Description of the variety, reviews and technology for growing Kesha grapes

Description and appearance

Appearance of Kesha grapes in the photo

According to the description of the variety, Kesha grapes are considered early ripening. The first harvest is harvested in mid-August. It takes about 3-4 months from the beginning of buds to the complete ripening of the berries.

Bush

The height of an adult plant sometimes reaches 5 meters. The bush is growing widely. Therefore, the vine is formed into several tiers.

Bunches

The brushes are large, conical or round in shape. They are distinguished by the absence of peas. The weight of a ripe bunch is 600-1000 g.

Berries

The weight of one berry reaches 14 grams. The fruits are round in shape. The size of the berry on one cluster varies: from the smallest fruits to large ones.

Leave 1-2 brushes on one shoot

Grapes Kesha:

1. About the variety. Tall and fast-growing bushes with a good high yield. They are distinguished by good development and early entry into fruiting. Kesha has a medium early ripening period, the main harvest occurs in early September. Frost resistance down to -23 degrees, does not tolerate dry periods well, needs abundant watering.
2. About the berry. The berries are large, medium round, yellow-milky in color. The weight of the berries is 10-12 g. The pulp is dense, sweet, simple taste, very juicy. The clusters are large, cone-shaped, moderately loose, weighing 600-900 g. Sugar accumulation is 19-22%. Well transported and stored.
3. About care . Kesha loves good feeding, abundant watering and timely pruning. It is necessary to standardize bushes to 35-40 buds. Leave 1-2 brushes on one shoot. When overloaded, the bush develops poorly and the vine does not become woody for a long time.

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Properties of Kesha grapes

The Kesha variety and its subspecies are distinguished by their harmonious taste, high yield and early maturity. Kesha is recommended by doctors in various therapeutic diets. It has many beneficial properties, but there are also contraindications for use.

Taste

The berries taste sweet with a slight floral aroma. There are 2-3 seeds in the fruit, and some berries are found without seeds at all. The flesh is dense, crispy, and the skin is not felt when chewing.

Composition and calorie content

One kilogram of berries contains about 1000 kilocalories. These indicators in subspecies and other hybrid forms may be different. But it should be noted that grapes are an excellent source of energy, not only fresh, but also dried.

Acidity

The peculiarity of a harmonious taste lies in the fact that all taste and aroma notes are subtly selected, correspond and complement each other. The sugar content of the Kesha variety is 24%. This is a high indicator at which the presence of acid is important. Here it is not high, only 5-9 ppm. Acidity plays a big role in wine varieties. Kesha grapes are not used to make wine, so the main thing here is taste.

Useful properties and contraindications

Grapes are useful for many chronic diseases and for general strengthening of the body. It contains a lot of potassium, which is necessary to maintain heart function. Doctors recommend eating fresh and dried grapes in the following cases:

1. To stimulate the functioning of the hematopoietic organs.
2. To normalize blood pressure and heart rate.
3. To improve appetite.
4. To sleep well.
5. To thin the blood.
6. To improve the condition of respiratory tract diseases.

Not everyone can eat grapes every day and in large quantities. The contraindications are as follows:

1. Diabetes.
2. Obesity.
3. Tendency or disease of caries, stomatitis.
4. Gastritis with high acidity.

Important! After eating grapes, it is better to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth. Wax plaque contains beneficial mushrooms, but if there are inflammatory processes in the mouth, this will only worsen the situation. In addition, the acid contained in the berries destroys tooth enamel.

How to choose the right seedlings when purchasing

In order not to make a mistake with the purchased seedling, it is best to buy it not on the market, but in a special nursery with a good reputation. Garden center staff will always be able to select you a strong and completely healthy seedling, the quality of which can be verified by simply examining the planting material.

The roots of the Kesha grape should not be overdried, and with a small cut into the skin of a suitable specimen, a light center will certainly appear from the inside. The leaves and vine of the selected plant should also not have any damage or signs of disease, otherwise there is a high probability that it will not take root in the new place or will immediately begin to hurt, which will negatively affect the quality of the future harvest.

A day before the intended planting of grapes, the tips of the roots of the seedling are slightly trimmed and placed in a solution of a growth stimulator, which will subsequently ensure good rooting in the new place.

