Irina's Gift Grapes: Characteristics and Description of the Variety, Planting and Care

"Irina's Gift" is an early-ripening table grape variety. It was developed by experienced Ukrainian breeder N. P. Vishnevetsky, who based the grape variety on two varieties: "Kesha" and "Elegant." It is a hybrid grape and is suitable for cultivation in the southern and central regions of Russia. Cultivation in the north is not recommended, as it freezes during the winter.

Characteristics of berry crops

The "Gift to Irina" variety has absorbed the best qualities of its parents. The berries are suitable for fresh consumption, juice, preserves, and marmalade. They are not recommended for winemaking. The resulting intoxicating drink is virtually tasteless. The fruit ripens early, within 125-130 days. Fully ripe berries are harvested in August. The berries are not prone to cracking.

The plant is moderately resistant to frost, the vines and buds do not freeze if the temperature does not drop below -23°C. To fungal diseases Moderate resistance to pests and mildew. Excellent resistance to gray mold and mildew.

The flowers are bisexual, so there's no need to plant pollinator varieties nearby for pollination. The yield per bush is 12-15 kilograms.

Description of grapes

The bushes are medium-sized and not densely foliated. The leaves are smooth, broadly lobed, and a rich green. The vine ripens well, but not along its entire length. The clusters form conically, weighing 0.8-1.5 kilograms each. The clusters are dense, preventing pea-like berries. The berries are firmly attached to the vine and do not fall off when overripe or during long-distance transport.

The fruits set and grow into an oval-elongated shape. The skin is thick, covered with a waxy coating, and a beautiful pinkish-burgundy color. Each berry averages 15-20 grams. The flesh is dense and fleshy. It bursts pleasantly when bitten. A slightly tart flavor is immediately noticeable, followed by a marmalade-like sweetness.

Advantages and disadvantages

Although the variety was developed in Ukraine, it quickly became popular among winegrowers in the CIS countries. Russia is no exception. It is most often cultivated by gardeners in the southern regions, but it remains popular in temperate climates as well. This berry crop has attracted the following advantages:

• high and stable yield;
• large fruits and absence of pea-sized berries;
• average resistance to diseases and frost;
• harmonious taste qualities of fruits;
• density of bunches;
• high transportability;
• berries do not crack due to excessive moisture in the soil;
• self-pollination.

Disadvantages of the plant:

• necessary cover the vines for the winterso that it doesn’t freeze;
• is attacked by birds and wasps.

Agricultural technology of grapes

There are no special requirements for planting and propagating this berry crop. The plant is easy to care for, but its varietal characteristics must be taken into account:

• Soil. Grapes need to be grown On black soil or loamy soil. The plant prefers acidic or neutral soil.
• Planting location and time. The site where the berry seedling will be placed should be sunny and wind-free. If possible, plant the grapes sheltered from northerly winds. That is, grow them near a house wall or fence. Plant the grapes in the spring. Over the summer and fall, they will establish roots and survive the winter more easily.
• High-quality planting material. To ensure a strong plant, select a seedling at least 50 centimeters tall, with no diseases or wounds on the shoot.
• Growing area. Berry crops require a lot of space during growth. Plant other plants at least 2-2.5 meters apart.
• Watering. Water the plants as needed. There's no set watering frequency. Consider the climate of your region. In the south, water more frequently; in temperate climates, water less frequently. The recommended watering rate per plant is 20 liters of settled tap or well water.
• Mulching. To reduce moisture evaporation and protect the root system from direct sunlight, mulch the soil. Use sawdust or straw.
• Fertilizing. The plant responds well to fertilizer. At the beginning of the growing season, apply a liquid fertilizer containing potassium and nitrogen to the bushes. Take 10 liters of water and dissolve 30 grams of potassium nitrate and 20 grams of urea. Apply the resulting solution evenly throughout the root zone under the bush.

• Formative and sanitary pruning. Remove diseased and dry shoots. early spring, before the sap begins to flow. Train the bush so that no more than 35 buds remain. With this kind of pressure on the plant, the fruit will grow large.
• Preventive treatments from diseasesGrapes have moderate disease resistance. To minimize the risk of disease, spray the bushes with a copper sulfate-based solution in the spring before the buds fully open. Dissolve 100 grams of the solution in 10 liters of water. Apply the solution to the plants using a sprayer.
• Preparing for winter. In late October, perform a moisture-replenishing watering. Apply 100 liters of water per bush. In mid-November, remove the vines from the arches and cover them with plastic or agrofibre to help them survive the drop in temperature.

Reviews

Victoria Aleksandrovna, 45 years old, Krasnodar region

Relatives brought the "Irina's Gift" grapes from Ukraine. They've taken well. The berries are delicious and juicy. They keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. Because of their high sugar content, they're a favorite among wasps. To get rid of them, I set traps. I take a regular eggplant, cut off the top, turn the cut-off top upside down, and insert it into the bottom of the eggplant. I fill it with sweet syrup or beer, and sometimes even add cut grapes. Once the wasps get inside, they can't get back out.

Zhanna Alexandrovna, 60 years old, Rostov region

"Irina's Gift" only started bearing fruit last year. Over the past two years, I can say I've been delighted with it. I've harvested about 8-10 kilograms of fruit per bush. It's easy to care for. I cover it for the winter, as our winters are unpredictable. I use straw and plastic for covering.