’s not for nothing that gardeners dream of growing such varieties of berry crops. Among seedless species, American breeders can boast of Jupiter grapes, which, in addition, have excellent taste and positive qualities relative to growing conditions. It is known that the variety is cultivated even in regions with cold climates.
A little history
The Jupiter table grape hybrid was first obtained in the 90s of the last century by scientists at the University of Arkansas, USA, John Clark and James Moore.The variety began its distribution in the southern regions of Russia and Ukraine. Belonging to the species varieties of sultanas, it is appreciated by gardeners. The grape culture is undemanding to growing conditions, so it is suitable for those who have just begun to engage in viticulture. Jupiter is also cultivated in summer cottages; farmers are happy to cultivate it for sale.
Description of the variety
A clear favorite among early ripening species, sultana Jupiter has:
- well developed root system;
- light brown vine;
- slightly dissected leaves of light green color;
- flowers of female and male type;
- cone-shaped or cylindrical clusters of berries arranged with uniform density.
The description of the hybrid also includes the fact that although the mass of the bunch is small, in the range of 200-300 grams, the berries have a sweet taste and juiciness. They change color as they ripen, starting from pinkish to deep blue. The fleshy structure of the berries has, in addition to sweetness, a nutmeg flavor.
Characteristics of Jupiter grapes
In a hybrid, such parameters are highly valued as the fact that the grapes:
- ripens within 125 days;
- does not grow much;
- self-pollinating;
- withstands heavy loads on the vine;
- withstands low temperatures down to –25 degrees;
- exhibits average resistance to diseases;
- pleases with yields of up to 25 kilograms per square meter.
Kishmish contains a lot of sugar within 22%, and acids only 6-7 g/l.
What are the pros and cons
It is not without reason that Jupiter is recommended for cultivation, since the variety has many advantages. The hybrid stands out:
- early ripening;
- high yields;
- safety of fruits during transportation;
- resistance to frost;
- attractive appearance of the vine and bunches of berries.
Among the disadvantages, it can be noted that overripe berries can fall off the shoots. In addition, grape bushes need preventive treatments against diseases.
Selection of seedlings and site
To grow berry crops, choose the slopes of the site on the south side, where there is more light and warmth.
Seedlings for planting need to be in their second year of life; cuttings, rooted or keeled, are also suitable. Before planting, Jupiter grape seedlings are left with 2 strong buds, cutting off the above-ground part. The roots also need to be slightly shortened, leaving a length of up to 15 centimeters.
Boarding procedure
The best time to plant grapes will be the second half of May or the beginning of summer. Holes are dug in advance for each seedling, 70-80 centimeters deep and half a meter wide. If there are a lot of them, then you can prepare a groove. The soil must be mixed with fertilizers: superphosphate - 100 grams, potassium salt - 50.
Place the shoots so that the root collar is flush with the ground surface. A peg is driven in nearby to which the vine will be tied.
2 buds on the shoot are covered with a layer of soil of 6-8 centimeters. As soon as the first 2 shoots appear from the buds, they are tied to pegs.
Care Tips
To create comfortable conditions for Jupiter grapes, it is timely:
- watered;
- prune in autumn, leaving 6-8 eyes;
- fed with organic and mineral fertilizers;
- for the winter they are covered with earth and dry shavings or non-woven materials.
Every year the vine will grow; it must be pruned after fruiting and in the spring. As the soil on the plantation compacts, the soil is loosened and weeded.
Diseases and pests
Since Jupiter grapes are moderately resistant to diseases, it is necessary, in addition to prevention, to monitor the condition of the vine.
When a white powdery coating appears on the leaves, the bushes are affected by the oidium fungus. You can cope with the infection with the drugs “Topaz” and “Tanas”.
Mildew appears as round oily spots on the outside of the leaf and white patches on the back. The damaged parts are destroyed, and the bushes are treated with fungicidal agents.
Of the pests, the most dangerous for grapes are root and leaf phylloxera. Insects with long proboscis suck out the juice of the plant, and under the influence of saliva, protrusions in the form of pockets appear on parts of the grapes. Death of the root system or leaves occurs. To protect plantings from pests, planting material must be carefully selected.
Ripe grape berries are damaged by the leaf roller caterpillar. It eats away the pulp, causing the berries to dry out. Spraying with Karbofos solution is used to combat the parasite.
Reproduction methods
You can propagate Jupiter grapes:
- seedlings with a strong root system;
- grafting the cuttings onto a rootstock that has a supply of perennial wood and strong roots;
- layering from an adult fruit-bearing vine.
Only by using seedlings can you obtain crops with the characteristics of the Jupiter variety. The use of the grafting method will lead to the loss of some qualities of the hybrid. Here you need to choose the right plant for the rootstock.
