Zilga grapes: description and characteristics of the variety and the secrets of agricultural technology with a photo

Inhabitants of the northern regions of Russia are probably familiar with the sweet and sour taste of Zilga grapes. Perhaps for spoiled natives of the southern regions, this is not the most memorable variety. But where little grows, the Zilga grape is one of the best. This is a hybrid strain that performs well on many counts.

Variety history

The variety under consideration comes from Latvia, where it was bred by breeder P. Sukatnieks in the mid-60s of the last century. The progenitors of the species were varieties Smuglyanka, Dvietes, Yubileiny Novgorod.

Description of Zilga grapes

The first thing to highlight in the description of the variety is frost resistance. Indicators of -28 degrees will not frighten winegrowers, the variety will cope with them perfectly. At the same time, the bushes ripen early - the end of July can be devoted to the collection of the first harvest, which, by the way, is quite rich. The berries are large and fragrant. There is a little mucus in the pulp.

The shape of the clusters is cylindrical, large berries densely stick around the bunch, which weighs from 320 to 400 grams. This variety is characterized by good growth rates of the bush. Shoots, in order to preserve their appearance, are aimed at rapid and efficient growth. In order not to lose the mass and shape of the bush, it should be cut several times during the season.

As a result of the tasting evaluation, the variety was awarded 7.1 points. Transportability is excellent.

Key Features

Grapes boast their characteristics. It withstands the maximum possible subzero temperatures (up to -25 degrees), has an acidity ranging from 4.5 to 5 grams, sugar content - from 18 to 20%. Clusters are large, weigh up to 400 grams, in the form of a cylinder. One berry weighs, on average, 4 grams. Intense blue fruit with a slight hint of nutmeg.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the variety are:

1. Undamaged by wasps.
2. The vine is unpretentious to natural conditions.
3. Resistant to oidium and mildew diseases (4 points). This only requires triple spraying during the growing season.
4. If grapes grow in the southern regions, it can be left uncovered for the winter.
5. Good rooting of cuttings.
6. Good low temperature resistance.
7. Rich harvest.
8. Multipurpose applications.

The disadvantages are sourness in taste, the presence of grains and a fairly hard peel. This also includes the annual need for the formation of a bush. The reason is the rapid growth of numerous shoots.

Selecting and planting seedlings

Purchase the plant immediately before planting. Pay attention to the fact that the cut of the root is a light green hue, and the shoot is brown. In length - from 10 centimeters, in height - from 40 centimeters. You need to plant a seedling after its preliminary "rest" on the balcony or window of the house - let it stand there for a couple of days. Landing is carried out in autumn or spring, when you are sure that there will be no cold weather in the near future.

Important! If planting is scheduled for spring, prepare the hole in the fall.

Immediately before planting, install a watering pipe to a depth of 40 centimeters. Plant the seedling, straighten the roots evenly, then fill in the ground and water.

Growing and care

Agricultural technology is not complicated. Watering a young plant should be carried out 4 times: after removing the shelter, when buds form, when flowering ends and before sending the plant for wintering. Watering of adult plants is limited only to water charging. The rest of the time, the bush is content with natural precipitation.

Top dressing for the first time should be carried out only 3 years after planting. Choose both organic and mineral fertilizers.

About diseases and pests

Such fungal diseases as mildew and oidium bypass Zilgu. But this fact does not mean that preventive measures can be completely abandoned, especially if the growing conditions in the season are unfavorable (excessive humidity or drought).

To avoid the occurrence and spread of diseases, follow the measures:

• pruning deadwood on time;
• watch out for the weeds around the bush;
• pay attention to trimming excess vines.

During the summer, the plant should be treated 2 times with a fungicide solution (as an alternative - Bordeaux mixture, 1% solution). Spray in early spring before fruit sets and in autumn after harvest.

Important! If you still notice the onset of the disease, irrigate the bush with a solution of manganese or a half-percent soda solution.

Best Growing Regions

Due to the fact that the variety is frost-resistant, it is grown in the states: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, Norway. However, with no less success, it will grow both in the Middle Strip and in the southern regions.

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