Bazhena grapes: characteristics and description of the variety, planting and care

The Bazhena grape variety has proven to be a successful hybrid selection. It will undoubtedly appeal to gardeners who enjoy growing large, sweet-tasting berries. The bushes grow lush and become a true garden highlight. Achieving a good harvest from this variety is easy if you study the description, photos, and reviews.

Description and characteristics of the variety

Bazhena was bred from two grape varieties: Podarok Zaporozhye and Arkadiya. Variety The variety inherited its early ripening and sweetness from its parents. Full ripening takes up to 115 days. This period can be shorter with proper care. The first harvest is not collected until the third year after cultivation. Yields increase with each passing year. The maximum fruit production occurs when the plant is in its prime—7-8 years old. At this age, up to 100 kg of fresh grapes can be harvested from a single plant.

The berries are round and regular in shape, with a slightly elongated tip. The fruits are green-yellow in color and covered with a thin layer of wax. They weigh quite a lot, 18-20 g. The flesh is firm and rich in juice. Sugar content is high, but acidity is low—around 5-6 g. The berries are gathered in dense, heavy vines. A single vine can weigh up to 2 kg, without the berries falling off. Not all large varieties can boast such a size. This grape is versatile in its uses. It is well suited for fresh consumption, winemaking, and canning. Bazhena grapes make delicious compotes from whole berries. When canning, avoid adding much sugar (reduce the amount by 1.5-2 times) due to the sweetness of the fruit.

The grapevine grows quickly, reaching a height of 5-6 meters in 2-3 years. At planting and subsequently, the vine is tied to a trellis or other support to ensure the grapes ripen and the branches do not become entangled. Bazhena is prone to producing shoots, so pruning is performed at least once a year, possibly twice a year.

Bazhena is quite frost-resistant, able to withstand temperatures down to -20°C. However, for safety, the grapes are covered for the winter, especially during the first two years after cultivation. This variety can be grown throughout the country, including the northern and central regions.

This variety is highly resistant to fungal infections such as powdery mildew and mildew. Immunity declines slightly with age, requiring disease prevention. Among insects, Bazhena is susceptible to wasps: in high humidity or overwatering, the berries crack and attract pests. To avoid this problem, use special insect baits and destroy wasp nests in the spring.

The positive qualities of grapes include:

• large berries of beautiful color;
• sweet taste;
• short fruiting period;
• early ripening period;
• general purpose.

The variety has no significant drawbacks. It is quite commonly grown in Russia and Ukraine and is considered a proven variety.

Landing

New seedlings take root in loamy soil and on a level area. grow grapes On hillsides, where it receives more sun. The planting time for Bazhen is chosen so that the soil temperature remains at 8-10 degrees Celsius. Spring and fall planting are acceptable. If planting in the fall, cover the plants to prevent the shoots from freezing. After wintering, the seedlings will recover more quickly in the spring and will have developed immunity to the climate and soil.

Before landing Grape seedlings are soaked in a growth stimulator for several minutes. Only the root system is placed in a deep hole (at least 80 cm) and filled with nutritious soil mixture. The soil is lightly compacted and immediately watered with two buckets of water. Bazhena prefers moist soil, as this helps its roots establish faster.

Further care

During the first stage of cultivation, preventative treatments against diseases and pests are carried out. Various fungicides or folk remedies are used for prevention. Winegrowers treat plants with Bordeaux mixture, Topaz, potassium permanganate, and copper sulfate. Treatments are continued until early May, then repeated after 1-2 weeks.

The second step in care is watering. This is done three times during the growing season: before and after flowering, and then after fruiting has finished. Water the grapes with lukewarm, low-hardness water. In the third and subsequent years, nutrients are added to the water—mineral fertilizers and organic additives. Bazhena responds well to watering with ash. Add a cup of ash to a bucket of water, let the mixture steep for a couple of hours, and then water the bush with the solution.

Another important stage in care — Pruning. It's not recommended to do this after planting. This is dangerous for the plant, as it will cause additional stress. In the fall and spring, weak, underdeveloped shoots are pruned. Each vine is pruned back to 6-8 buds. After pruning, plant growth increases, and fruiting increases.

Shelter for the winter

Preparations for covering begin when the temperature is above zero, but frosts are expected. The optimal time is considered to be November or late October. The soil where grow grapesThe soil should be dry. Water it generously 2-3 weeks before the expected date of covering and wait until it dries completely. Spread sawdust or dry leaves on the soil. The mulch layer should be several centimeters thick. The shoots are buried in sawdust and leaves, and covered with a windproof, insulating material with a waterproof coating. Moisture is harmful to covered grapes, as it will cause them to rot and decay.

Reviews

Anna, Leningrad region, writes:

"The Bazhena didn't disappoint with its harvest. Fruiting began in the third year, the berries grow large, and remarkably, they don't shrink or lose their sweetness with age. The fruit didn't crack, and I didn't have any wasps. After watering, I always applied sawdust mulch to retain moisture."

Gennady says:

"Two years ago, I bought Bazhena seedlings at a show. The variety is considered a new one, and the description caught my attention. The vines haven't borne fruit yet, but I'm eagerly awaiting the harvest this year. The variety survives the winter well; I covered the bushes with agrofibre and a layer of film."