Grapes Augustine: description of the variety, cultivation

The article presents grapes Augustine: a description of the variety, the rules of planting, growing, care, pruning.

Ah, my dear, dear Augustine. These beautiful lines are not about a person, but about a wonderful grape variety. In fact, this hybrid has many names, and it was bred in Bulgaria, in addition to the fact that this beautiful variety has such a summer name, you can also find number marks. This variety is very resistant to diseases, as well as to adverse weather conditions, which is why gardeners love it so much. An interesting fact, despite the fact that the Augustine grape has southern roots of origin, it can be grown even in Siberia. And it's not even worth talking about central Russia, the grapes bear fruit beautifully here.

Augustine grapes: variety description

Augustine grapes: photo of the variety

In order to decide whether or not to plant Augustine grapes on your site, you first need to study its general characteristics. Immediately, we note that the grapes taste very pleasant, so both adults and children love it so much. The milk mushrooms of this plant are large, so with normal care you can even get a kilogram of brushes. Note that the berries in the brush do not adhere very tightly to each other, so the air circulates well and the fruits do not shrink. Bunches of grapes often have wings. Due to this structure, the brushes are well ventilated, and diseases do not develop.

Usually the berries are of the same size, rather large in weight, with seeds. The skin is not very tough, but at the same time firm. Therefore, grapes are well eaten. The berries are oval in shape, slightly elongated, with a beautiful amber-yellow tint. The fruits have a pleasant aroma and taste. Berries accumulate sugar for a long time, so when fully ripe, the grapes will be very sweet. Berries can be transported over long distances, rest assured, they will not lose their presentation.

The taste of Augustine grapes is quite harmonious, so it is very pleasant to eat it. The grapes twine beautifully on various supports, so they are often used for gardening a gazebo. The leaves are practically not dissected, in shape they are close to round. The vine usually has a reddish-brown color, it is best to leave one brush on each shoot, so that the branches are not overloaded under the weight of the fruits, and the yield is not only high, but also stable.

As we noted earlier, this grape variety is very frost-hardy, it can withstand up to -25 degrees. However, you still need to cover the grapes. The Augustine grape variety is classified as early ripening, so you can taste the first fragrant berries in August. It usually takes 120 days before full maturation begins. It should be noted that grapes can hang on the branches for a very long time, so you can take your time with harvesting, the berries will not crumble within two weeks. This variety is very unpretentious and resistant to many diseases and pests. The high yield of grapes should also be noted. On personal plots, you can collect, think about it, up to 60 kilograms from one bush! Therefore, gardeners love him so much.

In addition, the berries have a very sweet taste, they ripen well, and the seedlings take root well in almost any climate. It is best to propagate grapes by cuttings, as they also adapt well to new growing conditions.

Of course, the Augustine grapes also have some disadvantages. Therefore, it is wrong to talk only about the merits.Be prepared for the fact that after two weeks from full ripening, the berries may crumble. Grape seeds are also large, so you may not like this nuance. Despite the fact that only wine is usually made from grapes, this variety is not suitable for preparing this drink, grapes are considered table grapes. Be prepared for the fact that with high humidity, the berries may crack, so do not allow waterlogging in the area. However, in southern conditions, these disadvantages may not exist, so gardeners in such regions grow grapes with pleasure. But remember that in order to grow this crop, you need to follow the rules of agricultural technology, as well as plant, cut, fertilize and pinch the plants during planting. Let's deal with this.

Augustine grapes: planting varieties

Augustine grapes: photo of the variety

You can propagate the Augustine grape variety in any way you know. But if you want to get the harvest as soon as possible, then it is best to buy a two-year-old seedling in a specialized agricultural store, nursery or market. It is best to purchase the plant in proven locations. Pay attention to the structure of the root system of the seedling, the integrity of the bark, the color of the buds.

Many growers are engaged in grafting, for this you will need to graft a stock on the selected plant. Plus, it's not difficult at all. If you are rooting cuttings, it is best to heat the lower part of the container, where the future seedling will be placed.

Some people grow grapes using seeds, but they need to be stratified in time. It is best to plant grapes with seeds in early June, however, depending on the climatic conditions of a particular region, the timing may shift. But remember, you can get the first harvest from such seedlings no earlier than in 4 years. However, from the pros, it should be pointed out that plants grown from seeds adapt best to the conditions of the region, therefore, they are always doing well with adaptation.

