Cultivation of kesha grapes. Grapes "Kesha": variety description, photos, reviews Kesha 2 grapes description

Domestic breeders contributed to the emergence of the Kesha grape variety. This culture is characterized by good endurance to the effects of both pathogenic microorganisms and the environment. Grapes give a good and large harvest, exceeding the volume of several kilograms from one vine. The berries have a pleasant taste and do not crumple during transportation.

This variety of grapes was created by Kuban breeders. This culture is a hybrid. The latter was obtained by crossing the Moldovan variety White Beauty and Rapture. Moreover, the latter was also bred at the Kuban Institute.

The name Kesha is used not only for this variety. There are several cultures with the same name that have similar features.

The variety has retained the features inherent in parental forms. In particular, grapes have gained the ability to withstand the effects of many diseases, and provide a high yield for each vine.

Description of the Kesha grape

There are two varieties of grapes of this variety: Kesha-1 (Talisman) and Kesha-2. The latter is also a hybrid. To get the second grade, they crossed the first culture and Radiant Kishmish.

The description of this variety says that grapes are among the early ripening crops. The berries are ready for making wine after about 140 days from the start of flowering. The fruits can be harvested towards the end of August.

A 5-meter vine grows from the shoots of this culture. The plant is self-pollinating. That is, there are flowers of both sexes on the vine.

Clusters are characterized by large size and lack of peas (plant growth is not accompanied by the formation of small berries). Each fruit has a dense and elastic texture. The total length of each bunch reaches 24 centimeters.

Brushes, as they grow, take the form of a cylinder or cone. In mature plants, the weight of the bunch reaches 1 kilogram. Due to such high rates, more than two brushes should not be allowed to appear on one shoot.

During the ripening period, green berries are formed on the vine, which, having reached technical ripeness, acquire a light yellow color. Fruits differ in uniform structure and sweet smack.

The skin of grapes is dense, but it is easily chewed while eating. Thanks to this shell, the bunches are not damaged during transportation. Therefore, Kesha grapes are often grown for sale.

The fruits of this culture are characterized by the following features:

sugar concentration is 20-25%;
the acid content is 4.8-8 grams per liter;
weight reaches 14 grams.

The shape of the berries is round, and inside the fruit there are no more than three seeds.

Species diversity

Kesha-1 is characterized by high (more than related forms) resistance to sub-zero temperatures. At the same time, if grapes are grown in the Middle Strip of the country, the vine is recommended to be planted inside greenhouses.

The talisman is distinguished by good immunity to most varieties of pathogenic fungi. Pathogenic microorganisms that are dangerous for the variety include mildew and gray rot. An important feature of the Talisman is that only female flowers are present on the vine. Therefore, together with Kesha-1, it is recommended to plant other varieties on the site that can pollinate the plant.

The talisman is growing rapidly, so it requires constant pruning. It takes up to 135 days for grapes to ripen. The total weight of a bunch on an adult plant reaches 1 kilogram. Brushes, as they grow, acquire a conical or loose shape. Ripe berries are light red in color.

Kesha-2 (Kesha Muscat, Tamerlane, Zlatogor) gives a harvest 130 days after the appearance of the first flowers. The berries of this hybrid are distinguished by the following characteristics:

dimensions - 30 * 35 millimeters;
weight - 16 grams;
sugar level - 23%;
acidity - 8 grams per liter.

This hybrid is self-pollinating. The brushes of the plant are able to hang on the vine for several weeks without losing their original characteristics.

What are the benefits?

Grapes have many benefits, including the following:

relatively low maintenance requirements;
regular appearance of fruits;
uniform ripening of berries;
fast acclimatization to a new region of growth;
pleasant taste;
good presentation;
long shelf life;
good immunity to fungi.

Among the shortcomings of the variety is the average resistance to diseases characteristic of most varieties of grapes. This hybrid does not tolerate frost well, provided that the vine was left open for the winter. In addition, due to the rapid growth, the plant must be pruned in a timely manner. The remaining shoots and stepchildren form a crown for several months, which interferes with the ripening of fruits.

Main characteristics

Grapes withstand, on average, frosts down to -23 degrees. Therefore, the culture is planted in Central Russia, subject to the provision of proper shelter. Berries are able to lie in the refrigerator for a long time, retaining their original properties.

The Kesha variety is used for cultivation on an industrial scale. The popularity of grapes is due to the high transportability and good presentation of berries.

Plant cuttings take root quickly. With proper care, the vine begins to produce a crop 2 years after planting. Despite the fact that grapes can withstand the effects of fungal microorganisms, the plant requires regular treatment with Brodsky liquid and fungicides, which will protect the culture from the harmful effects of bacteria and oidium.

