Kesha grapes are a fifth generation hybrid, bred by domestic breeders. The variety is popular among both experienced gardeners and amateurs. Kesha has advantages and disadvantages compared to other grape varieties, including hybrids derived from it (Kesha-1 and Kesha-2).
Description of the Kesha grape variety
As usual, let's start with a description of the variety. Kesha is an early maturing table grape (130 days). Shoots ripen early and abundantly (65-80% of the total mass). Cuttings root well. Bushes are strong, vigorous, fruitful. The comb is large, the shape of the clusters is conical-cylindrical. The average weight of bunches is 900 g.
The berries are large (11-15 g) and dense, oval in shape. When fully ripe, the color changes from white to amber green. Sugar on the palate (sugar content of the fruit is 20-24%). There are few seeds in the berries, from one to three pieces. Fruits do not burst, retain their excellent presentation. The variety has high transportability.
Kesha is resistant to mildew, the most dangerous disease of European grape varieties. Hardy (up to -23˚С), but it does not endure winter well.
His follower Kesha-1 is more resistant to cold and disease than Kesha. But Kesha-1 has female flowers. And Kesha has self-pollinated flowers, which explains its high yield. In addition, Kesha's taste is higher than that of his followers (8 out of 10 according to the tasting rating).
This variety is used to make white wine. They decorate the festive table, and the berries are eaten, both from the bush and chilled.
Landing in the ground
Before buying, the seedlings are examined. Healthy seedlings, those that:
- no damage to the roots
- with uniform color
- and green flesh on the cut
After purchase, they cannot be left without water for a long time, otherwise they will dry out.
Saplings are planted in spring or fall. It depends on the climatic zone. It is important that the air warms up to 15˚С. The day before planting, the seedlings are soaked in a growth stimulant solution. The soil is chosen fertile and loose. Black soil is best suited. The grapes wither quickly in the shade. The place in the garden where it grows should be sunny.
The landing site is prepared in advance. For this, pits are made in the soil, on the bottom of which rotted humus is placed. The distance between the pits is 1.5 m. The seedlings are buried so that the root collar is 5 cm above the ground. After planting, the plants are tied to vertical supports and watered abundantly.
Rootstock grafted onto an old bush
Kesha is easy to graft on the stem of an old plant. Before grafting, the edge of the cuttings is cut off and immersed in a nutrient solution with top dressing (for example, with Humate).
The stem is prepared: thoroughly cleaned, and then split or cut with a knife. The cuttings are inserted into the split and tied with a cloth. Several cuttings are grafted onto large stems. After grafting, the plants are tied up and watered abundantly.
Care rules
Grapes need abundant watering:
- in early spring
- when it blooms
- after flowering
In dry summers, plants are watered more often. It is important not to flood the grapes, because this is fraught with the development of fungal diseases and the death of plantings. To avoid overflow, gardeners make a drainage system near the vineyard to drain water.
In addition, the plants are mulched. Rotten manure or peat is suitable for mulch. A layer of mulch for grapes - 3 cm. This is enough to protect the soil from freezing and retain the necessary moisture in it.
The variety is fertilized several times a season (first in spring) with organic fertilizers or fertilizers with phosphorus and potassium. Fertilizers with nitrogen for grapes are not desirable. Their excess will reduce the quality of the crop, but will increase the amount of green mass.
In the fall, grape shoots are pruned. The bush should not grow, it is made compact. Excess, damaged and dried stems are destroyed, but before that they are examined for the presence of diseases and pests.
To prevent the vine from depleting, one ovary is left on one shoot, the largest. This will save the bush from the load, because Kesha bears fruit abundantly and will help the ovary to ripen and fill with juice. If the crown is too elongated, then pinch it to help the berries ripen.
In the first year, caring for Kesha comes down to:
- watering
- pruning
- disease prevention
- loosening and mulching the soil
The first crop from Kesha is harvested in 5 years. If you plant seedlings on an old stem, then the waiting time will be reduced. With proper care, the variety can bear fruit every year.
For the winter, the ground under the grapes is covered with straw, and the shoots are bent to the ground and covered with foil.
Diseases and pests
It is important to inspect the plants in the fall. With cold weather, diseases slow down development, and pests are looking for a place for wintering. And in the spring, instead of flowering shoots, there is a risk of getting infected.
Powdery mildew
This is a fungus that attacks the green mass of plants. It spreads very quickly. Its sign is a yellowish lumpy bloom on the leaves. The fungus is fought with a solution of ferrous sulfate (300 g per bucket of water). In addition to him, fungicides will help in the fight against the fungus: Mikal and Strobi.
The treatment of plants is carried out on a windless day, in protective equipment for the respiratory tract and eyes. It is important to ensure that the drugs do not come into contact with the skin.
Gray rot
A fungus that spreads quickly in damp conditions. Develops in dark and poorly ventilated areas. It affects all parts of plants. Its distinctive feature is brown dots with a gray coating. The affected areas and fallen parts of plants are removed from the garden and destroyed. Active spores of the fungus remain in them.
To prevent the development of gray mold, plants are sprayed with Folpan solution, a contact fungicide. And for infected plants, Topsin M and Rorval Flo preparations are suitable.
Mites
They are easy to spot by looking at the inside of the sheet.
- Brown spots covered with down is a sign of a felt mite.
- Light spots with a yellow coating leaves behind a grape spider mite.
- Yellow spots around the holes in the leaves indicate the presence of a leaf mite.
In case of mass infection with mites, gardeners use insecticides: Aktara and Vermitic. It is important to take precautions when working with them, as they are toxic to humans. A less aggressive pest control agent is Karbofos, as well as decoctions and infusions of wormwood, tobacco and potato tops.
In order for the grape bush to grow healthy, it is important to follow the simple rules of agricultural technology:
- Plant seedlings in an open and sunny area without shade.
- Thinning plants, getting rid of unnecessary greenery.
- Water is needed for a bountiful harvest, but its excess will destroy the grapes.
- Be careful with pest control. Once inside the fruit, harmful substances will change their taste and reduce their usefulness.
- Apply top dressing as needed, their excess stimulates the growth of green mass, not ovaries.
Kesha grapes do not require special attention. On the contrary, in caring for him, it is important to remember the measure, and take measures in a timely manner. Only then will the expectations pay off with tasty and healthy berries that will delight you and your loved ones.