Gift to Zaporizhzhya grapes: characteristics and description of the variety, planting and care

Many gardeners are looking for a productive grape variety that can be grown easily in the temperate climate zone. One such variety is "Gift to Zaporizhzhia." The grape tolerates cold temperatures well, but requires winter protection. Otherwise, it's easy to care for, making it easy for even a beginner to grow.

Characteristics of the variety

The variety was developed in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, in 1980. Experienced breeder E. A. Klyuchikov worked on the variety. Several varieties were used in its development:

• "Mascot";
• "Tsytsa";
• "Esther";

Despite being over 35 years old, this variety is still not listed in the state register. However, this has not prevented its widespread distribution. A related variety, "Novy Podarok Zaporizhzhya," was later developed; the two should not be confused.

"Gift to Zaporizhzhia" is a table grape variety with a mid-early ripening period. The harvest can be picked as early as four months after the start of the growing season, and much earlier in southern regions. They grow It grows in the central and southern regions of the country. In the northern regions, the berries won't have time to ripen. You can enjoy the harvest as early as the second year after planting.

The bush is vigorous and develops vigorously and rapidly. It also bears fruit for decades. The leaves are slightly dissected, trilobate, and dark green. The flowers are female, so it requires a pollinator; a contemporaneous variety would be suitable. Examples include Kishmish Radiant, Zaporizhzhya, or Rusbol.

Pollination occurs even under unfavorable conditions. However, if the summer is rainy and cold, the quality of the harvest decreases.

The clusters are typically conical, and each berry can weigh up to two kilograms. The berries are large, up to 4 cm long, weighing 10-20 g. They are oval-shaped and light green when ripe, with firm skin covered with a white waxy coating. The pulp is soft, juicy, and delicious, with subtle notes of apple aroma. Sugar content ranges from 16 to 18%, and acidity is 6-8 g per liter. The berries do not fall off and, in the absence of frost, can remain on the vine until mid-October. The variety received a tasting score of 8.2 out of 10 possible points.

Unfortunately, the bunches are not very transportable, so it is not recommended for long-distance transport. It can be stored for quite a long time in a refrigerator or a well-ventilated, dry basement. The vine tolerates frosts down to -24 degrees Celsius. "Gift to Zaporizhzhia" is perfectly compatible with any grape varietiesGardeners often use it as a rootstock. It's suitable for fresh consumption and for making wine or juice.

Advantages and disadvantages

https://youtu.be/cKXvTlTOxcY

Like any grape, "Gift to Zaporizhzhia" has its strengths and weaknesses. Given its popularity among the population, it seems the variety's advantages far outweigh its disadvantages.

Advantages:

• frost resistance;
• universal use;
• long-term storage possibility;
• attractive presentation;
• rich taste;
• consistently high yields;
• excellent resistance to fungal diseases;

Flaws:

• the need for careful transportation;
• in rainy weather, some farmers have noticed pea-shaped berries;

Diseases and pests

'Gift to Zaporizhzhia' has excellent immunity, and plants exhibit increased resistance to mildew. For preventative purposes against powdery mildew, grapes in spring Spray with a copper sulfate solution. To prevent pests from attacking the bushes, they are treated several times with specialized products, such as:

• "Actellic";
• "Decis";
• Confidor;

Colloidal sulfur can also be used for treatment. To combat birds eager to feast on the juicy berries, scarecrows or special nets are used. A wasp infestation is only possible if birds have pecked the grapes, as they cannot bite through the thick skin on their own.

Landing

"Gift to Zaporizhzhia" is better plant Plant in well-lit areas protected from northerly winds. And, of course, the vines will need to be supported. Insufficient light will result in smaller berries and a longer ripening time. One-year-old seedlings with well-developed roots have the best survival rate. When purchasing planting material, pay attention to its appearance; it should be free of disease and damage. When planting more than one vine, maintain a distance of approximately 2 meters between them. In the south of the country, grapes can be planted in both spring and fall; in the central part of the country, it is best to plant in spring, around mid-April.

The planting hole is prepared in advance, at least a month before the expected planting date. It is dug approximately 80 cm deep and 50-80 cm wide. A drainage layer of fine gravel or broken brick is placed at the bottom to protect the root system from rotting caused by stagnant moisture. Then, the hole is filled with a mixture of soil, sand, and humus, with the addition of ash and a small amount of complex fertilizer. The plant is planted at a 45-degree angle and covered with soil.

After planting, the grapes are tied to a support, watered, and the soil is mulched with organic matter.

Features of cultivation

"Gift to Zaporizhzhia" is low-maintenance, but it does require some time. The seedling needs regular watering, 1-2 times a month, with increased frequency during hot, dry summers. After harvesting, a moisture-recharging watering is performed; this procedure will help the plant recover from fruiting and prepare for winter. Weeds around the trunk should also be removed. In the spring, fertilize the plant for better growth and development, and preventative treatments against diseases and harmful insects are also carried out. In temperate climates It is recommended to cover the vine for the winterIn the fall, it is cut back and bent to the ground, then covered with soil, dry leaves, and sawdust. Cover the top with plastic wrap and cover with more soil and leaves.

Before winter, the vines are pruned to 1 m. Thinning the inflorescences is a mandatory procedure for this variety, as it can overload the plant with fruit. Experienced gardeners recommend leaving 40-45 buds per bush.

Reviews

Antonina

I've been growing grapes for over 30 years; at first, it was a hobby, and now it's a good source of income. "Gift to Zaporizhzhia" is an excellent variety, but poor cultivation practices can seriously affect the quality of the fruit. High humidity is unacceptable, as the berries will crack and leak, and the number of blossoms must be controlled. People eagerly buy it because the bunches are large and beautiful, but it must be transported with extreme care.

 

Evgeny

My bushes are five years old. In the first year, I left one or two bunches on the plant. The grapes have excellent flavor. The yield is excellent, suitable for both eating and winter preservation. However, they're quite heavy to transport; when we gave them to my mother, they were badly bruised.

Conclusion

Although "Gift to Zaporizhzhia" was developed by an amateur breeder, it is quite popular among grape growers. With proper care, the variety produces high yields. The berries have excellent flavor. The plants are rarely susceptible to disease and thrive.