Variety Kesha is one of the perennials. Subject to the rules of cultivation, the vine yields more than 10 years.

Variety maturity dates

Grapes of the Kesha variety give a harvest 125-135 days after the appearance of the first flowers. Harvest begins to be harvested in mid or late August. Clusters can hang on the vine until September without losing their presentation and taste.

Landing features

The vine of the Kesha variety is recommended to be grown in black soil, since the plant has high requirements for the composition of the soil. The culture has a long root, which must be considered when choosing a growing site. If groundwater is close to the surface of the earth, it is recommended to dig a hole in another part of the site.

Planting of grapes is carried out under the condition that the ambient temperature exceeds +15 degrees, the soil - +10 degrees. For Central Russia, early spring is considered a suitable period for growing seedlings, for the south of the country - spring and autumn.

The distance between plants should exceed 1.5 meters. This interval should be taken into account when determining the places where grapes grow.

The plant is planted in soil mixed with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers and humus. At the bottom of the pit, a drainage layer is necessarily formed, which will prevent fluid stagnation and the development of diseases of the root system.

After falling asleep with soil, the neck of the seedling should remain above the ground at a level of 5 centimeters. Upon completion of planting, the aerial part of the cutting is cut into 2 buds. At the same time, it is recommended to install a support that will ensure the formation of a bush of the correct shape. After completing all the manipulations, the seedling must be watered with three buckets of water.

Near the grapes, a drainage system should be formed that will remove excess moisture.

Care and cultivation

In the first year after planting, the grapes require constant watering and 2-3-fold treatment of the vine with fungicides. Later, during the season, it is necessary to remove excess shoots, thereby giving the bush the correct shape.

Twice a year, the vine requires abundant watering (13-14 liters of water): the first time - before the buds swell, the second time - after the grapes have faded. For normal crop growth, it is enough to apply phosphorus-potassium fertilizers once.

During the season, it is necessary to regularly mulch the soil using manure. Dried stems and defective branches should be removed, otherwise the rate of plant development will decrease. Pruning is carried out in early spring or autumn.

All branches, including those fixed on a support, must be removed and laid to the ground before the onset of frost. For reliable fixation, it is recommended to use a wire. After that, the vine should be covered with foliage or dry branches, and a plastic wrap should be laid on top.

To speed up fruiting, a stiff cutting is used, which is kept for 30 seconds in a 1-3% solution of copper sulfate, and then grafted onto the plant.

About diseases and pests

The Kesha variety is susceptible to the following pests:

Powdery mildew. This fungus infects the leaves. Powdery mildew is characterized by rapid development and appears as a yellowish coating on greenery. To combat this pest, fungicides and a solution of iron sulfate are used.
Gray rot. Infection occurs due to high humidity. Gray rot causes the formation of brown spots on the surface of the leaves. In case of infection, the affected parts are removed.
Ticks. Provoke the appearance of brown, light or yellow spots on the surface of the leaves. Tick-borne infection is dangerous for humans.

Grapes of the Kesha variety are rarely affected by these pests. If signs of infection appear, the plant must be treated immediately.

It is very difficult to meet a person who would be indifferent to grapes.

Even the inhabitants of the South, seemingly spoiled by the immense abundance of varieties of these delicious berries, are still not indifferent to them.

But, even in spite of all the spoiled southerners, both they and residents of other climatic regions highly appreciate such a grape variety as Kesha.

It is about this early table grape variety that will be discussed below.

Our goal is not to praise the Kesha variety, but to tell in detail about both its main advantages and disadvantages, devoting readers to the details of planting and caring for it.

Grapes "Kesha" - get acquainted with the characteristics of the variety

This variety is very often confused with its follower - the Kesha-1 variety. However, the second grade was bred a little later and, unlike "Kesha", the ripening time of its berries is later, although the growth force of the bush and clusters is slightly and more precisely in "Keshy-1". Also, the second grade is more resistant to frost and diseases.

The advantage of the Kesha variety is the richer taste of the berries and the ability to self-pollinate.

It is important to note that the Kesha-1 variety has a couple more names - FV-6-6, Talisman and Super Kesha. There is also a variety called "Kesha-2", also known as the grapes "Tamerlane", "Zlatogor" and "Kesha Muscat".

"Kesha-2" is the result of breeding varieties "Kesha-1" and "Kishmish Radiant", due to which this variety ripens quickly and has large clusters of amber-colored berries; its taste qualities have a pleasant nutmeg shade. The variety "Kesha", which we will discuss in detail below, was produced by Russian breeders, which was used for this variety. "Froumoas Alba" and "Rapture".

