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Growing a fruitful vine is not so easy. Therefore, many gardeners, when deciding to plant grapes, at first plant picky, high-yielding varieties on their plots, which are guaranteed to produce a crop of fragrant and sweet berries, symbolizing a sunny, warm summer. One of these varieties is the Isabella grape.
The story of
Isabella grapes are a variety that appeared as a result of the selection work of Mother Nature herself. According to the assumptions of botanists, this variety appeared as a result of cross-pollination of the European variety Vitis Vinifera, brought to the Americas, and the local variety Vitis Lambrusca.
The Isabella grape variety is officially known as Isabella Banskaya and has been cultivated by amateurs and professionals for almost 200 years. For the first time, the American breeder William Prince compiled a description of the Isabella grape variety, who met this plant in the gardens of Long Island Island. He is also the originator of the Isabella Rosovaya grape variety, which was bred on the basis of Isabella and is known in Our Country as the Lydia variety.
Isabella grapes appeared on the territory of Our Country in the 50s of the last century. This variety was highly appreciated by winemakers for its high yield, unpretentiousness and resistance to many diseases characteristic of this fruit crop.
Currently, Isabella is grown almost throughout Our Country. The variety is very common in Moldova, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, where it is grown in private and industrial vineyards as a raw material for wine production.
The ideal climate for growing Isabella grapes is temperate, subtropical. This variety perfectly tolerates winter frosts, which are detrimental to other varieties.
In the 70s of the last century, the EU banned the production of wines on an industrial scale based on Isabella and hybrids derived from it. The official reason for the ban is the high content of methanol in drinks as a result of fermentation. After some time, this “charge” was removed from Isabella grapes, but this variety has not been rehabilitated in Europe.
Distinctive characteristics of the variety
At the moment, Isabella grapes are the most popular and widespread variety in the world. Its direct purpose is table-technical, which means that it is universal. The scope of the fruits is quite wide. Ripe fruits are used for the production of wine both at home and on an industrial scale, for fresh consumption, and also as a raw material for various preparations.
According to the description, Isabella grapes belong to late-ripening varieties. On average, its growing season is approximately 5-6 months. That is, the harvest falls on the end of September – the beginning of October.
The young vine grows for a long time. However, the fruit crop, which is more than 5-7 years old, annually grows in length by 3-4 meters or more. Stepchildren shrub forms not so much, which is the advantage of the variety and facilitates the work of winegrowers. Isabella’s shoots are greenish in color with a soft raspberry tint and dense edging. Subsequently, the color of the shoots changes to gray with a brown tint.
The leaves of this variety are of medium size, can be either whole or slightly dissected into three parts. The upper side of the leaf plate is dark green, the lower side is light gray.
The photo shows that the description of Isabella grapes is as follows: brushes of medium size, the average weight reaches 190-250 g. Most of the brushes do not differ in density.
High yield is achieved due to the increased number of brushes on each shoot in comparison with other varieties. That is, on one fruiting shoot, from 2 to 5 fruit brushes can immediately form.
The shape of grape brushes is cylindrical or conical, with one wing. The yield of one adult vine is on average 50-60 kg.
According to the description of the variety and the reviews of gardeners, the berries of Isabella grapes (pictured below) are round, 1,6-2 cm in diameter, black and purple, covered with a thick, bluish bloom, which is a distinctive feature of this variety. The skin of grapes is quite dense and durable, which is of great importance for transportation.
The sugar content of Isabella was estimated by experts at 16-18%, the average weight of one grape varies between 2,5-3 grams. The pulp of the fruits of grapes has a sour-sweet taste, the consistency is slimy, light green or yellow-green in color. The taste of the berries distinguishes Isabella from other varieties – a delicate taste and smell of garden strawberries. The fruits have few pits.
It is precisely because of the peculiar taste that European winemakers consider wine made from Isabella to be of poor quality. However, in other countries, in particular, in Our Country, Australia, North and South America, there are many lovers who really appreciate wine based on this grape.
The peak ripening of the crop falls on the month of October. It is very easy to find out that the grapes have reached maturity, and it is time to harvest the fruits – the berries spread the rich aroma of nutmeg around the garden.
The first bunches of grapes appear on the vine 3-4 years after planting young seedlings in the ground.
This variety has a fairly high resistance to frost. Without much damage, the bushes tolerate low temperatures up to -32˚С -35˚С with shelter. In the absence of shelter, grapes perfectly tolerate frosts down to -25˚С -28˚С. This circumstance is the main advantage that allows you to grow this variety not only in the southern regions of Our Country, but also in areas with a more severe climate.
Isabella grapes are also distinguished by the fact that if a bush accidentally falls under return frosts, young shoots appear very quickly in place of frozen shoots, which manages to form in the current season.