If you already have Augustine grapes growing on the site, then it is best to propagate it using layering. To do this, you will need to choose a strong and powerful shoot in the spring, and then dig it in, first loosen the ground well and moisten it. Next spring, you can already transplant the plant to a new habitat.

Let's make a reservation right away, it is best to plant Augustine grapes in a well-moisturized and fertile soil. Since this culture is called the sun berry, the site should be well lit. In the shade, the yield will be lower, and the berries will ripen longer. It is best to plant grapes in autumn, so that it has time to take root well, however, in central Russia, as well as in harsh climatic conditions, it is better to plant grapes in spring. This is done in order for the plant to get stronger over the summer and survive the winter well.

The planting pit should be deep, at least 80 cm. Usually, top dressing is placed on the bottom, adding superphosphate and potassium salt to the fertile soil. You can lay out a drainage layer so that moisture can better move away from the roots. As you remember, grapes also do not like waterlogging. The root collar cannot be dug too deep into the ground, but the cuttings should be planted deeper so that the root system is well protected from frost.

Many people recommend digging a plastic pipe next to the grape bush in the soil in order to water the plants in this way, as well as apply liquid fertilizers. This is very convenient, so the upper roots will not be exposed, but the food will always be delivered where it is needed. Water the plant frequently, usually 1-2 times a week. But if rainfall occurs regularly in your area, then it will not be necessary to moisten the soil so often.

Augustine grapes: variety care

Augustine grapes: description of the feeding system, watering

If we talk about top dressing, then it should be noted that in the first year of planting in the ground, fertilizer can not be applied. And from the second year, you can add natural dressings to the soil. In the fall, it is recommended to cover the near-trunk circle with humus, this is done in order to insulate the roots, as well as to add useful substances to the soil.

Further, Augustine grapes are usually fed several times per season.

In the spring, he recommends adding nitrogen to the soil in order for the plants to form leaves and ovaries well. Before flowering, the grapes are fed with superphosphate, and for the formation of fruits - with potash and phosphorus fertilizers. If we talk about the rates of fertilization, then it should be noted that the dosage is always indicated on the packages, so carefully read the instructions before use.

It is good to use foliar dressing, spraying leaves and stems with nutrient solutions.

We have already noted that the Augustine grape variety normally tolerates drought, but the plant still needs to be watered. Remember that plants need the most moisture during growth and flowering. Calculate the watering rate yourself, taking into account the age of the plants, as well as climatic factors.

How to form bushes

If you do not form the plants correctly, then your harvest will be high, but if the bushes are not cut off, then all the strength of the grapes will go to the formation of new shoots, and you will not get berries. Therefore, at all stages of development, plants should be properly formed.

It is advisable to cut the vine in the fall; it is best to leave no more than 12 eyes on one shoot. However, depending on which formation scheme you choose, you will need to adhere to different rules.

Remember that you do not need to prune the bushes without an obvious need, since the juice always flows intensively in the grapes, and the grapes may simply die from a large loss of nutrients.

In summer, it is advisable to pinch the tops so that the harvest is rich. It is recommended to leave no more than 6 leaves around each brush. Shoots that thicken the bush should also be removed.

In order for the vine to ripen, the shoots are often minted. However, it is always necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the development of each plant, so you should not thoughtlessly cut the vine and pinch the tops.

As we noted earlier, Augustine grapes are best covered for the winter. Currently, there are a huge number of methods and techniques for sheltering these plants, the main thing is that under one or another material the roots are warm and dry, otherwise the grape bushes may die due to an excess of moisture or penetrating cold.

Conclusion

The Augustine grape is a wonderful grape variety. He was loved by gardeners all over the globe. It is very unpretentious to care for, and the berries are insanely sweet and fragrant. Of course, in central Russia, wine made from this variety will not be so tasty. However, in the south, experienced winegrowers are happy to grow the Augustine grape variety and prepare jams and alcoholic drinks, close the compotes. Try to plant at least one bush of these wonderful grapes in your area, and we guarantee you you will not regret it.

Augustine grapes: video about the variety