It is worth noting that very often it is the Kesha grape variety that is also referred to as FV-6-5 or Delight Improved.

Clusters of grapes "Kesha" - an extraordinary creation of nature

The bunches of grapes of this variety, although it does not have a very neat shape, look very attractive and appetizing. In particular, they are very large, reaching weighing 1.2 kilograms, although the usual weight of a bunch is about 1 kilogram. With a plentiful harvest, the weight of the bunches can be reduced to 0.6 kilograms.

The shape of the clusters is usually conical or conical-cylindrical. The berries are very densely packed, but not structured, which often gives the clusters a shapeless appearance. The comb, that is, the stem of the bunch, in the Kesha variety is usually very long and attaches it very well to the shoot of the vine. It is important to note that almost all shoots of this variety are fruitful, and two clusters of very large sizes can form on one shoot.

Berries on bunches are also formed very large, on average, their dimensions are in the range of 32x25 millimeters. The average weight of these berries is approximately 10-12 to 12-15 grams.. The shape of the berries is oval, very attractive. The skin color is creamy white. The berries are distinguished by dense pulp, light transparent color, reminiscent of a dragee.

The berry also contains seeds, the number of which is only 1-3, which is very much appreciated by lovers of fresh grapes. The taste of berries is very pleasant, rich, harmonious. The taste of Kesha grapes was estimated by tasters at 8 points. There is a very high content of sugar in the chemical composition of berries. So, with acidity indicators of only 5-8 g / l, sugar content indicators are 19-24%.

Grapes "Kesha" refers to table grape varieties. Most often grown for sale and fresh consumption. It looks very attractive when serving with it at the table. Due to the high content of sugars in its composition, it is used to make white wine.

Characteristics of the yield of the grape variety "Kesha"

It is unlikely that this variety would be highly valued if it did not bear fruit well. Thanks to vigorous bushes with a powerful root system and flowers of both sexes, grapes are able to independently pollinate and delight with very plentiful harvests. In particular, yields are formed on 80% of all shoots of a bush, and the maximum load with eyes of an adult bush is at least 35-40. It is noted that the number of clusters that can form on one sleeve of a bush corresponds to the age of the bush itself.

The first harvests of the grape bush of the Kesha variety begin to please only at the age of 4-5 years. However, when using a grafting variety on an old trunk as a form of propagation, it is possible to achieve a much faster entry of the bush into the fruiting period. The variety bears fruit regularly, but requires care and top dressing.

Grapes ripen early or mid-early. The vegetative processes of the grape bush take place over 122-130 days.

The main advantages and distinctive features of the Kesha variety
Early ripening of grapes.
High yields and large sizes of clusters and berries, which have a very pleasant and rich taste. Variety "Kesha" is considered one of the elite grape varieties.
High suitability of grapes for transportation.
Rapid and productive maturation of shoots capable of bearing fruit in 1-2 clusters.
There is a very good suitability of cuttings for rooting.
High resistance of the variety to low temperatures - can easily tolerate up to -23ºС.
High resistance of grapes "Kesha" to mildya.

Disadvantages of the "Kesha" variety and ways to increase productivity
With an abundant harvest, clusters can form much smaller than usual.
This variety is best grafted onto perennial wood of old vines. This is how you can achieve rapid and efficient growth of the grape bush.
Despite the fact that in general the variety is able to respond well to fertilizers, it should not be fed with urea (i.e. nitrogen).

Rules for planting grape varieties "Kesha" - what you need to know?

This variety has its own preferences and planting requirements, without which it is difficult to grow a good grape bush. First of all, this concerns the soil on which you are going to grow grapes. It should be as fertile as possible, better fit black soil. It is important to take into account that it is not excessively waterlogged and groundwater lies at a depth of at least 1.5 meters.

After all, the grape bush of this variety has a very branched and large root system, which can easily get water from the depths, but in case of excessive moisture it can rot, the quality of the fruit will decrease.

It is important to choose the right landing site. It is better to plant it near the buildings, on their southern side. This way, the grapes will get a lot of sunlight and it will be much easier for you to build a support for their weaving. Also, the wall of the building will protect it from the wind. Grapes can be freely planted only in the Southern regions.

We select the right time for planting grapes "Kesha"

Grapes can be planted in spring and autumn. Everything will depend on what type of landing you choose and in what climatic region you live. You can plant grapes with the help of seedlings, and the method of grafting on the stem of a grape bush. It is best to plant seedlings in spring, after the air temperature rises to 15 degrees, and the soil temperature is not lower than 10ºС (the same temperature conditions should be taken into account during autumn planting).

