Grapes 'Zagadka Sharova': characteristics and description, planting and care

"Zagadka Sharova" is a dark grape variety suitable for cultivation throughout almost the entire country. It is especially popular in regions with harsh climates and areas with variable, unpredictable weather conditions.

For over forty years, this variety has remained among the best, thanks to its combination of positive qualities and the absence of significant shortcomings.

General description

The progenitors of "Zagadka Sharov" were the hybrid variety "Dalnevostochny" and two varietal grapes, "Magarach 352" and "Tukai." The name was given to its discoverer, amateur breeder R.F. Sharov.

Rate of maturation and regional affiliation

This variety has gained widespread popularity due to its extremely short ripening period. Without shelter, the berries ripen in no more than 100 days from bud swelling. This early ripening grape variety makes it suitable for cultivation throughout virtually the entire country. Even in Siberia, where summers are short and cold, 90% of the berries ripen before the onset of frost.

Plant characteristics

The grape tree experiences vigorous growth in the first few years after planting. At two years old, the vine reaches a length of 3.5-4 meters. At this time, the plant produces its first signal cluster. In the third year, the bush produces its first small harvest.

'Zagadka Sharova' is characterized by slender, flexible shoots with closely spaced nodes. Young shoots are light green, becoming woody over time and turning brown. The medium-sized leaves are nearly dissected, trilobate, and light green in color, with no notches at the top. The leaf blades are pubescent.

The plant has bisexual flowers, indicating self-pollination. The grapevine itself is considered a good pollinator for other varieties. Flowering begins early, at the very beginning of the summer season. Flowers are gathered in inflorescences that form panicles. Three to four fruit clusters form on each shoot. In addition to flowers, the grapevine inflorescence includes tendrils. The green tendrils, when encountering a support, wrap themselves in a strong spiral and soon become woody.

Characteristics of fruits and their use

The berries are usually medium-sized and weigh 2-3 grams. The round grapes are dark blue, almost black. By the time they are fully ripe, they become covered with a waxy white coating. The berries are gathered in small clusters, each weighing 400-500 grams. The berries are loosely arranged relative to each other, giving the clusters a loose appearance.

The variety's flavor is rated excellent by tasters and gardeners. Its high sugar content (up to 22%) and subtle strawberry aroma suggest a dessert-like taste. The thin but firm skin envelops the juicy, melting flesh. Seeds are present, but small, with only 2-3 seeds per berry.

The variety is not prone to the unpleasant phenomenon of "pea-shaped" fruit. Even in unfavorable summers, the berries ripen uniformly to the variety's typical size. This is another advantage of "Zagadka Sharova."

Grapes are a versatile variety. Their range of uses is wide:

• sweet berries are good for eating "from the bush";
• suitable for berry desserts (jam, compote);
• for preparing homemade wine drinks;
• Excellent transportability and shelf life allow for growing grapes for sale.

Productivity

The tree produces a full harvest as early as the fourth or fifth year after planting. According to winegrowers, six-year-old vines produce over 10 kg of marketable fruit. By the age of nine, yields reach their maximum, varying depending on the growing region. With proper care, the fruiting period can last over 25 years.

Agricultural technology of the variety

The "Zagadka Sharova" variety inherited excellent frost resistance and undemanding growing conditions from the "Dalnevostochny" hybrid. Therefore, the planting and care instructions are very simple and accessible to every gardener.

Selection of planting material

A healthy and strong grape seedling meets the following requirements:

• the plant has a developed root system;
• externally the roots are moist and light in color when cut;
• the buds do not appear swollen or flaky;
• the plant itself and neighboring seedlings do not show signs of disease (growths, dark spots, rot, cracks).

A unique feature of the Sharova grape variety is that it can be grown from seedlings without grafting, i.e., from its own roots. This should be kept in mind when choosing a vine.

Landing

This variety is completely undemanding regarding soil composition. When choosing a planting site, consider only two conditions: sufficient sunlight and the absence of stagnant water. On poor, depleted soils, it is recommended to add 3-4 buckets of compost and 30 grams of superphosphate per square meter. In areas with average fertility, the application rates are halved. In chernozem regions, highly fertile soil requires no fertilizer.

