Grapes are one of the most popular berries in our market. People appreciated it and started breeding long before the advent of our era. Since then, many varieties have appeared that are used for fresh food, for winemaking, as well as for making raisins. Grapes "century" is good both in natural form and in dried. Often it is used for the manufacture of raisins of the highest quality. This article refers specifically to this variety, its features, advantages and disadvantages, as well as about caring for this plant.
Description of the grape "century"
This grape variety originates in the United States breeders of the 80s of the last century. There he got his name. In narrow circles of professional winegrowers, the name Centennial Seedless is used. Today it is in demand among professionals in the field of growing these berries and among lovers.
The grape variety “century” can be described by the following characteristics:
- a bunch grows up to 400 grams, volumetric, conical, with an average density of berries;
- medium-sized fruits, oval, elongated;
- the peel of the berries is thin;
- the color of the fruit is yellow-green;
- the flesh is juicy enough; when bitten, it is crispy, but soft and pleasant;
- ripe grapes possesses light muscat flavors.
Grade Advantages
Grapes "century" is popular with gardeners. It is well transported and rooted. In addition, he has a high and regular yield. This is the most significant advantage that amateur growers pay attention to. There is still a significant list of positive qualities that play a role in choosing this particular variety for planting on your site:
- berries do not tend to rot, as well as fall from a bunch;
- this variety is resistant to diseases to which other varieties are susceptible;
- if the water balance is not respected, the berries do not crack and retain their shape;
- there is no need to stop excess inflorescences;
- a fairly quick ripening period is about 125 days;
- withstands low temperatures up to -23 degrees;
- clusters are kept on the bush until the frost.
Variety disadvantages
Of course, everything has pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages. Also, the grape "century" has its own characteristics. Some of them can be attributed to negative ones. Two main disadvantages are noted:
Fresh, unprocessed grapes are stored for a short time.
When the clusters begin to ripen, they must be slightly thinned out to achieve uniform and complete ripening of the bulk of the berries.
Plant growth geography
Any plant is most adapted to certain geographical features, while in other environmental conditions it may not take root. Grapes "century" grows in the central and southern regions of Russia and the states of America, feels great in hot countries: Australia, Africa, Chile, Argentina and so on. He also remarkably survives in the vineyards of Belarus and Moldova. In the northern latitudes, of course, you should not try to grow this plant.
Landing Features
The soil for planting plants is prepared in advance so that it can be saturated with the necessary amount of liquid and nutrients from fertilizers. Rows should be directed north. The area allotted for grapes "century" should be well lit. Planting is carried out in the spring and autumn. In order for the vine to strengthen well and give a high yield, a number of actions should be performed:
- if the soil is clay, it is necessary to add sand to the pits for seedlings;
- if the soil is heavy, pits are made about 60 x 80 cm in size, and about 70 cm deep;
- in light soil make pits 40 x 40 cm in size, and 60 cm in depth;
- in spring, the landing site should not be flooded, also close proximity to groundwater is unacceptable;
- before planting, drainage, fertilizers and humus are laid on the bottom of the planting pits;
- the area for planting should not be located on the eastern and northern slopes, otherwise in winter the plant may freeze out;
- if you plant grapes in the spring, be sure to treat the roots with a disinfectant, and also prune them;
- in autumn it is better to plant this variety in moist soil during the period from late October to mid November;
- from residential and farm buildings it is necessary to indent a width of at least one and a half meters;
- Be sure to install special mounts that will allow the grapes to grow correctly;
- for fertilizer use manure and compost, of minerals - superphosphates and potassium salts.
Plant care
It was indicated above that the grape variety “kosmish” is quite unpretentious when grown in garden plots. However, there is a set of actions that cannot be abandoned. Be sure to weed the planting area from weeds, the earth must be loosened. Use natural fertilizers periodically. Bird droppings are most preferred. Decide on the degree of soil moisture in your area and select the appropriate type of irrigation: drip, underground or above ground. Be sure to irrigate the bushes during the flowering period.
The buds at the base of the plant practically do not bear fruit, as gardeners have noticed. Therefore, they are cut off. This allows you to achieve a much larger crop from the upper shoots. The total number of shoots on the vine should be in the range of 22-24 pieces. The maximum load of the plant is 30-35 shoots.
Young plants for the winter must be wrapped. Adult healthy shrubs this action is not required.
Grapes grapefruit "century": a description of the disease
Most diseases that are dangerous enough for other grape varieties bypass the “century”. But he also has his own scourge - the so-called phylloxera. It is nothing but an insect. This pest damages the roots, leaves, petioles and antennae of the plant. Fighting him is almost impossible without losing the bushes. At the same time, new seedlings can be planted in the same place only after five years. Therefore, preventive measures should be taken to prevent infection.
To do this, seedlings are planted in the sand: a tube of cardboard with a diameter of about 15 centimeters is put on the roots, which is filled with sand. After this, a hole with a seedling is covered with soil, and a cardboard tube is removed. Inoculation of stocks of varieties resistant to this insect also helps. For some types of grapes, the method of flooding with water or cultivation surrounded by a moat is used, but for the variety "century" it is contraindicated.
Century Use
This variety is universal. It grows seedless, is seedless, which makes this grape an excellent found in cooking. Also, its berries are quite large in size, they do not fade in the sun and do not crack from the abundance of liquid. All this makes the "century" the best variety for making raisins. Some folk cuisines use leaves of this variety when cooking cabbage rolls and other similar dishes. Due to its mild taste and thin peel, the "century" is good and fresh.
Grade Reviews
The wine growers of Russia and foreign countries are in great demand grape raisins "century". The description of the variety is fully consistent with the observations of gardeners. The variety has earned numerous good reviews from professional breeders and amateurs due to its qualities, namely: unpretentiousness, unlikely infection with various types of diseases that attack other varieties, bisexual flowering, large fruits and their preservation.
Good reviews about it and ordinary customers. The fact is that the Centennel Sidlis grapes are always in good condition, there are practically no rotting fruits on bunches. Thanks to this, the clusters have a beautiful presentation, harmoniously fit into any holiday table, and on a normal day they cause appetite and good mood. The undoubted plus is the sweet taste, thin crispy peel, which is easy to chew, the absence of seeds. The last point makes it ideal for children.