Grafting of grapes by cuttings can be carried out throughout almost the entire vegetative period. After all, you can graft both a “black” cutting to a “black” trunk, and “green” to a “black”, and use both a green cutting and a green rootstock.

Instructions for the correct planting of the Kesha grape seedling

A pit for a grape seedling must be prepared in advance. If planting is planned to be carried out in the spring, it can be dug up in the fall, for prematurely filling the bottom of the pit with a mixture of fertile soil and stubborn humus (thus, you need to make a small mound at its bottom).
The distance between the pits should be at least 1 meter. At the same time, you need to retreat from the wall of the building by 40 centimeters. If seedlings are planted freely, then it is better to increase the distance between them to 1.5 meters.
It is necessary to plant a seedling carefully, because at a young age its roots are very fragile. It is necessary to lower the seedling into the pit to such a depth that the grafting site and its root neck remain above the soil surface.
To fill the pit, the soil can be mixed with mineral fertilizers, but in no case is it recommended to use nitrogen, since it can have a detrimental effect on the root system of the grape bush.
After pouring the hole, the seedling should be watered abundantly so that the soil is better compacted (you need to use at least 30 liters of water, but taking into account soil moisture).
The seedling must be tied to a support driven into the soil near it.
If planting is carried out in the fall, then before the onset of winter, it is necessary to insulate the seedling. To do this, you can use a tub without a bottom: place it around the seedling and fill it with soil.

Grafting grapes "Kesha" with a cutting on an old stock

In the event that you decide to replace the old grape variety with Kesha on your site, it is better not to uproot the old bush, but to plant cuttings of a new variety on its bole. Thanks to this, a new grape bush will grow much faster and will begin to bear fruit faster. For this you need:

Prepare the cuttings in advance, cut them with a wedge and hold them before planting in an ox. To accelerate the formation of roots, before planting, the cut part of the cutting can be placed in a solution of a special preparation called "Humate" (no more than 10 drops of the preparation per 1 liter of water should be used for the solution).
Also, when grafting for the winter, it is recommended to wax the stalk. To do this, paraffin is dissolved in water, and after it boils and floats to the surface, the cutting is dipped into it for a few seconds and immediately lowered into cold water to cool.
The stem of the bush is also carefully prepared. First, you need to cut off the old bush and wipe all the splinters at the cut point - the surface of the bole should be perfectly smooth. Secondly, the trunk must be very carefully split with a small ax and a hammer. The split should be such that only the stalk can fit into it. A severe split can irreparably damage the trunk.
If the bole is large, then more than one cutting can be grafted onto it.
We visit the “Kesha” grape stalk into a split and tightly tighten it with cloth and twine (it is better to use those materials that will decompose over time).
During autumn grafting, to preserve moisture in the rootstock, it is smeared with clay and also covered with soil, like a seedling.
Also, be sure to dig in the support.

Caring for Kesha grapes - how to achieve a good harvest?

This grape variety requires, though not much care, but constant attention to its condition. Below we will describe in order all the features of watering, fertilizing, caring for the grape bush and soil, which can help you grow good and tasty grapes.

Proper watering is the key to tasty and sweet grapes

This variety does not need abundant watering. With moderate rainfall, you need to water the grape bush in the spring, before flowering, and after the bush re-blooms (tentatively - May, June). But still, during droughts, watering should be increased, since a lack of moisture can greatly affect the size of clusters and berries.

On the other hand, the presence of a large amount of moisture, on the contrary, can cause the formation of very tasteless berries. In this case, you can dig a drainage system near the vines, into which excess water will flow.

Retain soil moisture with mulching

Soil mulching is very good for grapes. Indeed, thanks to this, it is very easy not only to maintain the required level of moisture in the soil for a long period of time, but also to feed the grape bush. Also, mulch laid out for the winter helps to preserve the soil from freezing.

To do this, you need to use stubborn humus, which is laid out over the entire diameter of the stem of the grape bush at a distance of up to one meter from the stem. Wherein the layer of mulch should be at least 3 centimeters.

Sheltering grapes for the winter

Before the onset of cold weather, it is very important to carefully cover the grapes. After all, at a young age, he is very vulnerable to frost. This is especially true for seedlings and freshly grafted cuttings. Therefore, in addition to covering the stem of the bush with soil, you can cover it with hay or straw, applying them with something heavier. In addition, sheltering a bole can protect bark from sunburn during the absence of leaves on the vine.