Important! Do not buy seedlings in closed containers that do not allow you to assess the real condition of the rhizome. Sometimes even a seemingly healthy plant can suffer from the initial stage of root rot, which will only develop in the future.

Hybrid varieties

Kesha grapes have intravarietal hybrids. They were named Kesha-1 and Kesha-2, as well as Kesha the Radiant and Red. All subspecies differ in ripening time, weight of berries and color.

Kesha -1

Kesha-1 grapes are also called Talisman or Super-Kesha. Description of the variety:

• matures within 135 days;
• berries are greenish-yellow;
• the taste is sour, reminiscent of an apple;
• the weight of one fruit is about 15 grams;
• the average weight of a ripe bunch is 1.5 kg;
• The flowers are of the female type, so artificial pollination is required.

Important! The only disadvantage of this variety is that it does not pollinate independently, but it is important to note that compared to other hybrid forms of this species, this one is the most resistant to disease.

Kesha-2

Photo of hybrid Kesha-1

The grapes of the hybrid form Kesha-2 are also called muscat, Zlatogor or Tamerlane. Description of the variety:

• ripens in 105-110 days;
• the berries have a rich amber color;
• the taste of the fruit has subtle nutmeg notes;
• the berries are large, the weight of each reaches 20 grams;
• weight of a ripe brush from 1200 g;
• The flowers are bisexual and therefore do not require artificial pollination.

Kesha red

Born as a result of crossing the Cardinal and Kesha-1 varieties. Purpose and description of the variety:

• table variety, intended for fresh consumption only;
• ripening period 125-135 days;
• the berries are very large, cherry-colored, covered with a waxy coating;
• the taste of the fruit is harmonious;
• the weight of one berry reaches 24 g;
• a round or conical brush at the end of maturation weighs about 2 kg;
• grapes need pollination.

Important! The Kesha Red grape variety is distinguished by the power of its shoots and the speed of its growth, so it is better to make supports for the vine in advance.

Kesha Radiant

Obtained by crossing the varieties Talisman and Kishmish radiant. Description of the variety:

• table variety, used for eating fresh or dried;
• ripens in 100 to 130 days;
• berries are white or light pink with thin skin;
• the taste is harmonious;
• fruits weighing 15-20 g;
• the weight of one hand is from one to two kilograms;
• The flowers are bisexual, so the variety does not require artificial pollination.

Place of Birth

Like most new hybrids, FV-6-5 appeared in the VNIIViV special nursery in Kuban, or more precisely in Novocherkassk . Since the middle of the last century, this breeding center has prepared 75 varieties for testing, of which 50 are interspecific hybrids.

The main goal of the team is the promotion of varietal grapes to the harsh regions of the European part of the country and Siberia . Amateur winegrowers actively help them in this on their plots, bringing the new characteristics of the variety to the result of sustainable inheritance.

Hybridization of the variety is carried out:

• in the process of pollination of a bush with a more productive variety;
• in grafting a promising “newcomer” onto a proven rootstock (vegetative);
• in the selection of the results of cloning the best specimens;
• artificially.

Thus, over the course of many generations, the “Kesha” variety was given more and more new qualitative and agricultural characteristics, which was reflected in the synonymous series of its names.

Important : The “Kesha” variety is an interspecific hybrid, which was achieved as a result of targeted crossing of the best grape varieties only after 4 generations.

Features of planting the variety

Any grape loves the sunniest place in the garden. Also, the Kesha variety draws vine shoots towards the sun's rays and light. But there are several other conditions that must be met.

Soil type

It is better to choose chernozem soil. It is ideal for this variety, and is also considered the most fertile. The main thing is not to overdo it with humidity. It is advisable to ensure that there is no groundwater nearby.

Site selection

When planting Kesha in the sunniest place, do not forget about the wind. It is necessary to protect the vine with a fence on the windy side or plant cuttings against the southern wall of the house.

Optimal planting dates

The best season for planting seedlings is spring. It is recommended to wait until the ground warms up to +10...+15°C and the temperature is stable for several days.

Soil preparation

The soil for planting grapes is prepared in the fall. The earth is dug up along with humus, and sometimes manure is added. Dig holes, the distance between which is at least one and a half meters.

