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

The Izyuminka grape is recommended for growing in southern regions, but with dedication and proper care, excellent yields can also be achieved in central Russia. The Izyuminka variety is renowned for its rapid vine growth and delicious berries, but it is not as early-bearing as other varieties. Large harvests are only possible several years after planting.

Characteristics of the variety

The "Izyuminka" grape is a table grape variety bred in Ukraine at the Magarach Institute. It was created by crossing the Chausha and Cardinal varieties. The name of the resulting hybrid is no accident: if the berries are not picked in time, they will not spoil but turn into raisins. "Izyuminka" is an early-ripening variety, ripening 95-120 days after bud break. It is suitable for cultivation in the southern regions of Russia and Ukraine, as well as in Moldova and Belarus. In unfavorable climates, "Izyuminka" can be grown under cover.

The vine grows rapidly and ripens beautifully in favorable conditions. The leaves are large and emerald green. The flowers are female, so a male-flowering grape variety should be planted nearby to act as a pollinator. This pollinator variety should bloom at the same time as 'Izyuminka.'

The bunches are cone-shaped, slightly loose, and medium-sized, typically weighing between 450 and 700 grams. The berries are elongated and large, weighing 10-12 grams. The skin is thick, burgundy or pinkish, and barely perceptible when eaten. The pulp is sweet, juicy, and crunchy. The grapes can be eaten fresh, but they can also be used for various preserves and to make raisins. The first harvest can be collected only 2-3 years after planting, and it will be small, weighing only 2-3 kilograms. However, this figure will increase each year, and after a few years, it will reach 8 kg per plant. The sugar content in the grapes ranges from 16-18%, and the acidity is quite low.

The dense skin of the berries makes them suitable for transportation. When stored properly, the berries retain their attractive appearance and flavor long after being picked.

Positive and negative qualities of the variety

Based on its characteristics, the Izyuminka grape has not only a huge number of positive qualities but also some drawbacks. But which variety is free of these?

Advantages:

• high yield;
• excellent taste;
• universal application;
• attractive presentation;
• early ripening;
• possibility of transportation and storage;

Flaws:

• plants begin to bear fruit only after several years;
• even in warm regions, winter shelter is necessary;
• To ensure that plants do not get sick and produce a decent harvest, they require constant care;

Diseases and pests

Plants have a weak immune system and are not resistant to fungal diseases. Therefore, preventative spraying with Bordeaux mixture is necessary several times per season. Powdery mildew is treated with an aqueous sulfur solution, while gray mold is controlled with a soda solution. These same treatments can also be used preventatively. Early-stage bacterial canker is treated: affected branches are removed, and the cut surfaces are treated with specialized products. In advanced cases, plants should be uprooted and destroyed. Regular potassium and phosphorus fertilizers are necessary to maintain healthy grapes.

Grapevines are most often attacked by spider mites and grape mites. To prevent their occurrence, folk remedies or acaricides are used. If phylloxera infestations occur, it is recommended to remove the vines and treat the soil with a potassium permanganate solution. Nothing else should be planted in the affected area for several years.

Features of cultivation

Planting of seedlings takes place in the spring, when the air temperature has stabilized. The "Izyuminka" variety does not thrive in poor soil; the vines should be planted only in well-fertilized, fertile soil. The grapevines must be planted in a sunny location, otherwise the berries will not have time to ripen. The distance between vines should be at least 2-3 meters, otherwise the root system will not develop properly. It is recommended to soak the roots of the seedlings in a growth stimulant 24 hours before planting. After planting, a support is installed, to which the vines are tied as they grow.

Plant care involves promptly removing weeds and moderate watering 4-5 times per season. 10 to 20 liters of settled water is sufficient per watering, usually done in the evening. Disease prevention is also important. Due to the variety's high soil requirements, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied 2-3 times annually; otherwise, the leaves and berries will shrink.

Particular attention should also be paid to pruning the vines and side shoots. Vines are pruned in the spring, leaving 10 to 12 buds on each shoot. There should be no more than 40 buds on a single bush. This procedure is carried out using sterile gardening tools, and the cut areas can be sprinkled with ash. Before the onset of cold weather, the vines are removed from their supports, pruned for sanitary purposes, twisted, and secured to the ground. Afterwards, the vines are covered with soil and covered with plastic film. Some gardeners recommend watering the vines to recharge them before winter.

Conclusion

"Izyuminka" is an early-ripening variety that's not easy to care for, but the quantity and quality of the grapes are worth it. The berries are delicious and resistant to rot and spoilage; if harvested late, the grapes turn into raisins under natural influences. If you follow the cultivar's recommendations, all the effort will be well worth it.

Reviews

Artem

I've had my eye on the "Izyuminka" variety for a while, but I couldn't bring myself to plant it, as the first bunches only form several years after planting. But three years ago, a colleague shared a seedling, and I had no choice but to plant it, otherwise it would have perished. I grow less demanding varieties, but with "Izyuminka" I had to work hard, but it was worth it. This year, the bush produced two clusters, and the berries ripened by mid-August, delicious and nutritious. I'm hoping for a better harvest next year, as the description suggests it should increase each year.

Antonina

I've been growing "Izyuminka" grapes for quite some time, and overall, it's a good variety. The berries are delicious and the yield is decent, but it's quite difficult to care for. I fertilize them with mineral fertilizer several times a season and mulch the soil. In the fall and spring, I prune them and spray them preventatively against diseases and pests. My neighbor grows the same grapes, but due to poor soil and improper care, the clusters are smaller, the leaves are small, and she harvests less.