Proper pruning of Kesha grapes - all you need to know

During the growth of a grape bush, it is very important to monitor and control its shape. To do this, its most important branches are stretched to the sides so that the space between them can be freely filled with fruit-bearing shoots. With the onset of fruiting, the shoots should be regularly shortened and cut off withered and damaged.

Pruning is recommended either in the fall, after the bush has gone dormant, or in the spring, even before the start of sap flow. It is very important to regulate the number of shoots with the help of pruning, because their excessive or vice versa, the missing number can cause a poor harvest.

Also, the formation of clusters is also regulated and, if necessary, thinned out. Optimally, one bunch should be left on one branch. With lack of moisture and droughts. You can also cut off part of the bunch itself, otherwise the berries on it will form very small, like peas.

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Kesha grapes are among the early or mid-early varieties. The berries ripen by the beginning of August, and the ripening period is about one hundred days (may differ depending on the climate in the place of cultivation).

History of occurrence

This subspecies was bred in Russia, and Rapture and Frumoasa Alba are the parent species. In honor of the first of the parent varieties, Kesha is also sometimes called Delight improved.

Varieties and description of the variety Kesha

The Kesha grape variety includes several names of different species derived from it through breeding. They were not obtained by crossing, in the way of improving Kesha, therefore they bear his name.

Kesha (ordinary) is a table grape, medium early ripening

The clusters of this plant have a conical or conical-cylindrical shape.
This subspecies has a pleasant sweet taste with a slight hint of nutmeg. This subspecies of grapes (and all its followers) are among the elite and are very fond of growers for their taste and excellent characteristics.
The weight of berries is 10-15 grams on average, and in some cases - up to 20 grams. Their color is pleasant, amber. This is a white grape variety.

Kesha First

Kesha - 1 (or otherwise Talisman, Superkesha) is a table type, it is resistant to frost and has an early-medium ripening period (the ripening period is approximately 127-135 days), which differs from the usual one, the ripening period of which is slightly shorter .

The berries of this grape are very large, round-oval.
The average weight of berries is 12-16 grams, and some individual ones can reach 20-25 grams.
The weight of the entire brush of a plant of this species can reach up to one and a half kilograms.
The taste of Keshi-1 is rich, sweet, with a taste of nutmeg when ripe.
The berries usually contain from one to three seeds.
The frost resistance of this plant is quite high, up to -25 degrees.
Also, this brand is resistant to mildew and gray rot.

Kesha II

Kesha-2 (or in other words Zlatogor. Tamerlane, Kesha nutmeg) is also a table type, bred by breeding Keshi-1 and Radiant Kishmish.
Unlike Keshi-1, the berries of this variety have a more pronounced nutmeg flavor.
They are also resistant to frost and various fungal diseases (mildew and gray mold).
The Keshi-2 berry is sweet and fleshy, round, slightly oval in shape, ripens quickly (the ripening period is 110-115 days) and is not too demanding in care.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Winegrowers fell in love with Kesha varieties. No wonder they are classified as elite grape species. The presented plant is a table variety, therefore, in most cases it is used for consumption in its pure form. The table served with this delicacy looks very beautiful. Kesha is also used for the production of white wine, because, thanks to its nutmeg flavor, it is also great for these purposes.

Benefits of Kesha grapes:

grapes of these varieties ripen quickly, because all of them belong to early or mid-early types of grapes;
the berries of this grape are highly transportable and unpretentious in storage;
grapes of this variety are distinguished by a large number of fruitful shoots;
this grape is resistant to mildew and other fungal diseases;
Kesha begins to bear fruit early and is distinguished by a large acceleration in the growth of cuttings;
berries of the Kesha variety have a harmonious and rich taste, for which they fell in love with the townsfolk.

The disadvantage of this grape brand is the possible shrinking of the berries when removing a large number of grape brushes.

Kesha grapes: planting and care features

Like all other grape varieties. Kesha (and its types) has its own characteristics. Below will be a description and description of the proper care and planting of this species.

It is important to correctly carry out the process of planting a certain grape so that it takes root well and begins to produce a rich harvest in the shortest possible time.

How to plant the Kesha grape variety

It is necessary to choose the right place for landing. Planting Kesha grapes is carried out according to strict guidelines.
The place for planting such grapes should be well lit so that the shadow does not fall on the bunches, and the sun can penetrate well into the planting site.
It is worth choosing a light and fertile soil. The ground inside where the grape root is. And the outside should be moderately damp.
Be sure to get rid of all weeds around the place where Keshi is planned to be planted (as well as Talisman and other varieties).