In order for a young plant to take root well, it is necessary to follow simple rules:

• When planting in the spring, you must wait until the soil warms up to 10 degrees Celsius to a depth of 50 cm and the threat of spring frosts has passed;
• autumn planting is completed at least one and a half months before the onset of cold weather (depending on the region);
• the distance between grape bushes should be about 2 meters;
• the dimensions of the planting pit must be no less than 70x70x70;
• dig a hole and fill it with nutritious soil 1-2 months before planting or in the fall so that the soil settles well;
• the seedling is placed at a slight angle to the future support;
• the roots of the plant are well straightened so that they do not bend and curl upwards;
• the soil around the roots should be compacted;
• Ungrafted seedlings are planted so that the upper eye is slightly above the soil surface;
• for grafted seedlings, the grafting site after planting should be a couple of centimeters above the soil surface;
• Finally, the grapes are watered (2 buckets per bush).

Caring for a grape tree

Caring for the "Zagadka Sharova" grape variety is not difficult and involves timely watering, fertilizing, pruning, and protection from pests and diseases.

Watering

Deep roots make the variety drought-resistant. In areas with frequent and heavy rainfall, irrigation will be unnecessary. In regions with infrequent rainfall and in dry years, a lack of moisture can affect yields. Experienced winegrowers recommend the following irrigation schedule:

• immediately after flowering;
• when the berries are the size of a pea;
• in mid-July.

Water for irrigation should be warm and settled. The recommended consumption rate is 50 liters per square meter.

Top dressing

Fertilizing grapes should begin 3-4 years after planting. The following fertilizing schedule is optimal for "Zagadka Sharova":

• one to two weeks before flowering – nitrogen fertilizers;
• 8-10 days after flowering – phosphorus-nitrogen substances;
• at the beginning of the berry ripening period – complex fertilizers;
• 1-2 weeks after harvesting – potassium-phosphorus compositions.

Consumption rates are calculated taking into account the soil condition and the age of the plant.

Pruning, shaping and tying up the bush

The ability to bear fruit well with minimal pruning is a distinctive feature of this variety. To maximize the yield, one-year-old shoots are pruned above 5-6 buds. Fruit clusters will then form around 3-4 buds. It's best to leave no more than two flower stalks on each shoot; this will prevent the plant from becoming overloaded and ensure all berries ripen on time.

This fast-growing vine requires staking already in the first year of planting. Support can be provided by the walls of outbuildings, houses, or specially installed trellises. Twine is best for staking.

Protection from diseases and pests

Sharov grapes are not particularly immune to diseases common to this crop. They are particularly susceptible to mildew. As a preventative measure, plants can be treated with copper sulfate or another chemical in early spring and after leaf fall.

Birds and wasps, which feast on the sweet berries, are the most damaging pests. You can save the harvest by setting out wasp bait traps. A scarecrow will also help repel the birds.

Preparing for the winter season

There's no need to cover the grape tree. The root system easily withstands temperatures down to -32°C. For winter protection, it's best to remove the vine from its support. The flexible and slender shoots of "Zagadka Sharova" can be easily removed from the trellis and bent to the ground. A layer of snow will provide ample protection from lower temperatures.

Harvesting and storage

The uniform ripening of the berries allows for harvesting in clusters. The variety is resistant to shedding, and ripe berries hang on the vine for a long time. The clusters are cut with pruning shears or scissors. A dry, sunny day is recommended for harvesting. The harvested grapes are placed in wooden crates, shaded, and transported to storage. In a cool place, the berries will keep for up to three months.

Advantages and disadvantages

Positive features of the variety:

• excellent cold resistance;
• early maturity;
• early entry into fruiting;
• dessert taste of berries;
• good transportability and shelf life of the crop;
• marketable appearance of fruits.

Among the disadvantages of the variety is its susceptibility to diseases.

Reviews

Valery Petrovich, Leningrad Region

I've had a "Zagadka" bush growing in my garden since 2006. Its positive qualities include early ripening, sweet flavor, and the ability of the berries to hang on the bush for a long time. Its disadvantages include its susceptibility to mildew, so preventative treatments are essential. I spray it with "Proton Extra" in the spring and fall. I water it through a plastic pipe installed during planting.

Tatyana Pavlovna, Cheboksary

I was drawn to this variety for its ease of care. I don't do any special maintenance, except watering in dry years. I don't untie the vines from the trellis for the winter. It's rare that a small portion of the vine tips freeze. The taste isn't great, but at least it's hassle-free. I've eliminated the need for weeding thanks to the straw I use to line the soil in the vineyard every year. By fall, almost all the straw has rotted, and I incorporate the remaining straw into the soil, digging it in shallowly.

The "Zagadka Sharova" grape deserves a place of honor in every garden. Even a novice winegrower can handle the plant's easy-to-grow nature. This variety produces a bountiful harvest even in challenging weather conditions and requires little time for maintenance.