Timur grapes: characteristics and description, planting and care

The Timur grape is one of the earliest ripening table grape varieties. Gardeners choose it for its large clusters and exceptionally tasty berries. However, growing grapes can be challenging for novice gardeners: they require balanced soil, adequate nutrients, and pruning.

General description

Timur is the brainchild of Russian breeders. It was developed from two remarkable varieties – Vostorg and Frumoasa Alba. These two varieties possess exceptional characteristics: they are early ripening, highly disease-resistant, and tolerate adverse weather conditions well. Timur shares all these qualities. Its list of positive attributes is further enhanced by the excellent presentation of its grape clusters and the vibrant, balanced flavor of its berries. Thanks to these positive qualities, Timur grapes are successfully cultivated in virtually every region of the country. In the south, it is grown as an uncovered crop. Experts note that in central Russia, as well as in the north, it is better to cover the plant for the winter.

Biological features

Timur grapes have an early ripening period. The first berries reach biological maturity by 115 days after planting. Harvesting usually begins in late July. The plant begins bearing fruit in the third year after planting.

The grapevine itself grows at a moderate rate, reaching just two meters in height. The vines grow slowly, although they mature at a timely pace. Newly-born shoots are light green. By late summer, the vines become woody, and the bark turns dark brown.

During the warmer months, the shoots become covered with dense, large, three-lobed, serrated foliage, giving the bush a beautiful appearance. The plant's decorative qualities allow this variety to be used not only for its edible berries but also for decorating garden interiors, such as arches, arbors, and fences.

Growing in a temperate climate with balanced humidity and temperature, the plant produces a decent yield. Testers note that 75% of all shoots on the bushes are fruitful. Even on mature wood, shoots are capable of forming decent-sized clusters. Each individual branch produces three voluminous, densely packed clusters, averaging 600-700 grams. The berries themselves are large, elongated, weighing 6-7 grams. They are gathered in tapering cylindrical clusters. The skin is thin but firm, barely noticeable when bitten. Its color is golden-green. The flesh is juicy, loose, and moderately watery. The flavor is rated at 4.8 on a 5-point scale. Those who have tried Timur grapes claim that it is a very sweet variety with a distinct Muscat flavor. The pulp contains 25% sugar, with virtually no acidity. Thanks to the dense skin, ripe berries do not burst during transportation and have a long shelf life.

A characteristic feature of the Timur grape variety is its high seedling survival rate. Cuttings usually root without any problems. Furthermore, the grape can be easily propagated by grafting and layering.

The stable yield is influenced by the fact that the flowers are bisexual, meaning they don't require pollinators. The flowers are subsequently replaced by large, dense, uniform-sized berries (the "peas" are almost never seen).

Timur enjoys enviable health. The plant is rarely affected by mildew and gray mold. The only thing that can spoil the appearance of the bushes is grape mite. Getting rid of them is not easy. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly treat the bushes with insecticides such as Vertimek or BI-58. At the beginning of the season, you can also use ZOV, an oil-mineral product that controls the main types of pests.

Although the variety standard notes the plant's high frost resistance (it can withstand temperatures down to -25 degrees Celsius), vines and buds often suffer frost damage if left uncovered during the winter. Therefore, experienced winegrowers recommend covering the vine during cold weather. Covering is necessary not only for young seedlings but also for already fruiting vines.

Despite all its "achievements," Timur requires maximum attention from its owner, otherwise it simply won't grow and produce a harvest. Even those bushes planted for ornamental purposes require constant fertilizing, pruning, and covering. Frequent, timely watering is also essential. To increase yields, gardeners resort to a trick: they graft Timur onto the old roots of a taller, healthier relative. This method can produce a very promising grapevine that will yield at least twice as much as a plant grown on its own roots.

Advantages and disadvantages

Varietal grapes have many advantages. These include:

• early ripening of fruits;
• very good berry taste;
• high resistance to diseases;
• excellent commercial quality of grape bunches;
• high yield compared to the low growth of the bush;
• the possibility of cultivation in different regions of the country.

Along with its advantages, Timur also has some disadvantages, which, with proper agricultural practices, are insignificant. The main disadvantages of the variety are:

• modest bush size, which does not allow for increasing the yield;
• the plant's requirement for a certain soil composition;
• the need for shelter for the winter.

Another Timur

The common White Timur has a half-brother, the Pink Timur. This pink-fruited variety was created by crossing the common Timur and the Kubansky Delight. This young variety is quite widespread in Russia, although the White Timur clearly outshines its Pink brother in popularity.

Characteristic features of Pink Timur:

• The clusters are larger than those of the White variety, often weighing up to 900 grams;
• the berries themselves are elongated, very large;
• high sugar concentration makes berries more caloric;
• the skin is very thick, although it does not interfere with enjoying the berries;
• 40-50 berries are collected in loose clusters;
• The plant is often affected by grape mites.

Winegrowers claim that it is precisely because of its poor immunity that Pink Timur is not as popular as its White predecessor. Furthermore, the Pink variety is not as productive—its yield is below average.

