Description of Richelieu grapes, planting and care rules
Richelieu grapes are popular with many farmers. It is a promising crop with an early ripening period. The grapes are characterized by high yield parameters. It is characterized by excellent taste and good marketability. In order to achieve success in growing a crop, it is recommended to water it, feed it, cut it on time. Preparation for winter and protection from pests is also important.
Description and characteristics of Richelieu grapes
It is a hybrid crop characterized by a mid-early ripening period. Berries are distinguished by dense pulp, therefore they tolerate transportation well and have a long shelf life.
The key feature is the high survival rate of cuttings. The plant is characterized by active development and excellent productivity. The culture is resistant to frost and can withstand temperatures as low as -23 degrees.
Bushes of this variety are considered medium-sized. They are characterized by large clusters weighing 1 kilogram. They are distinguished by a conical shape and a medium-loose structure. The fruits are not prone to peas.
Large rounded leaves have a rich green hue. They are characterized by a red stalk. The vine is light brown in color and grows up to 3 meters in height. Its thickness is 5 centimeters.
The fruits are large and round in shape. Each berry weighs 10 grams. The peel is dark blue in color. Inside is juicy, fleshy pulp.
The grapes are characterized by a sweet taste.
The main pros and cons of the variety
The main benefits of grapes include the following:
- large size of bunches and fruits;
- sweet taste;
- universal application;
- high productivity;
- active development of cuttings;
- good drought resistance;
- lack of tendency to pea;
- high resistance to disease.
At the same time, the culture also has certain disadvantages:
- dependence of yield on the correct care;
- the need for shelter for the winter;
- the risk of insect attacks.
How to grow a crop correctly
For the successful cultivation of a crop, it is worth planting correctly.
When is it better to plant
It is recommended to plant grapes of this variety in August. This should be done before the arrival of cold weather.
Where to plant on the site
This variety loves well heated soil. It is best to place the bushes on the southwest side of the site. You should not plant the plant in places with a high groundwater table. A young shrub needs light and breathable soil. It should be low or neutral in acidity.
Landing in the ground
To carry out planting work, it is worth performing the following actions:
- prepare a recess for planting - its dimensions should be 20x20x20 centimeters;
- pour sand and sawdust - the thickness of this layer should be 1 centimeter;
- cut the bottom of the plastic bottle;
- tear off the leaves from the cutting, cut it off on both sides;
- put the bush in the recess, lightly sprinkle with soil and water well;
- cover the seedling with a prepared bottle and sprinkle it completely with soil;
- remove the cover to allow air access.
Recommendations for the care of grapes
To achieve abundant fruiting and normal development of the bush, it is worth providing the bush with comprehensive care.
Watering and feeding
This variety does not tolerate excess moisture well. Therefore, it is recommended to water the bush as the soil dries out. Excess or lack of water is harmful to the vine.
In the first year, it is recommended to water the vineyard up to 4 times. Pour 4 buckets of water under the bush. It is forbidden to moisten the soil before flowering and during blooming. This will cause the flowers to shed.
Do not moisten the soil under the plant even 2 weeks before harvesting. Wet soil will provoke cracking of the fruit and a decrease in their sugar content. With systematic overflow, rotting of the root system and damage to the branches with gray rot are observed.
Richelieu grapes need systematic fertilization. It is worth using preparations based on phosphorus and potassium every 3 years. For 1 square meter, 50-60 grams of funds are used. In the spring, it is recommended to introduce nitrogen agents - 3-4 grams per 1 square meter.
Soil care
After each watering, to preserve soil moisture and better penetration of air and nutrients to the roots, it is worth loosing the top layer of the soil. Manipulation helps prevent the development of new grass.
In addition to loosening, the soil must be mulched. For this it is worth using humus. The layer thickness should be 10 centimeters. Mulch helps keep the soil warm and moist.
Support
To achieve rapid ripening of fruits, it is recommended to arrange the clusters low enough. Wooden supports will help prevent damage to the shoots. The plant will be able to receive the maximum amount of sunlight and ventilate the bushes.
Tying shoots
It is recommended to tie up shoots. Thanks to this, it will be possible to protect them from being hit by the wind. In addition, the procedure contributes to the uniform placement and fixing of the branches in the desired position. As the shoots develop, they are tied to a vertical trellis. The vine should reach 40-50 centimeters.
Pruning
It is recommended to form a bush systematically. This ensures a thickening of the vine and increases the activity of development and ripening of fruits. They become larger and more juicy. During pruning, it is recommended to leave a maximum of 40 eyes on 1 bush. In this case, 8-10 are cut off.
Cold protection
The bush is characterized by an average resistance to frost. The plant is able to withstand temperature drops down to -22-23 degrees. Therefore, the bushes should definitely be covered for the winter.
Plant diseases and pests
For grapes of this variety, medium resistance to fungal infections is characteristic. Most often, he suffers from gray rot. In this case, foliage and wood are susceptible to disease. The provoking factors of pathology are prolonged rains and excessive watering.
It is also worthwhile to carry out prevention of other pathologies - powdery mildew, mildew, anthracnose, bacteriosis, necrosis.
To prevent dangerous diseases, grapes are sprayed twice - before flowering and at the time of development of berries.
Collection and storage of the variety
Richelieu fruits ripen in 115-120 days from the start of the growing season. In this case, do not focus on the dark shade of the fruit. Full ripeness occurs closer to the beginning of autumn. To collect ripe fruits, it is recommended to focus on taste, and not on color.
The fruits of this variety are versatile in use. They can be used fresh or used for preparations - jam, jelly, marmalade. If the berries are fully ripe, they will make a delicious wine.
The fruits are characterized by dense flesh, therefore they easily tolerate transportation and are stored for a long time. In a cool place, the bunches can lie for 2-3 months.
Richelieu grapes are highly productive and produce tasty fruits. The berries of this variety are characterized by a universal purpose. To reap a bountiful harvest, it is worth providing the bush with careful care.