Grapevine is very rarely affected by fungal diseases. Mildew, powdery mildew, oidium, gray rot will not cause serious damage to shrubs. Phylloxera is also extremely rare on a fruit crop, even if neighboring plants are infected with this disease.
According to the characteristics and description of the variety, Isabella grapes are easily propagated by cuttings. Planting material quickly takes root and does not get sick during transplantation. Many breeders to this day are working to improve other varieties by crossing them with Isabella. New hybrids combine excellent qualities and are highly resistant to diseases.
The Isabella Belaya grape variety, the photo of which is presented above, has a high yield and identical qualities, the description of the variety is not much different from the usual Isabella. However, unlike its closest relative, this variety belongs to crops with an early ripening period.
Another variety derived from Isabella is Isabella large-fruited grapes. It belongs to the mid-early varieties in terms of ripening. Berry picking starts a month and a half earlier. The main characteristics are identical and differ little.
Many gardeners appreciate Isabella grapes not only for their taste characteristics. Fruit and berry culture can also be used as a decorative component in the landscaping of personal plots. Grapevine looks great wrapped around a garden gazebo, fence or porch. With the onset of autumn, the foliage acquires a bright, yellow-golden color, which gives the garden a special, spectacular look.
According to the description of the variety, Isabella grapes are undemanding to the composition of the soil, fertilizing, picky in cultivation and care. The requirements of agricultural technology are so simple that even a novice grower can cope with them.
Advantages and disadvantages
For almost two hundred years of growing Isabella grapes, gardeners have discovered a lot of advantages in it:
- unpretentiousness in planting, care, cultivation;
- high yield;
- good keeping quality and transportability of mature grapes with preservation of presentation and taste;
- distinctive taste characteristics inherent only to this variety;
- has high resistance to low temperatures;
- has immunity to many diseases characteristic of this culture;
- ease of reproduction;
- wide scope;
- relatively low calorie content in berries;
- decorative value of grapes.
But, in addition to the advantages, Isabella grapes also have some disadvantages:
- this variety is demanding on waterlogging or even a short drought. With excessive watering, the development of putrefactive diseases is likely. But the lack of moisture will affect the yield: an outwardly healthy vine can shed foliage and even brushes. The remaining berries become smaller, and when ripe, they acquire a sour, tart taste.
- grapes do not like too acidic and alkaline soils. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain the acid-base balance within the normal range.
- despite high immunity to many diseases, Isabella is prone to anthracnose lesions. To avoid damage to the vine, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatments twice a year, in spring and autumn;
- wine made from Isabella or its hybrids acquires an unpleasant, putrid odor after three years.
The peculiar taste and aroma of Isabella grapes, reminiscent of garden strawberries, are considered by growers to be a serious drawback. But some lovers of this noble drink like this variety precisely because of the presence of this distinctive quality.
Rules of landing and care
Isabella grape seedlings can be planted both in spring and early autumn. In autumn, the optimal planting time is the period in the first two decades of September. The main thing is that before the expected frosts in stock there should be at least 2-2,5 months for successful rooting.
In spring, Isabella grapes can be planted in open ground in early to mid-May. It is important that the threat of return spring frosts is over. But even if the air temperature suddenly drops, young plants need to provide shelter.
Choosing a suitable area
Isabella grapes, judging by the description of the variety, do not impose special requirements on the composition of the soil. This unpretentious culture grows well on sandy, clay and even poor soil. However, the ideal option is slightly acidic, fertile soil.
When choosing a suitable place for grapes, you need to focus on the fact that the ideal place for the future vineyard should be well ventilated and adequately illuminated by the sun. Ideally, the vine should face west or south.
It is undesirable to plant grape seedlings:
- near solid fences and walls;
- in areas with a high level of groundwater;
- in those places where rain and melt water stagnate;
- in areas with high acidity and alkalinity;
- in places heavily blown by piercing winds.
Do not plant grapes in places where water from the roofs will drip onto the vine. Also, you can not plant Isabella grapes near fruit trees. The minimum distance to garden crops should be at least 5-6 m. Growing, the vine can “strangle” the trees with its powerful roots.
How to choose the right seedlings
Before planting Isabella grape seedlings, it is important to know how to choose the right planting material. After all, the quality and quantity of the future harvest depends on it.
Annual grape seedlings tolerate transplanting more easily and take root faster. The following requirements are imposed on high-quality young shoots:
- the length of the shank is 20-35 cm;
- the length of the root system should be at least 10-15 cm;
- clean and uniform bark, without signs of damage, lesions and signs of disease;
- the presence of 3-5 healthy, well-developed kidneys;
- the color of the cut at the root of healthy seedlings is white, the color of the shoot is light green.
You need to purchase grape seedlings in specialized nurseries. If this is not possible, you can prepare planting material yourself.