The vineyard is planted with varietal cuttings, which are planted in May.

The cuttings grow rapidly and by September the first shoots appear on them, and a year later the grower can expect the first inflorescences.
Planting material should be carried out in the spring, while the air temperature reaches no higher than 15 degrees.
It is better to prepare a pit for planting in the fall.
Fill the bottom of the landing pit by a third with a mixture of earth and good humus (it should be black).
It is important to correctly maintain the distance between the landing pits. It should be 1 - 1.5 meters.
Planted plants should be well watered. Prepare 25 liters of water for each seedling.
If you plan to plant two varieties (for example, Keshi-1 and Keshi-2), it is worth planting them together, because the grapes of these varieties do not self-pollinate and require pollination by another variety.

Grapes also have their own characteristics in the care. This variety is unpretentious, but here is a description of some of the features that care for it has:

Pruning shoots

Several times from early spring to late autumn, it is necessary to prune the shoots of Kesha grapes so that the crown is formed correctly and its shape does not interfere with the growth of the entire vine.

Abundant watering

The official description of the variety says that this type of grape requires abundant watering, but the peculiarity is that watering needs to be done only twice per season: after waking up from the winter season (or after planting) and after flowering. If the summer turned out to be hot, do not be afraid and feel free to water this variety a few more times. The amount of water is 10-15 liters per well.

Fertilizer

The Kesha grape variety must be fertilized with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. Nitrogen will not work.
Fertilizer of this grape variety is sufficient to produce once a year.
Cleaning the bush and removing some of the clusters.

It is necessary to replace infertile shoots with fruitful shoots. For this, long antennae that do not have buds are trimmed, if the antennae without a bud has grown again, trim again. This allows you to grow a juicy and productive bunch.

Diseases and pests

The Kesha grape variety is highly resistant to various deer and pests.

Its resistance to mildew and odium is rated at 2.5 points out of a possible 3.

In order to prevent the harmful effects of various pests, it is recommended to spray the bushes of this variety with special means.

Application and evaluation of the Kesha variety

Kesha grapes can be of several types (SuperKesh and Tamerlane). All these species have their own characteristics, but what unites them is high winter hardiness and resistance to grape diseases: fungal infections and pests.

All of these varieties are table varieties and in most cases are used directly for human consumption, but they also make good white wine. Especially in winemaking, the variety of the second stage of selection (or Kesha Muskatny, which says a lot) distinguished itself. Muscat notes of this grape variety delight the taste buds of gourmets from all over the world. The taste characteristics of the grapes of the presented species were rated by the tasters at eight points out of the maximum possible ten. This indicates that this variety is not without reason referred to as elite.

Kesha grapes will give a large harvest if they have the right care.

The Kesha grape is a table variety intended for cultivation in the middle zone of a temperate climate. This is an early ripe berry, unpretentious in care, with a fast pace of vegetation and good yields. Keshi berries are large and tasty. Below is a description of the Kesha grape.

History of variety breeding

In fact, the Kesha grape variety is a hybrid obtained at the All-Russian Research Institute of Viticulture as a result of crossing the Vostorg and Frumosa varieties. Its original scientific name is "Rapture Enhanced".

Description of grape varieties Kesha

Externally, the Keshi vine is practically no different from any other grape variety. Lignified shoots are light brown in color, young ones are light green. The length of the shoot itself (or creepers) in this variety reaches 20 m. But this is a record figure. Usually, in garden farms of the middle lane, short vines are used, no more than 3-4 m long.

The leaves are three- or five-lobed, up to 15 cm in diameter, located on petioles up to 7 cm long. The arrangement of the leaves is alternate. The tendrils of Kesha grapes are of medium length, up to 3 mm thick.

The flowers of the variety are bisexual (except for the base hybrid, in which they are exclusively female). The flowers themselves are small, greenish, collected in a paniculate inflorescence. Flowering occurs in early-mid May.

Brushes have a different shape, there is no single standard. But most often they are conical or shapeless, in rare cases - cylindrical. The weight of one bunch can reach up to 900 g.

The fruits are quite large. Their weight ranges from 9 to 14 g. At the same time, the dimensions are impressive - up to 33 by 29 mm. Color - yellow-green.

Photo of Kesha grapes:

The taste of the fruit is characteristic, sweet. The berries are quite dense and fleshy. The sugar content is moderate - an average of 22%, rarely reaching 25%.

According to the originator, Kesha grapes are able to tolerate frosts down to -22 ° C without any additional measures. Based on this, grapes are recommended for cultivation in areas belonging to 6-7 frost resistance zones without shelter.