Selection and preparation of seedlings

Photos of seedlings of the Kesha variety

Young shoots of “caches” should have from two to four roots at the base, at least 2 mm thick. Before planting, the swollen buds should not yet bloom. You need to carefully examine the woody stem of the vine; there should be no sores or damage on it.

Step-by-step disembarkation process

The pit has been prepared since autumn. At the same time, the bottom is covered with humus, fertilizer is added, and then covered with earth. Planting begins in spring:

1. The prepared seedling is placed in the hole and covered with earth so that the root collar is level with the edge of the hole .
2. The earth is trampled, compacted and thoroughly watered.
3. the tree trunk circle must be loosened and mulched.

The video shows how to plant grapes correctly with detailed instructions.

Preparation of planting material

With good care, the first harvest from Keshi bushes can be harvested already in the 2nd season after planting.

Rooting of cuttings occurs quickly, and grafting takes root well and quickly produces fruitful vines. To propagate the crop, ready-made varietal seedlings or independently rooted cuttings are used.

Planting material should be purchased from trusted nurseries, where compliance with the variety and plant health are guaranteed.

Criteria for selecting seedlings of the Kesha variety:

• Plants are carefully checked for root development, absence of damage and signs of infection.
• The best option to purchase is seedlings with a closed root system.
• With open roots, the shoots should not be dry; light, living pulp should be visible on their sections.

When preparing grape seedlings for planting, they are soaked in a solution with growth stimulants.

• Planting material of the Kesha variety is purchased at the end of October or in the spring, just before planting.
• Purchased plants cannot be stored for a long time with their roots exposed. Before planting, such specimens must be soaked in water with the addition of growth stimulants.

You can grow Kesha grape seedlings yourself from cuttings obtained during autumn pruning. The variety provides powerful growth with mature wood, so there is always a lot of planting material.

Cuttings cut in October (with 2 or 3 eyes) are tied in bunches, wrapped in polyethylene and stored in the cellar or on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. The wood should not be allowed to dry out , but overmoistening is also dangerous for the cuttings, so the packages are regularly opened, ventilated, and then sent back to storage.

Preparing grape cuttings for planting

Sequence of work when growing seedlings at home:

• By the end of February or beginning of March, the cuttings are soaked in warm water (up to 2 days) and planted in a substrate for rooting. The stems are immersed in water no more than 2/3 of the length, adding a root former (potassium humate, Heteroauxin) or a spoonful of honey to the liquid.
• Then the cuttings are washed and the lower part of the stems is cut off at a distance of 5 mm from the bud. In this case, it is worth cleaning the eye with a knife, and making several longitudinal scratches on the bark to improve root formation.
• For more than 90% yield of seedlings from Keshi cuttings, the roots should be placed in conditions with a temperature of at least +26 ° C, and the tops should be provided with cool air and frequent ventilation. To do this, the landing cups can be installed in a wide container of water, placed on the radiator, and the window vent kept ajar.

Temperature for rooting grape cuttings
Grape cuttings form roots and develop quickly in slightly moist soil. Frequently watering seedlings is contraindicated.

To stimulate the roots and stop the growth of the leaf mass, experienced gardeners advise dipping the top bud in liquid paraffin before planting. This will allow the growth of the above-ground part of Kesha to be restrained, and the seedlings will have time to grow a viable root system.

Reproduction methods

Grapes are propagated by cuttings, layering or seeds. Each method has its own characteristics. Gardeners choose the one that is suitable for specific conditions.

Cuttings

They buy ready-made cuttings or prepare planting material in advance in the fall. Seedlings are formed from young shoots of a developed bush. By the time of transplantation, the young shoot becomes woody.

By layering

The vine of the mother shoot is buried next to the main bush, without separating it from it. After the young shoots of Kesha have germinated, the vine is cut off from the main bush. The sprouted branches are separated from each other and planted at the required distance.

Seeds

It is difficult to propagate grape varieties from seeds. Not everyone takes on this. In addition, when propagating hybrid forms by seeds, the characteristics of the mother vine are lost. Therefore, this method is used only for selection.

