Grape Pearls Black, Pink, White and Saba: description of hybrid varieties

Universal grape variety Zhemchug has several subspecies, widely distributed in Europe. The variety is valued for its unpretentiousness in care, high taste characteristics and resistance to temperature extremes. The vines are suitable for ornamental use and the fruits are eaten fresh or processed.

History of selection

The Zhemchug grape variety was bred at the beginning of the 20th century by Hungarian breeders. The first fruits were grown from unknown seeds and outwardly resembled rounded pearls with a pronounced wax coating.Later, by crossing Muscat Hungarian and Muscat Ottonel, a copy with identical characteristics was obtained, which helped to establish the parent pair of grapes. Due to the variability of use and frost resistance, the variety has become widespread in the territory of Eastern European states and in Transcarpathia.

Botanical and technical description of the variety

Pearl vines have individual characteristics that distinguish them from other varieties. Before growing plants, you should read the detailed description of the variety.

Vine and shoots

Young shoots turn purple. The upper part of the shoots is covered with cobwebby pubescence. By the time of ripening, the shoots turn brown.

Yield and fruits

Grapes Zhemchug is considered an early table variety that brings the harvest in the middle of summer. Rounded fruits are medium in size, amber in color and thin-skinned. The pulp of the berries is valued for its peculiar taste with a predominance of nutmeg aroma.

Hybrid Forms

As a result of breeding studies, several hybrid subspecies of the variety were bred. Each variety has distinctive properties and is suitable for growing under certain conditions.

Grape White Pearl

Early maturing variety that yields after 4 months of maturation. Berries of yellowish color have a weight of 3-4 g. The taste is rich, sweet. The sugar content index is 16%. White pearls are famous for their increased resistance to cold, down to -25 degrees. This grape variety is rarely affected by diseases and tolerates the adverse effects of harmful insects.

Pearl Saba

Compared to other hybrids, the Saba Pearl produces less yield. The clusters are of medium size: length is 12-17 cm, width is 8-10 cm.Fruits have a rounded shape, thin skin, a slight wax coating. The pulp is juicy, tender, with a pleasant nutmeg flavor.

Pink

The Pink Pearl variety is suitable for growing in the middle zone with constant frosts. Grape bushes are famous for their high resistance to cold and changing temperatures. Plants withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees. The percentage of ripe fruits reaches 95%. The harvest is used to make wine, juice or eat fresh.

Black

Black Pearl is an industrial variety used primarily in winemaking. The fruits have a beneficial effect on the human body, strengthening the walls of blood vessels, preventing the formation of blood clots and improving the functioning of the circulatory system.

Advantages and disadvantages of the species

Grape Pearl has a number of positive and negative characteristics. Benefits include:

high frost resistance;
early ripening;
minimum susceptibility to disease and pest attack;
ease of disembarkation and subsequent care.

The main disadvantage of the variety is its low transportability. If you do not harvest in a timely manner, the fruits will lose their taste characteristics. If the vines are overloaded, the berries in the bunches begin to shrink.

Where and when to plant grapes

To get a harvest, it is recommended to plant grapes in the middle of spring, eliminating the possibility of returning frosts. Zhemchug prefers constantly sunlit areas located on tops or hilly areas. Proper growth is facilitated by loamy or sandy soils with neutral acidity.

Growth areas

Optimal conditions for the growth of Zhemchug grapes are observed in European countries and the Transcarpathian region. When growing in other regions, more careful care is required so that the bushes grow he althy and produce consistently.

Scheme and planting dates

It is better to start planting grapes in the second half of spring, when the temperature is fixed at a positive level and there is no risk of cold weather returning. During the warm period, the seedlings will take root and bring a crop in the summer. Leave a distance of at least 2 m between rows, and 1.5 m between bushes.

Rules of care

The process of caring for seedlings involves periodic inspection of plants, timely watering, tillage and pruning of bushes. Constant care has a positive effect on the quality and quantity of the crop, ensuring its stability and improving taste characteristics.

Loosening the soil

In early autumn, until the first frosts, deep loosening of the soil around the bushes is carried out. The earth is dug up to a depth of 0.7 to 1 m.

In the process of loosening, the top layer of earth with fertilizers moves down, and the bottom layer rises to the surface to saturate with nutrients.

Irrigation mode

Vineyards are drought tolerant and able to grow without frequent watering, but soil and soil moisture helps increase yields and vigorous growth. The need for artificial irrigation arises in arid regions where it rarely rains. When irrigating the vines with water, waterlogging should be avoided.

Fertilizer

If top dressing is applied to the ground when planting seedlings, then it is not necessary to fertilize the plants for the next 3-4 years.Adult bushes for active fruiting require nutrients. It is recommended to fertilize in spring and autumn, using phosphorus, nitrogen and potash supplements.

Vine formation

To give a decorative appearance and remove old branches, it is necessary to periodically trim the vines. It is recommended to carry out the formation in the spring so that frost does not destroy the bushes. To accurately cut off some of the foliage and branches, you need to use a pruner.

Do I need to cover for the winter

Shelter for the winter period is necessary during severe frosts or after winter pruning of bushes for additional protection. As a covering material, you can use dense burlap or other similar fabric. When covering plants, air should be provided so that the bushes do not start to rot.

When to wait for the first fruiting

Zhemchug vines begin producing their first crop in their 4th year of cultivation. Berries on bunches ripen in mid-July, provided proper care, suitable climatic conditions and timely fertilization.

Collecting and using berries

Grapes must be harvested at a certain time, since late harvesting leads to a partial loss of the crop, and bunches cut ahead of time are not subject to long-term storage. With timely harvesting, the berries reach the limit in terms of taste characteristics and the presence of nutritional components. After the grapes have ripened, it is enough to cut the bunches with a pruner or garden shears.

Berries can be eaten fresh or used to make wine and juice. Also, grapes can be frozen. If you want to store the crop, it is recommended to store it in a dark, cool place.

Common disease of the Black Pearl

With improper care or negative external influences, the risk of grape disease with downy mildew increases. This disease is the most common and leads to the gradual defeat and death of the vine.The primary signs of the disease are oily spots on the leaves, constantly increasing in volume. At high night temperatures, a grayish coating forms on the back of the sheets. All parts of the plant are susceptible to the disease.

To combat downy mildew, it is required to spray the green part of the vineyard with fungicidal preparations. It is recommended to carry out processing before flowering.