Almost simultaneously with the main hybrid, several of its varieties were created. Consider a detailed description of these varieties of Kesha grapes:

Other names for this variety are Super Kesha, aka Talisman. The main differences from the original hybrid are in the weight of the grapes and the number of fruits on the brush. The mass of berries can reach up to 15 g, and brushes - about 1.1 kg.

Other names - Zlatogor, Muscat, Tamerlane. It is the result of hybridization of Keshi 1 and one of the varieties of Kishmish. It also differs in the mass of berries, the brush is even heavier than that of Kesha 1, its mass reaches 1.2 kg. The color changes to amber when ripe. The rest of the characteristics, including the ripening period, are identical to the original.

Red Kesha grapes

This Kesha grape variety is actually a variety of Kesha 1, but with pink fruits when ripe. There are no other differences.

Grape Kesha Radiant

A variety of Keshi 2, which has an even greater weight of the brush, reaching up to 2 kg. The color of the berries is darker than the original variety. There is a barely noticeable coating on the berries.

Description of the grape variety Kesha Talisman

There are no external differences between the vine and leaves from the original hybrid. Its berries are slightly larger, which leads to an increase in the weight of the clusters by about 100 g. In addition, the ripening period is a month later. The average fruiting period is about 135 days.

The color of the berries may vary, towards a more saturated yellow, however, it does not reach amber. Sometimes, according to gardeners, the skin of the Kesha 1 grape variety is observed to thicken the skin, but botanists attribute this to care features, not associating this with varietal differences.

Also Kesha 1 is more disease resistant. Other characteristics: taste, color, sugar content and others completely repeat the original.

Variety characteristics

In general, the variety has balanced characteristics and can be recommended for cultivation as a fairly unpretentious crop.

Drought resistance, frost resistance

The drought resistance of the Kesha variety corresponds to the average resistance of grapes, that is, interruptions in watering up to one month are allowed. This is due to the well-developed root system of the plant, which is able to get water from great depths.

Frost resistance may vary depending on the variety. The original Kesha tolerates frosts down to -22 ° C. Hybrid Kesha 1 - up to - 26 ° C. With shelters in the form of agrofiber and 20-30 cm of foliage, both hybrids are able to tolerate frosts down to - 35 ° C.

Yield and fruiting

Fruiting in the Kesha variety lasts about two weeks. This is an early ripe variety, the berries on it ripen on average 3.5 months after the start of the growing season.

Ripening time depends on the intensity of care:

from 95 to 110 days with intensive care and a sufficient number of sunny days;
100 to 105 days under normal growing conditions;
no more than 124 days is the maximum allowable period.

The length of grape shoots is from 3 to 1.5 m. On average, up to 1.6 brushes fall on one shoot. There can be up to a dozen shoots on one bush, so the yield from one bush is from 6.5 to 10 kg, which corresponds to an average yield of 3.5 kg per 1 sq. m.

These are average figures. In fact, the yield depends on the degree of branching of the bush, the number of shoots per linear meter of the trellis, the intensity of growth, illumination and top dressing. Each of these factors has its own degree of influence on the overall yield.

The influence of weather conditions, however, is not predominant. The hybrid was originally created for a temperate climate, and within this framework it is quite difficult to influence its yield.

The berries do not crack in the sun and do not crumble when they reach full ripeness. The brush and grapes are quite strong and not prone to deformation.

Scope of fruits

This is a table variety intended for fresh consumption. It can be stored for a relatively long time in the refrigerator (up to 1 week) and transported over long distances.

This variety is not used for making wine or raisins. Also, it is not used for preservation or juice preparation. This is explained by the lack of the necessary concentration of various substances contributing to the described procedures. Without them, neither wine nor juices will have the necessary "grape" taste.

A small number of seeds does not allow the use of Kesha grapes for making oil.

Disease and pest resistance

In fact, Kesha grapes are only resistant to certain types of mold. Other diseases inherent in grapes may not bypass it.

Advantages and disadvantages of varieties

Consider the positive and negative sides of the Kesha grape varieties.

Advantages:

excellent taste qualities;
relatively high yield;
ability to long storage;
sufficient frost resistance;
early maturation.

Flaws:

vulnerability to most diseases (except Keshi 1);
inability to use in home winemaking.

However, it is rather difficult to call the latter a drawback, since table varieties are a priori not intended for making wines.

Rules for planting grapes

The Kesha grape variety can be planted in two ways: either with a rootstock or with a seedling. The originator recommends using the first method to speed up the fruiting process, however, the grapes have a high vegetation rate, so this is not critical.