Features of cultivation

The vineyard should be planted in a well-drained area, away from cold northern winds. This crop thrives best in fertile loam with a low water table. In moist, dense, alkaline soils, Timur produces tart berries with a tart, hard skin. The soil should be loose, nutritious, well-aerated, and permeable.

Grapevines are planted using rooted seedlings. Healthy, productive young vines should have 2-3 thick, strong shoots, each with at least 3 buds. If Timur is already growing in the garden, propagating it is quite simple by grafting: one-year-old cuttings are "planted" onto the roots of other, taller, and stronger varieties. Grafting avoids the main problem—their demanding soil conditions. Grafted Timur is less demanding and also produces many more developed fruiting shoots, which in turn produce a magnificent harvest.

Own-rooted plants are usually planted in the fall, around mid-September, while grafting is best done in the spring. The ideal time is early spring, before the plants have fully awakened and the sap has begun to flow.

Planting holes for grapevine seedlings should be located away from vigorous trees, shrubs, and buildings. The distance between them should be at least 3 meters. The distance between grapevines should be 1-1.5 meters. Row spacing should be 2 meters.

Vineyard care

Growing a well-producing, well-developed Timur grape variety is, frankly, not easy. It requires regular watering, soil cultivation, frequent but careful pruning, winter protection, and fertilizing. All these cultivation techniques must be strictly adhered to, otherwise the plant will simply stop growing.

Watering

Grapes need to be watered infrequently but thoroughly. It's important to keep the soil moist to a depth of 80 centimeters. Water the plants twice in spring and fall, and more frequently in summer. During dry periods, provide additional watering. If the plant doesn't receive enough moisture, the berries may develop into small, less-sweet berries.

Land cultivation

The area where the grapes are grown should be completely cleared of weeds, which always negatively impact the plant's growth. After watering, the surface is loosened to prevent a crust from forming. Shallow cultivation is recommended for young vines, while cultivation should be carried out to a depth of up to 20 centimeters for fruiting vines. To prevent moisture from evaporating too quickly, the area beneath the plant is mulched with humus, moss, or sawdust. Grass compost can also be used—it will not only protect against evaporation but also inhibit weed growth while simultaneously nourishing the vine roots with essential micronutrients.

Trimming

In the first year, only formative pruning is performed, followed by sanitary and rejuvenating pruning. Formation begins with two or three main shoots, which are cut to form vines. Every year, young shoots, damaged branches, and those affected by disease and pests are removed. Barren and old branches, as well as those that have already fruited, are also removed. A bush should always have up to five fruiting shoots and six replacement shoots. Each shoot should have up to 20 buds. Leaving more will result in smaller clusters. It's important that all shoots have an equal number of buds.

Top dressing

If the seedlings were planted in fertile soil, generously enriched with organic matter and minerals, no additional fertilization is required this year. Otherwise, humus, superphosphate, and potassium chloride are added to the planting hole when planting. Ash is also added. In the spring, nitrogen-containing fertilizers (urea) are applied to the bushes. In the summer, during flowering, the plant requires superphosphate. In the fall, the bushes are fed with potassium to help them survive the winter.

Harvesting and storage

Grape harvesting begins in the last days of summer. When ripe, the berries are golden with a reddish tint. They hang on long, sturdy stalks. Once ripe, they remain on the vine for a relatively long time (a couple of weeks), becoming even sweeter. Once harvested, grapes are stored in a dark place. They can be refrigerated for up to 12 days.

Reviews

Sergey

It's a good variety, but I wouldn't recommend it to beginners learning the basics of viticulture. It thrives only when it's in a comfortable position. The slightest deviation in temperature, soil moisture, or fertilizer balance will, unfortunately, immediately lead to plant distress. However, if you're well-prepared and constantly care for the grapes, you can begin tasting delicious and sweet berries even in the second summer. In fact, their flavor is so unique that it alone makes all the difficulties of growing Timur worth it. I've yet to taste another grape as extraordinarily delicious.

Catherine

Several years ago, I grew the Timur grape variety. I liked it because the seedlings quickly took root and began growing. The mature vine reached a height of 180 centimeters. It didn't produce its first good yield until its fourth year, although the first grapes appeared in the second and third years. However, their flavor wasn't as juicy, and they weren't very large. In the fifth year, the winter was frosty, and our grapes froze completely, despite being under cover. Frankly, I was stunned by this outcome. Overall, it only produced a yield once. Overall, Timur is a good variety that requires some knowledge and skill. Yes, it's fussy about growing conditions, but it doesn't cause too much trouble. I'm leaning toward buying more of this variety. We'll see how it goes.

Timur is an unconventional table grape variety that impresses, above all, with the appearance of its berries and their sweet taste. This grape, like the vast majority of other varieties and hybrids, is not without its shortcomings, but these are easily offset by the many positive qualities of Timur. Difficulties in growing the plant can be avoided by paying particular attention to soil fertility and moisture levels during vineyard establishment.