Venus grapes: variety description and characteristics, planting and cultivation

Seedless grapes are bred by breeders all over the world. A group of varieties is valued for the lack of seeds in the fruit. Consider the description and the most important characteristics of Venus grapes, the advantages and disadvantages of the variety. How to prepare and plant a seedling, take care of it and an adult bush, how to protect against diseases, to prevent them. When and how to harvest and store it.

Origin story

Branded in the USA, at the University of Arkansas. Parent forms - Alden x NY-46000. As a result of crossing, a seedless hybrid was obtained, which was named Venus.

Description and characteristics of Venus grapes

The variety belongs to early ripening. The bushes are vigorous, the ripening of the vine is good, the flowers are bisexual. The variety is well pollinated on its own, so being next to other varieties is not necessary. Venus has cylindrical-conical clusters, medium density or loose. Weight - 200-500 g. The fruits are round, 2-3 g each, dark blue. In warm climates ripen in the 1st half of August. The pulp is juicy, slightly slimy, sweet, with a currant flavor. The skin is thin, no seeds. Fruit transportability is low.

The variety is resistant to cold, the bush can withstand up to -26 ° C, it can be grown in a non-covering form on trellises and arbors.

Rules for growing a bush

In order for Venus grapes to grow and develop well, and then give an excellent harvest, you need to choose a suitable place for it and plant a seedling correctly.

Choosing a seat

Venus grapes prefer sunny areas, but protected from strong winds. Can be planted next to buildings or fences, but at some distance from them. The selected site needs to be prepared: dig, level the ground, dig holes for seedlings.

Preparing for landing

It is preferable to plant one- or two-year-old seedlings. These are the ones sold in stores. At a young age, they take root better. Before planting, you need to carry out a simple preparation: cut off the tips of the roots that have dried up and lower the roots into a solution of a root formation stimulator. Leave for 0.5-1 day. Stimulation allows the seedling to take root faster.

Plant pattern

If you need to plant more than one bush, but several, then they are placed at a distance of 2.5-3 m. Such an area is necessary so that the plants are provided with good nutrition and moisture.

How to plant: dig holes 0.5-0.7 m wide and deep. Pour drainage at the bottom, top with a layer of humus and ash, mix with plain soil. The earth is necessary so that the roots of the bushes do not come into contact with fertilizer, which can burn them. Lower the root system into the hole, deepen the neck, sprinkle with soil. Compact it a little, water the plant. When the water settles, mulch the circle with vegetable mulch.

Mulch will help retain soil moisture longer, reduce the amount of watering, loosening and weeding. Weeds do not grow under a dense layer, the soil does not compact, it remains moist.

Recommendations for plant care

Caring for Venus grapes is easy for both experienced growers and beginners. All work is standard: watering, fertilizing, loosening the soil, pruning, shelter for wintering.

Water variety

Like any plant, Venus grapes need to be watered. While the seedlings are taking root, they are often watered - at least 2 times a week. After the formation of roots, you can water 1 time per month. Mature bushes can already produce water themselves, but in extreme heat they need additional watering. For each plant pour 3-5 buckets of water. In dry autumn, you need to carry out moisture-charging watering.

Feeding

Venus grapes are fertilized 3 times a year. Bushes are fed in the spring, as soon as the growing season begins, before flowering and after fruit set. Both organic and synthetic fertilizers are used. Under each bush, 1-2 buckets of humus, 1-2 kg of ash are added. In the 2nd and 3rd feeding, the content of phosphorus and potash fertilizers is increased.

Preparing plants for winter

Despite the frost resistance, the roots of the grapes need to be insulated for the winter. To do this, cover the soil under the bushes with a thick layer of mulch. You can use straw, hay and fallen leaves. Under them, the roots breathe, oxygen enters them. Shoots do not need to be covered, they ripen well and are not affected by frost.

Protection from diseases and pests

Venus has high disease resistance. It is not affected by mildew, gray mold and oidium. But for the prevention of plants, it is worth spraying with solutions of fungicides before signs of illness appear. When a fungal infection appears, you need to process it again, but take the drugs at a therapeutic dose. In the period after the setting of berries, it is necessary to use biological products that are less toxic than chemical ones, since the fruits ripen early, and toxic substances may remain in the plant by the time they are harvested.

Harvest and storage of crops

Venus grapes are early, you can collect bunches in early August. At this time, the fruits gain sweetness and become juicy. Berries are suitable fresh for consumption, sale, processing. From them you can cook canned food, preparations, make juice and dry sultanas. As a raw material for sultanas, grapes of this variety are recognized as one of the best.

Like many early varieties, Venus has a short shelf life, so it needs to be either processed or sold. Ripe and undamaged brushes can be left for storage. Store in crates in the basement or in a cool, dry area. To extend the shelf life, the bunches need to be shifted with a layer of paper.

Venus is a seedless variety of American origin, but well adapted to the Russian climate. It can not be covered for the winter. The fruits ripen early, already in August they are ready for use. For this, the variety is valued by gardeners who grow grapes for sale.

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