Richelieu grapes: variety description and characteristics, planting and care rules

Richelieu grapes are popular with many farmers. This is a promising culture, which is distinguished by an early period of maturation. Grapes are characterized by high yield parameters. It is characterized by excellent taste and good marketability. To achieve success in growing a crop, it is recommended to water it, feed it, cut it on time. Preparing for winter and protecting against pests is also important.

Description and characteristics of Richelieu grapes

This is a hybrid crop that is characterized by a medium early ripening period. The berries are distinguished by dense pulp, therefore they tolerate transportation well and have a long storage period.

The key feature is the high survival rate of cuttings. The plant is characterized by active development and excellent yield. The culture is resistant to frost and can tolerate temperatures as low as -23 degrees.

The 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 characterized by a tendency to pea.

Large rounded leaves are distinguished by a rich green tint. They are characterized by a red peduncle. The vine has a light brown color and grows up to 3 meters in height. Its thickness is 5 centimeters.

Fruits are large and rounded. Each berry weighs 10 grams. The skin is dark blue in color. Inside is a juicy fleshy pulp.

Grapes have a sweet taste.

The main pros and cons of the variety

The main benefits of grapes include the following:

• large sizes of bunches and fruits;
• sweet taste;
• universal application;
• high yield;
• active development of cuttings;
• good drought tolerance;
• no tendency to pea;
• high disease resistance.

At the same time, culture also has certain disadvantages:

• dependence of yield on proper care;
• need for winter shelter;
• risk of insect attacks.

How to grow crops

For successful cultivation of a crop, it is necessary to carry out planting work correctly.

When is the best time to plant

It is recommended to plant grapes of this variety in August. This should be done before the cold weather arrives.

Where to plant on the plot

This variety loves well-warmed soil. It is best to place the bushes on the southwestern side of the site. Do not plant the plant in places with high groundwater. A young bush needs light and breathable soil. It should be low to neutral in acidity.

Ground landing

To carry out landing work, it is worth doing the following:

• 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 a plastic bottle;
• tear off the leaves from the handle, cut it off on both sides;
• put the bush in a recess, lightly sprinkle with soil and water well;
• cover the seedling with a prepared bottle and completely sprinkle with soil;
• remove lid to allow air to enter.

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.

Water and fertilize

This variety does not tolerate excess moisture. Therefore, it is recommended to water the bush as the soil dries out. Excess or lack of water harms the vine.

In the first year, the vineyard is recommended to be watered up to 4 times. Under the bush it is worth pouring 4 buckets of water. It is forbidden to moisten the soil before flowering and during blooming. This will cause the flowers to fall off.

Do not moisten the soil under the plant and 2 weeks before harvesting. Wet soil will provoke cracking of fruits 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. Every 3 years it is worth using preparations based on phosphorus and potassium. For 1 square meter, 50-60 grams of funds are used. In the spring, it is recommended to apply nitrogen products - 3-4 grams per 1 square meter.

Soil care

After each watering, to maintain soil moisture and better access of air and nutrients to the roots, it is worth loosening the top layer of soil. Manipulation helps prevent new grass from growing.

In addition to loosening, soil mulching is mandatory. To do this, you should use humus. The layer thickness should be 10 centimeters. Mulch helps keep the ground warm and moist.

Support

To achieve rapid fruit ripening, it is recommended to place the clusters low enough. Wooden supports will help avoid damage to the shoots. The plant will be able to get the maximum amount of sunlight and ventilate the bushes.

Tie up shoots

It is recommended to tie shoots. Thanks to this, it will be possible to protect them from wind damage. 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.

Cutting

It is recommended to form a bush systematically. This provides a thickening of the vine and increases the activity of development and ripening of the fruit. They become bigger and juicier. During pruning on 1 bush, it is recommended to leave a maximum of 40 eyes. At the same time, 8-10 are cut.

Protection from the cold

The bush is characterized by an average resistance to frost. The plant is able to withstand temperatures down to -22-23 degrees. Therefore, the bushes should definitely be covered for the winter.

Diseases and plant pests

This grape variety is characterized by medium resistance to fungal infections. Most often, he suffers from gray rot. In this case, foliage and wood are susceptible to the disease. Provoking factors of pathology are prolonged rains and excessive watering.

It is also worth carrying out the 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 berry development.

Collecting and storing variety harvest

Richelieu fruits ripen in 115-120 days from the start of the growing season. In this case, you should not focus on the dark shade of the fruit. Full ripeness comes 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 consumed fresh or used for preparations - jam, jelly, marmalade. When the berries are fully ripe, they will make delicious wine.

The fruits are characterized by dense pulp, so they easily tolerate transportation and are stored for a long time. In a cool place, bunches can lie for 2-3 months.

Richelieu grapes are high yielding and produce tasty fruits. Berries of this variety are characterized by a universal purpose. To reap a bountiful harvest, it is worth providing the bush with careful care.

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