Grapes Century: description and characteristics of the raisin variety, cultivation and care

The Century grape variety has a long history of cultivation around the world. A distinctive feature of the berries is the complete absence of seeds, which determines its belonging to the sultana variety. Garden culture has proven itself from the best side, as it has many worthy qualities that you should learn about before planting.

History of variety breeding

Century is the birthplace of the US state of California, the first experiments on its creation have been carried out since the 60s. Kishmish was officially recognized in the 80s and was the result of crossing two varieties - Emperor, Pirovano 75.

Pros and Cons of Century Grapes

The advantage of the hybrid variety is undemanding to growing conditions. The main advantage of many gardeners is the stability of the crop and its high performance. Positive qualities include:

• stress resistance, ability to endure difficult growing conditions;
• good immunity to grape diseases;
• decent tasting berries;
• attractive appearance of fruits and their ability to endure long-term transport conditions;
• frost resistance.

Grapes are a variety of universal, as they can be used fresh and dried. At the same time, raisins are a valuable source of nutrients in winter or when there is a lack of fresh fruit.The disadvantage of the variety is the inability of the berries to maintain their qualities during long-term storage.

Biological features and characteristics

Century refers to table grapes with an average fruit yield. The ripening period of the grapes is 120-125 days.

Vine growing region

Despite the fact that the variety was bred for the first time in the United States, over the past decades it has found wide distribution around the world. Today it is actively grown in the CIS, Chile, Argentina and South Africa. In our country, it has not passed official variety testing, so it is not yet in the register of breeding achievements.

The century is recommended for cultivation in the central and southern regions, as in the northern regions it does not have enough heat for ripening, and it cannot withstand excessively low temperatures.

Frost resistance

Century refers to frost-resistant crops. Eyes are able to survive when the temperature drops to -25 C. Despite the ability to tolerate cold, it is recommended to cover the plant in cold regions. For plants under the age of 6 years, a protective structure is required.

Immunity to infections

A horticultural culture has a decent resistance to grape infectious diseases. The variety is distinguished by its high ability to withstand the most dangerous grape enemies - mildew, oidium.

External hive parameters

The description of the variety emphasizes that the century grape variety needs support, as it forms strong tall shoots. In the first year, they can reach a height of several meters. The plant is characterized by a strong vine and short internodes, which contributes to its stable retention.

Plant pollination

The plant produces bisexual flowers. In connection with this feature, the Century does not need the presence of nearby plantings of other grape varieties.

Crop quantity

The berries are formed into large clusters, the weight of which reaches 700 g. The fruits themselves gain weight up to 10 g, which is a worthy indicator for seedless varieties.

Gron size and berry flavor

Oval-shaped white-yellow berries form into large clusters that become cone-shaped. The pulp of fruits differs in fleshiness and harmonious taste. At the moment of full maturation, they have a pleasant nutmeg shade. Inside the grapes there is a complete absence of seeds. Sugar content in juice 13%, acidity 6 g/l.

Fitting technology

It will take a certain amount of time and certain stages to get a crop, including the selection of a seedling, preparing the soil for planting, caring for the plant and a successful wintering. The first return of fruits can be expected in the 3rd year, so a certain cycle of work will need to be completed annually.

Sunny areas are suitable as a place for permanent cultivation, in shaded areas, yields are reduced significantly. Planting can be done in spring or autumn. Before planting, the roots of the plant are disinfected and treated with growth stimulants for better survival. Plantings are formed in a straight line, maintaining the distance between seedlings and rows. Planting along the walls of buildings will protect the plant from the wind, but at the same time, a distance of 1 m from the foundation is required.

When planting in heavy soil, the depth of the hole should be at least 80 cm deep and 60 cm wide.Drainage will help to increase the properties of the passage of moisture and air permeability of the soil; crushed stone, broken brick or sand are used for this. Mineral fertilizers and humus are added to the hole on top of it. When planting, the root shoots are evenly distributed, covered with fertile soil, tamped and watered.

Growing and care

The quality of growth and fruiting of grapes directly depends on compliance with the rules of agricultural cultivation. The main requirements relate to ensuring the nutritional value of the soil for planting, pruning and timely watering.

Irrigation

The plant is demanding for sufficient watering. Today, irrigation is carried out by drip, above-ground and underground methods. Particular importance is attached to autumn and spring watering, which contribute to the active growth of shoots, as well as during the budding period for better berry formation.

Foliar and root top dressing

Vine shoots grow fast and require sufficient nutrients to maintain. The soil is enriched with organic fertilizers in the form of manure and compost, as well as mineral additives in the form of potassium s alt and superphosphate. One of the best fertilizers for grapes is bird droppings, which contains almost all the elements necessary for plant growth.

Organic top dressing is required to be applied 1 time every 2 years. When using chemicals, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Nitrogen fertilizers are used in the spring to stimulate growth, and potash fertilizers or wood ash are used in the fall.

Pinching and shaping the vine

The plant needs periodic pruning.For every 6 m^{2 there should be no more than 24 shoots. Adhere to medium pruning, at which 6-8 eyes are left. Pinching in young plants helps the growth of the bush and makes it stronger, in some cases it helps to ripen the fruit faster.}

Treatment and prevention of diseases and pests

Most often, plantings suffer from a leafworm, which, after penetrating under the bark, begins to “devour” the plant from the inside. Targeted drugs are used to control the pest.

Another dangerous pest for grapes is phylloxera, which can multiply very quickly. When they appear, damage to the leaves, roots, petioles of the grape bush is observed. To combat insects, vaccinations with resistant rootstocks, chemical treatments and special traps are used.

Wintering

For wintering in regions with a cold climate, a young plant needs to provide shelter. Protective insulation is necessary for plants under the age of 4 years. A further decision on the formation of the structure is made on the basis of how low the temperature indicator drops in winter. Shoots can withstand a drop to -25 ^C.

To prepare for winter, the shoots are removed from the supports and laid horizontally. Some gardeners form a protective layer of 20 cm from moss, fallen leaves or sawdust. Others are additionally covered with triangular structures or agrofibre on arcs. It is important for the success of the wintering of the plant to prevent the effect of "overheating" of the grape shoots.

Methods to increase yields

To obtain decent yield indicators, it is important to follow the growing rules prescribed for the variety. The he alth of the plant and the quality of the berries depend on the sufficiency of nutrients.Timely pruning, removal of old and damaged shoots contributes to their proper distribution, which positively affects the yield of the crop.

Fruit ripening period and picking berries

The description of the variety indicates the ripening of its fruits after 125 days. Berry picking takes place in September, depending on the growing region, these can be the first days of the month or its second decade. Clusters of grapes are able to stay on the shoots until the first frost.

Useful properties, the use of grapes Century

Grapes have been considered an excellent tonic and tonic since ancient times. The product has a positive effect on the composition and properties of the blood, so regular consumption of berries has a positive effect on the bone marrow and circulatory system. A glass of juice can replenish potassium deficiency and a daily dose of vitamin B.

Grapes are used fresh for making juices, muesli, fruit salads and desserts. A feature of the Century variety is the versatility of its use, it is considered an ideal raw material for making raisins.

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