Rules for growing and care

Sometimes a seedling dies without having time to develop and produce the first shoots of a strong vine. To obtain a rich harvest, when growing hybrid forms, it is important to follow proper care.

Irrigation scheme

After planting, the holes are usually thoroughly watered, so watering is repeated after 7-10 days. During periods of drought, it is recommended to water the plant once every 15 days. If the rains are moderate, then three irrigations per season are sufficient. For one watering, 10-15 liters of water are used.

Soil care

It is important to promptly remove the weed from the tree trunk and loosen the soil. To prevent grass from growing, and also as fertilizer and protection from sunlight, mulch is used.

Feeding and fertilizers

The grapes are fed with minerals twice a year. Biofertilizers are applied once in the fall. You should not oversaturate the soil with nitrogen; it is better if they are complex mixtures.

Support and garter of shoots

The height of the bush sometimes reaches five meters. The bunches are heavy, so you can’t do without a garter. The support is installed in advance. It would be better if it was multi-tiered. Heavy bunches must be tied up.

Shaping and pruning vines

Sanitary and formative pruning of Kesha table grapes is carried out in the fall. In the spring before the beginning of the growing season, dead shoots are removed. During the fruiting period, empty branches are cut off. It is necessary to trim the young shoots according to the pruning scheme that each gardener chooses for himself. Usually this is a fan-shaped method, where a replacement branch with two or three buds is left. For harvest, shoots with 5-7 buds are left.

Important! In the spring, before pruning, you need to carefully inspect the bush. If the main shoot is thin, it means it was overloaded last year. They try not to overload such a vine. If the vine, on the contrary, is thick, then you can increase the load.

Preparing for winter

In central Russia, despite the variety’s resistance to cold, the bush is covered with warm, moisture-resistant material. In some regions where frosts are destructive to grapes, they dig a trench into which the vines are laid. The top is covered with any material, but slate is more often used.

Protection from diseases and pests

The Kesha variety is resistant to many fungal diseases, but sometimes suffers from powdery mildew and bacteria. As a preventative measure, it is recommended to treat the plant with Bordeaux mixture in the spring. This should be done while the buds are swelling, before they have time to bloom. Various insecticides are used to control pests. Repeated spraying is carried out in the fall after the leaves fall.

General recommendations

It is recommended to water new gardens using at least thirty liters of water, but this is not important if it rained the day before and moistened the soil.

In order not to carry buckets, you need to install drip irrigation.

• To insulate the cutting, you can use a bucket without a bottom or build a wooden cylinder around the cutting.
• It is recommended to carry out pruning in two cases - autumn or spring. In this case, autumn pruning is carried out only after leaf fall, when most of the functions of the grapes have already retired. Spring pruning is carried out in early spring
  - before the plant begins to awaken, that is, the movement of sap along the stems has not begun. If you shorten the crop later, wounds will form at the site of the cuts that do not heal for a long time - you can provoke weakening of the bush and subsequent drying out.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the Kesha grape variety include:

• early ripening and smooth ripening of fruits;
• large bunches and berries;
• excellent harmonious taste;
• excellent presentation;
• high productivity;
• possibility of long-term storage.

There are practically no disadvantages to this grape. Some believe that the disadvantages include the need to cover in winter, as well as spray the plant for disease prevention.

Cultivation regions

Since this grape is resistant to frost, it can be grown in most Russian regions.

The grapes are resistant to frost and can be grown in most regions

In regions with very harsh winters, Keshi grapevines are well covered before the onset of frost.

Reviews from experienced gardeners

Reviews from winegrowers and amateur gardeners complement useful information about the properties and characteristics of the Kesha variety. Many people write that the bush bears fruit well in the shade of other trees, and the harvest is always excellent. The main thing is not to overload the vine, otherwise you will have to wait a long time for ripening. Kesha is praised for her resistance to diseases. Even if the whole garden is sick, the bush never ceases to delight with the health and fragrance of green foliage and juicy fruits.

When choosing a variety for fresh consumption of berries, you should definitely try to plant Kesha grapes on your plot. Large clusters, juicy, fleshy berries with a wonderful floral taste will become a favorite treat for hosts and guests. Such varieties are well sorted by wholesalers for sale, so those who wish can build a business by growing Keshi.