Ruslan grapes - description of the variety, cultivation features
Content:
Ruslan grapes were bred by Ukrainian breeders by crossing two popular varieties of the Kuban and the Gift to Zaporozhye. After its appearance, the variety was little studied, but it still spread and became popular in many countries, such as Kazakhstan, Russia and Belarus. This variety took part in the Crimean exhibition and was highly appreciated by specialists.
Ruslan grapes - description of the variety
Ruslan grape variety has huge clusters of fruits, as its "parents" were of different colors. With such a crossing, a feature is observed in the increase in bunches. The berries are large, but not closely spaced, as they would crowd out each other. The peel of the berries is thin, but dense and elastic; when eaten, it is not felt.
People who sell fruits, and especially grapes, are very interested in this variety. After all, the berries on the brushes hold well and do not crumble, they tolerate transportation well. Harvested berries, if stored properly, can be stored for a long time without changing their appearance.
The hybrid belongs to the early varieties, by the end of July there will be ripe berries. It takes about 90 days from bud flowering to harvest. If the summer is cold, then the period increases by 10 days and is 100-110 days.
Fruit characteristics
- The skin is thin and, when ripe, is covered with a small amount of whitish wax. This wax can be removed well with water.
- When fully ripe, the berries become rich in color, black and burgundy.
- There are no small bunches in bunches, only large berries.
- The fruits have an elongated shape, like an oval.
- The pulp is sweet and does not have sourness, but many people smell plums in the taste and smell.
- The skin is dense, therefore it is well transported and protects the pulp.
- The variety has seeds, usually 2 pieces.
- One berry can reach up to 25 grams.
- This variety has a low content of natural sugar.
- One brush can reach up to 1-1.2 kilograms, the weight of the brush can be increased by leaving only a few bunches on the plant, so they will have more nutrients.
- The arrangement of the berries can be dense, but most often the fruits do not touch each other.
Ruslan grapes are suitable for growing novice gardeners, as they do not require much effort and experience.
Pros and cons of the variety
It is worth making out the positive and negative sides of the variety.
Pros:
- Ruslan grapes do not need additional pollination, since it is a bisexual plant that pollinates itself.
- High yield.
- Long shelf life, both on wood and assembled. At the same time, the taste and appearance remain the same.
- The variety contains many vitamins and nutrients, as well as other varieties.
- Good resistance to diseases and fungal viruses, despite the sweet taste, the berries do not attract pests.
- The plant takes root well and develops quickly.
- Despite the bad attitude to the abundance of water, in such conditions he does not rot, but tolerates it.
- Resistant to frost, the variety can withstand frosts down to -29 degrees.
- A dense skin that does not break even with small impacts on it.
Minuses:
In addition to advantages, the variety also has disadvantages.
- Badly refers to moisture, with difficulty tolerates it.
- Berries do not attract insects, but birds do.
Planting grapes
After reading the description and deciding whether to start such a variety in your garden, you need to study some of the nuances of planting.
Seat selection
The location must meet some criteria.Firstly, it must be sunny, and not near tall trees, as they will shade the grapes. Secondly, groundwater should be at a distance of 2-3 meters from the site.
Landing
First, before planting, you need to prepare the soil, make it more fruitful. To do this, you need to add peat and humus to the ground. In the dug holes, it is necessary to install drainage, driving in a stake in the middle. After planting, the plant is tied to a stake for better rooting. The stake serves as a support for the grapes.
When planting, the distance between seedlings and rows must be taken into account. There should be about two to three meters between rows and plants. If you have a large area, then you can plant further, so each seedling will have more nutrients for development. A large distance is necessary for the free arrangement of the branches. The Ruslan variety is quite sprawling and requires a free location.
The large distance between bushes and rows makes it easier to harvest, care without breaking branches. Long-distance planting protects plants from diseases and allows to reduce the ripening period, also provides ventilation, which is very important for grapes. It allows moisture to evaporate faster and the grapes become lighter, as they do not tolerate moisture well. If there is no ventilation, it will be difficult for the grapes to withstand moisture. It will become lethargic, the berries will begin to rapidly increase in size and burst.
Correct fit
The soil must be fertile, then there is already 50% success in growing the Ruslan variety. Also, the variety needs drainage, which is installed before planting. It will provide excess water leaving for the root system.
Note: If you are planting Ruslan grapes in the lowlands, then you must carefully consider the location of soil water. If it is closer than 2-3 meters, then it is better to choose another place. In such a place, it will be difficult for grapes to develop, it will experience discomfort every day. And soon it may wither away.
Pit preparation
The pit preparation is as follows:
- First you need to dig a hole, measuring 70 centimeters by 70 centimeters and a depth of 80-85 centimeters.
- Drainage must be laid at the bottom of the hole. Drainage can be gravel or small stones. Lay peat and humus mixed with soil on top of the drainage.
- Drainage and feeding should be done 15-16 days before planting. During this period of time, the earth will shrink a little.
- Ruslan grape seedlings must be strong and free from diseases.
- Before planting, add 20 grams in 2 days mineral fertilizers.
- Plant the grapes in the hole and cover to the neck.
- Drizzle with water (2-3 buckets).
- Tie a plant to a stake for support.
- The soil in the pit must be covered with sawdust or peat.
Reproduction methods
The most popular and effective methods are:
Grafting a cutting on an old plant
This method is very difficult and is suitable only for specialists who have extensive experience, novice gardeners cannot cope with this method. If a vine grows in the garden, but you are not satisfied with the grape variety, then the Ruslan variety can be grafted onto its roots. The stalk should be with already expanding buds. Grafting takes place in the spring or autumn, during warm days.
Planting with roots
This method is the most popular, as it is based on the germination of cuttings. In early spring, when the weather has already become warm, Ruslan saplings are planted, while the buds should "sleep".
In late spring, these seedlings are planted in a permanent place. Planting can be carried out in the autumn, until mid-October, since after the frost begins, and the grapes may not take root.
Using a long whip of a vine that's already ripe
This method is one of the easiest. First you need to select the whip and dig it in. This area should be watered abundantly, this is done in order for the lash to give roots. After a season or two, it is cut from the main grape.
If you have experience and are well versed in the themes of the garden and vegetable garden, then you can use any breeding method. If you are a beginner gardener, then you are advised to use the second or third method.
Grape care
Taking care of the grapes is an integral part, although it is not difficult.
Watering
Grapes do not like water, therefore it is often undesirable to water it. Watering depends on the weather, if it is dry and hot, then you can spill the plant. Mandatory watering is watering before flowering and before fruit ripening. After watering, it is imperative to loosen.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing the soil is necessary for better development of fruits and a good harvest. Many gardeners use organic fertilizers, but mineral fertilizers will also work well for the plant. You can also use complexes where two types of fertilizers are mixed.
To apply top dressing to the soil, you need to dig a circle near the trunk to a depth of 20 centimeters and pour 3-4 kilograms of top dressing into it, which will be mixed with the earth.
Circumcision
Vines that are growing rapidly should be pruned. Otherwise, the bush will be overloaded and unable to produce crops. A strong plant should have no more than 30-40 shoots.
Before wintering, ripe shoots, dry leaves are removed.
Preparing for the winter period
If the average winter temperature is -24 degrees, then the trunk is covered with sawdust or straw. If the temperature is lower, then shields, spruce branches and film are used.
Disease prevention
Ruslan grapes are resistant to diseases and viruses, but they can get sick with improper care.
In order to avoid the disease, it is necessary to spray the plant with antifungal drugs in early spring.
