Grapes "Dyuzhina": characteristics and description of the variety, planting and care, cultivation features

Dyusyna is a mid-early table grape that's easy to grow on your own plot. This hybrid (ZOS-1 and Rizamat + SP) was developed in 2007 by Luhansk amateur gardener Alexander Ivanovich Kitaychenko. Characteristic features of this variety include frost resistance, undemanding cultivation, high yields, and a unique, pleasant berry flavor.

Description of the Dozen grapes

From the beginning of the growing season to harvest, it takes 120–130 days; in the temperate zone, the berries ripen around the second half of August. The variety is rarely affected by diseases typical for the crop. ailments May only appear during epidemic years. The berries are virtually undamaged by wasps and sparrows. Frost resistance is down to 23 degrees Celsius, and in snowy winters, it increases to 25 degrees Celsius.

Characteristics of the bush and berries

A mature bush reaches about 4 meters in height, with strong shoots that mature well during the growing season. The rootstock is strong and branched, and cuttings root well. A dozen or so begin bearing fruit in the second or third year after planting. Fruiting vines produce 3-4 clusters, but the bush is weak at this load and requires thinning. It's best to leave no more than two clusters on each branch.

The flowers are functionally female, and pollination is very good and stable without the need for additional varieties. The clusters are conical or cylindrical-conical, broad-shouldered, weighing from 500 grams to two kilograms or more, with a medium density. The berries are oval or round, sometimes slightly flattened, weighing from 12 to 20 grams. The color is very rich and vibrant, raspberry-red with a lilac hue and a fairly dense waxy coating.

The flesh is crisp and juicy, the skin is firm and noticeable when eating, but not intrusive. There are four seed chambers, and berries with two seeds are often found, the seeds being medium-sized. The flavor is rich, full-bodied, and balanced, with a honeyed, floral aroma and no Muscat flavor or aroma. The unique flavor of the Dyuzhina grape only develops when grown in an open, sunny location.

Productivity and use

With proper bush training, a mature plant can yield up to 100 kg of fruit in a single season; many gardeners report higher yields. However, some bushes only begin bearing fruit in the fourth or fifth year, with small clusters. The problem lies in poor agricultural practices, not in the hybrid itself. This variety is most often grown for fresh consumption; the berries are suitable for desserts. The fruits are often used to make juices, jams, and various fruit and berry assorted dishes.

Advantages and disadvantages

This variety possesses excellent characteristics, which have been tested and confirmed by winegrowers in Ukraine, Russia, Moldova, and Belarus. Growing problems arise only in regions with cold and short summers, as well as in areas where winters are predominantly snowless. The hybrid's characteristics include:

• high bush growth force;
• good ripening of the vines;
• productivity;
• frost resistance;
• resistance to diseases and pests;
• high marketability of bunches and berries;
• when fully ripe, the fruits do not crack and practically do not fall off;
• good pollination;
• absence of peas;
• transportability and shelf life (up to 2 months);
• Dozen cuttings have a high survival rate.

Another advantage of the Dyuzhina grape variety is that it can be planted in any convenient way, without the need to dig a large hole or fill it with a nutrient mixture. When planting using the simplified method (in a standard hole the size of the seedling's rootstock), fertilizing will be necessary from the first year, while when planting in a prepared hole, fertilizer can be applied after fruiting begins.

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Features of cultivation

When choosing a seedling, ensure the rootstock is well-branched and free of dry or damaged areas. The stem should be light brown, and brownish-green when cut. The Dozhina grape variety should be planted in a windless location, protected from cold drafts, and in full sun; the hybrid produces poor fruit even in light shade.

The soil in the area should be loose and permeable; the bush will not thrive in areas with a high water table. The support structure should be considered immediately upon planting, as the bushes grow very quickly and need to be tied up promptly. The hybrid can be planted in the fall (until mid-October) and in the spring after the last frost. Here's the best option for planting the Dozhina grape:

• Dig a hole measuring 80x80 cm;
• pour a layer of crushed stone or gravel (up to 20 cm) onto the bottom;
• add a layer of soil mixed with organic matter (compost or mullein) to the drainage;
• place the seedling in the middle of the hole, drive a stake next to it, and fill it with the remaining soil up to the root collar;
• compact the soil a little, tie the stem to a peg, water the bush (2-3 buckets of water).

Two or three days after planting, mulch the soil around the seedling with rotted wood chips or dry grass clippings. During the first year after planting, cover the bush for the winter; this is a must for any region, even the southern ones. Drive several stakes around the seedling, cover them with plastic, fill them with leaves, or cover the bush with a large container and completely fill it with soil. When growing this variety in southern or central regions, cover the vines for the winter there is no need after fruiting begins.

Watering and fertilizing

Watering should be done several times throughout the growing season: before flowering, at the very beginning of flowering, during the period of mass fruit filling, and 10-15 days before harvest. Fertilizing the fruiting bush should be done according to a specific schedule.

Protection from diseases

Many gardeners, grape growers A dozen no carry out preventive sprayingHowever, experts still recommend two antifungal treatments: once the green shoots reach ten centimeters in length and after the entire harvest, before leaf fall. Spray the bushes with a one-percent solution of Bordeaux mixture, copper oxychloride, or colloidal sulfur.

Trimming

You can form a bush according to any convenient scheme, annual autumn pruning of branches Shorten the berries by 6–8 buds. In the spring, prune any dry, overwintered, or excess shoots that are causing the crown to become crowded. Remove any excess side shoots during the summer. To ensure more even ripening of the berries, remove any shade-obscuring leaves, but be careful not to allow the fruit to bake in the sun.

As you can see, the Dyuzhina grape is very easy to grow and requires minimal care, which is a big plus for beginners and those who can't visit their dacha often. The hybrid is suitable for growing in small plots and on large commercial plantations. The taste and aroma of the Dyuzhina grape are unique, recognizable among the vast number of other varieties.

Reviews

Christina

I planted Dyuzhina specifically for edibles; I bought it at the market and really liked the unusual flavor. I didn't believe the hybrid was truly simple and undemanding, but it turned out to be true. The bush bore fruit the following year after planting, producing eight large clusters. Dyuzhina grows very quickly; the vine is already seven years old, and the yield is high, but without thinning, the clusters are smaller. I only carry out preventative maintenance in the spring; the plant doesn't need to be covered, and it overwinters without significant losses (Volgograd).

Maxim

I have a Dozen on rootstock, which is probably why the bunches are always under a kilogram, with a hint of Muscat in the flavor. Next year, I plan to plant an own-rooted bush; I really like the hybrid's unique flavor. A neighbor grows a variety for sale, and they sell out quickly, apparently attracted by the appearance of the bunches and the rich, beautiful color of the berries. There haven't been any diseases in five years of growing them; I treat them in the spring and fall. After the leaves fall, I feed the bushes with ash.