Grapes Zest: characteristics and description of the variety, planting and care

Grapes "Highlight" is recommended for cultivation in the southern regions, but with the desire and proper care, you can achieve excellent yield indicators in the middle zone of the country. Variety "Zest" is famous for the rapid growth of vines and delicious berries, but it is not as early as other varieties. A large number of crops can be harvested only a few years after planting.

Variety Characteristics

Grape "Zest" belongs to the table varieties, it was bred on the territory of Ukraine at the institute under the name "Magarach". He appeared by crossing varieties of Chaush and Cardinal. The name of the hybrid was given for a reason, the whole point is that if the berries are not picked in time they will not deteriorate, but will turn into raisins. “The highlight belongs to the early ripening varieties, the berries ripen after 95-120 days from the moment the buds open. The cultivar is intended for cultivation in the southern regions of the Russian Federation and Ukraine, as well as in Moldova and Belarus. Under adverse climatic conditions, Zest can be grown in shelter.

The vine is characterized by a high growth rate; under favorable conditions, it ripens perfectly. The leaves are large in size, painted emerald green. Flowers are of a female type, therefore grapes with male flowers are planted nearby as a pollinator. The pollinator variety must bloom at the same time as Zest.

The clusters are cone-shaped, slightly loose, of medium size, their weight usually ranges from 450 to 700 grams. The berries are elongated, large weighing 10-12 grams. The skin is dense, burgundy or pinkish barely noticeable when eating. The pulp is sweet, juicy, crunches when eaten. Grapes can be eaten fresh, and also used for various types of preservation and for the manufacture of raisins. The first crop can be harvested only after 2-3 years after planting, it will be small only 2-3 kilograms. However, every year these indicators will increase, and after a few years will reach 8 kg from one plant. Sugar content in fruits varies from 16-18%, acidity is quite low.

Thanks to the dense skin of the berries, the clusters are transportable. Subject to storage conditions, the berries retain their attractive appearance and taste for a long time after picking from the bush.

Positive and negative qualities of the variety

Based on the characteristics of the grape "Highlight" has not only a huge number of positive qualities, but also some disadvantages. But which variety is lacking?

Advantages:

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• high productivity;
• excellent taste;
• universal application;
• attractive presentation;
• early ripening;
• the possibility of transportation and storage;

Disadvantages:

• plants begin to bear fruit only after a few years;
• even in warm regions shelter for the winter is necessary;
• so that the plants are not sick and bring a decent harvest, they need constant care;

Diseases and Pests

Plants have weak immunity, they are not resistant to fungal diseases.Therefore, several times during the season it is necessary to carry out preventive spraying with Bordeaux fluid. From damage by oidium, an aqueous solution of sulfur is used, gray rot is destroyed by soda solution. The same funds can be used for preventive purposes. Bacterial cancer at the initial stage is to be treated, the affected branches are removed, and the sections are treated with specialized agents. In advanced cases, plants are subject to uprooting and destruction. To maintain the health of grapes, it is necessary to regularly apply potash and phosphorus fertilizers.

Most often, grape bushes are attacked by spider webs and grape mites, to prevent their appearance, folk remedies or acaricides are used. If phylloxera is affected, it is recommended to remove the bushes, and treat the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate. You can’t plant anything at this place for several more years.

Growing Features

Planting seedlings is carried out in the spring, while the air temperature should stabilize. Poor soil is not suitable for the Zest variety, only bushes are planted in well-fertilized, fertile soil. A place for grapes must be chosen sunny otherwise the berries will not have time to ripen. The distance between the bushes should be at least 2-3 meters, otherwise the root system will not be able to develop correctly. A day before planting, it is recommended to moisten the roots of seedlings in a growth stimulator. After planting the sapling, a support is installed, to which the vine is tied as it grows.

Plant care consists in timely removal of weed grass and moderate watering 4-5 times per season, from 10 to 20 liters of settled water is enough for one watering, it is usually carried out in the evening. Do not forget about disease prevention. Due to the increased requirements of the variety to the composition of the soil, it is necessary to add phosphorus-potassium fertilizing 2-3 times a year, otherwise the leaves and berries will be smaller.

Also, special attention must be paid to pruning vines and stepsons. The vine is cut in the spring, leaving from 10 to 12 buds on one shoot. On one bush there should be no more than 40 eyes. The procedure is carried out using sterile garden tools, the places of cuts can be crushed with ash. Before the onset of cold weather, the vine is removed from the support, sanitary pruning is carried out, twisted and fixed to the ground. After the vine is sprinkled with soil and covered with a film. Some gardeners recommend that water-loading irrigation be carried out before winter.

Conclusion

The highlight is not an easy-to-go early ripening variety, but the quantity and quality of the grapes is worth it. The berries are very tasty, not subject to decay and damage, if the harvest is not done in time, the grapes under the influence of natural factors turn into raisins. If you follow the recommendations on the agricultural technology of the variety, all labor costs will pay off in full.

Reviews

Artyom

I liked the Zest variety for a long time, but still did not dare to plant it, because the first clusters are formed only a few years after planting. But three years ago, a colleague shared a seedling, and I had no other choice, I had to plant it, otherwise he would have disappeared. I have less whimsical varieties growing, I had to tinker with the “Highlight”, but it was worth it. This year, two brushes formed on the bush, the berries ripened already in mid-August, very tasty and healthy. Next year I hope for a richer harvest, because judging from the description, it should increase every year.

Antonina

"Zest" has been growing for me for quite some time, in general, the variety is not bad. And the berries are tasty and the yield is not bad, but caring for it is quite difficult. I fertilize with fertilizers several times a season, mulch the soil. In autumn and spring I spend trimming, and preventive spraying from diseases and pests.A neighbor grows the same grapes, but due to poor soil and improper care and smaller brushes and leaves are small, and she collects less crop.