When planting Isabella grapes, the following recommendations of experienced growers should be followed:
- the minimum distance between grape seedlings should be at least 1,5 m, row spacing – 2-2,5 m wide;
- 10-15 days before the proposed planting, the soil in the future vineyard must be carefully dug up, if necessary, apply mineral fertilizers;
- the optimal size of the landing pit is 80 cm X 80 cm X 80 cm;
- a drainage layer 10-12 cm thick at the bottom of the pit is required. Broken brick, small pebbles, expanded clay, crushed stone are suitable for this;
- for 20-25 cm, you need to pour a layer of soil mixed with rotted manure or compost in a ratio of 2: 1;
- then pour a layer of ordinary, garden soil, and make a small mound in the center of the pit;
- place the root system of the Isabella grape seedling on a mound, evenly spreading all the roots;
- fill in any voids in the hole by gently tamping the soil lightly. At the base of the shoot, compact the soil slightly, but without fanaticism, form a watering circle around the seedling;
- and the final part – abundant watering. Under each grape seedling, you need to pour at least 3-4 buckets of warm, settled water.
It is not recommended to thicken the landings. The root system of grapes grows very quickly, and after a while, neighboring vines will fight with each other for nutrients, which immediately affects the yield of the crop.
As you can see, growing Isabella grapes is not that difficult. In the future, you will have to provide appropriate care for the landings. And after 3-4 years you will be able to harvest the first harvest of delicious and fragrant grapes.
Further Care
The subsequent care of the grapes consists in performing the usual manipulations for each gardener:
- trellis installation;
- timely watering;
- regular feeding;
- seasonal pruning;
- if necessary, sheltering the vine for the winter.
A trellis for grapes must be installed without fail. The easiest option is supports with several rows of strong wire stretched, to which you will tie the vine, forming a bush.
Watering rules
Watering Isabella grapes after planting should be frequent and plentiful. This is necessary for the rapid rooting and growth of seedlings. Therefore, water the plants twice a week, pouring at least 1-2 buckets of water under each bush. But be careful not to over-moisten the soil. Prolonged and excessive soil moisture is no less harmful to grapes than drought.
Mature bushes should be watered as needed. The rate and pattern of irrigation needs to be changed. It is enough to water Isabella once a week, one bucket of water for a grape bush will be enough.
Please note that during the formation and active growth of berries, the soil in the vineyard should always be moist. It is advisable to water the grapes in the evening, after the heat subsides.
At the end of August, when the mass ripening of berries begins, and they change color, you need to stop watering so that the grape brushes ripen well and do not burst.
In autumn, after the entire crop is harvested, it is necessary to carry out pre-winter watering in the amount of 50-70 liters per bush to help the grapes recover after abundant fruiting and fully prepare for winter.
When, how and what to feed the vine
Isabella grapes grow very quickly and bear fruit abundantly, so it needs to be fed regularly. Once every 2-3 years, organic matter can be introduced into the soil no more than 1-1,5 kg per bush.
During the year, Isabella needs to be fed three times. The first dressing is in the spring. Water the grapes with a nitrogen-based solution – ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, or urea. Between the planned top dressing, you can water the berry crops with infusion of dandelion or nettle.
The second top dressing is during the period of active fruit formation. At this time, Isabella needs fertilizers based on phosphorus and potassium. For the third time, feed the grapes in the fall, after harvesting, with mineral complex fertilizers.
Vine growers begin to form a vine from the second year. However, in addition to spring and autumn pruning, the grapes must be thinned out before the clusters begin to ripen. Otherwise, the lack of sunlight will affect the quality of the crop. The brushes covered with leaves of Isabella grapes ripen longer, the sugar content in the berries is significantly reduced.
If desired, you can mulch the soil in the vineyard. This will help you keep the soil moist for a longer time.
For the winter, Isabella grapes are harvested and sheltered in regions where the thermometer in winter drops below -25˚С -28˚С. In areas with a warm climate, this grape variety is grown as a non-covering variety.
In general, Isabella is considered the most unpretentious culture among winegrowers.
Diseases and pests
According to the description of the variety and reviews, Isabella grapes are extremely rarely affected by diseases characteristic of this crop. Even to phylloxera, he has a fairly high immunity. The only thing that poses a danger to the vineyard is anthracnose. Therefore, do not forget about regular preventive treatments.
Pests also rarely appear on the vine. Insects are repelled by the nutmeg aroma contained in the skin of the berries. Even wasps and bees, lovers of sweets, fly around Isabella’s bushes.
However, birds are very fond of eating this grape variety. Therefore, take care of crop protection in advance. Thin mesh bags worn on ripening brushes help well.
An experienced grower presented in a video clip a visual description of the Isabella grape variety, its main characteristics and scope
Conclusion
As can be seen from the description of the variety, Isabella grapes are the most unpretentious and high-yielding variety. It is great for beginner growers. With minimal care, you can get a plentiful harvest of fragrant, tasty grapes and please loved ones with both fresh berries and preparations prepared with love and care.