Landing can be carried out in the spring, when the air has warmed up to a temperature of at least + 15-20 ° C. Planting is also allowed in the fall, but the following conditions must be met:

it must be completed by the end of September;
for the winter, the seedling will have to be covered in any case, regardless of the severity of weather conditions.

Choosing the right place

Grapes love sunny places. The groundwater level should be no closer than 1.5-2 m from the surface. The root system of grapes can reach great depths, and excessive moisture can destroy the plant.

Important! In no case should Kesha grapes be planted in the shade. This is a southern culture with a long ripening period and an urgent need for sunlight.

Selection and preparation of planting material

Usually seedlings with a developed root system and 1-2 generative buds are selected. No prior preparation is required for Kesh grapes.

Landing algorithm

Planting is carried out in pre-prepared pits, which are pulled out six months before and filled with a third of humus or compost.

The depth of the pits is about 30-50 cm, and their diameter is 40-50 cm. The pits are located at a distance of at least 1.5 m from each other.

The seedling in the pit is placed so that its root neck is located 5 cm above the ground level.

A support is placed next to the seedling, to which it is immediately tied up. In the future, additional supports or trellises are arranged around this support.

The planted seedlings are covered with soil and watered with warm water in an amount of up to 30 liters for each bush.

Subsequent care of grapes

Irrigation of Kesha grapes is carried out up to 4-5 times per season. In this case, up to 50 liters of water are used, depending on the degree of growth of the bush. The conditional calculation formula is about 5 liters for each large shoot extending from the main branch.

Top dressing of Kesha grapes includes the following activities:

The first dressing is applied at the beginning (not covered grapes) or the end of May. These are nitrogenous fertilizers, both organic and mineral. In the first case, up to 10 kg of rotted manure under one bush, followed by watering, in the second - saltpeter or urea in the amount of 20 g per 1 sq. m.
A month after the first feeding, a second one is introduced - phosphoric. It can be, for example, nitrophoska in an amount of up to 50 g per sq. m.
A month later, potash fertilizers are applied. They are best applied foliarly by spraying the bottom row of leaves. Usually their doses depend on the manufacturer and are indicated on the packaging.

The rest of the care conditions are similar to the care of any other grape variety.

grape pruning

Consists of two types: sanitary and forming.

The first is used after the wintering of grapes, especially when it is sheltered in frosty regions. Its purpose is to remove diseased, dry and damaged branches that appear after wintering.

Forming consists in the correct formation of the vine, its placement on trellises or other supports in order to make the most efficient use of all available space. Usually, up to 5 layers are made from the main branches, thus, from actually 2-3 large shoots emerging from the root, up to 15 shoots on trellises.

Branching of the second order is quite rare, and the third order is not allowed in principle.

Crop protection from birds and insects

Large fruits of grapes attract birds, in particular, starlings. Various rattles and scarecrows do not have a sufficiently effective effect, therefore it is recommended to snatch trellises with grapes with a fine-meshed (no more than 20 by 20 mm) fabric or nylon mesh.

The main pest of grapes is the small insect phylloxera. Although she does not feed on fruits, she causes maximum damage to the plant, destroying its roots. Usually grapes are treated prophylactically against phylloxera with insecticides and insect repellents. This protection is enough to drive away other uninvited arthropod guests.

Preparing the crop for winter

In a warm climate (6-7 frost-resistance zones), preparation for winter is not required. If during winter the temperature drops below -22 ° C, it is necessary to remove the grape vine from the trellis and cover it with agrofiber or polyethylene, followed by topping up the foliage layer up to 30 cm.

Methods for propagating grapes

Reproduction is carried out by all available methods. You can also get individual seedlings using cuttings and layering.

Attention! In fact, it makes little difference how to propagate Kesha grapes, given its high growth rate and incredible survival rate.

The originator is recommended to use Keshi's cuttings as a stock for any old, but still strong grape bush. In fact, this will save 1-2 years in cultivation, however, some mature seedlings give a similar result.

Diseases and pests, methods of control and prevention

Disease and pest control measures are standard for grapes. The main methods are preventive, consisting in regular tillage and mulching.

At different stages, to prevent fungal diseases, vine bushes are sprayed with fungicides, in particular, Bordeaux mixture.

The main pests (the same phylloxera) may require the use of insecticides, sometimes quite powerful, for example, Aktelik.

Conclusion

The Kesha grape is a crop well established for growing in temperate climates with mild winters and plenty of sunshine. Its agricultural technique is quite simple and does not require any significant time or material costs. We can recommend this variety as an "introduction" to viticulture for beginner gardeners.