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At the word grapes, many gardeners of temperate latitudes still imagine mainly luxurious fruit-bearing vines of the southern regions. And if grapes grow on someone’s plot in the middle lane, then powerful shoots of Amur or girl’s grapes appear to the imagination, which perfectly serves to decorate walls or fences. It is quite difficult to imagine grapes that bring berries of a good dessert taste in the middle lane, and this fact seems incredible even for sophisticated gardeners. However, this is made possible by the emergence in recent years of new ultra-early hybrid forms of grapes, the ripening time of which is already approaching 100 days and may even be even shorter.
Such characteristics have, for example, judging by its description of the variety and reviews about it, Rhombic grapes, the photo of which you can see below.
Actually, it is not yet a variety, but it is more correct to call it a hybrid form of grapes that is being tested. Since it appeared almost a few years ago, it has not yet had time to become widespread among gardeners, although it has interested many enthusiastic winegrowers with its interesting characteristics.
The history of the origin of the variety and its description
Rhombic grapes are the creation of the famous breeder-grower Evgeny Georgievich Pavlovsky. Being engaged in viticulture since 1985, he brought out dozens of the most diverse and interesting hybrid forms, many of which have been tested and grow in private and industrial gardens.
Perhaps the main advantage of this hybrid form is its ultra-early ripening time. Grapes begin to ripen within 80-90 days after the start of the growing season. Even experienced growers hardly believe in this, however, this fact has already been confirmed by many gardeners. Many growers confirm that by the very beginning of August, the bunches of grapes not only have time to fully ripen, but even slightly overripe on the bushes and begin to raisin. The video below clearly illustrates this fact.
And the ripening of bunches of Rhombic grapes begins in mid-July. In some southern regions, ripening dates may even shift to the beginning of July.
Grape bushes of this form have a strong growth energy, are distinguished by the massive size of the bushes, the shoots are well branched. To avoid overloading the bushes with a crop, it is necessary to normalize the inflorescences. A maximum of two brushes can be left on one vine.
The vine has time to fully mature to its full length during the growing season. The cuttings of this grape form have good rooting.
Fruits can be left hanging on the vine even after ripening. They begin to dry directly on the bush and gradually turn into raisins. Some people like this taste of grapes even more than fresh. They consider it more delicacy and spicy.
Regarding damage by wasps, the reviews of winegrowers differ – some claim that they use a protective net from wasps, while others claim that this hybrid form of grapes is practically not damaged by wasps.
Regarding the yield, it is stated in the description that Rhombic is a high-yielding form, but so far no one has been able to provide verified clear data on this matter.
This hybrid form is highly frost-resistant, the bushes can withstand up to -23 ° C. This fact may contribute to the distribution of Rhombic grapes in relatively more northern latitudes. Although it is necessary to cover it for the winter. But due to early ripening, it will have time to ripen at the latitude of the Moscow region and even to the north.
This hybrid form of grapes is characterized by a fairly high resistance to many diseases characteristic of grapes, which is confirmed by numerous reviews. Therefore, treatment against diseases can be exclusively preventive in nature.
Fruit Characteristics
This hybrid form of grapes got its name for the original form of the fruit, which is, in a sense, unique. But this grape has other characteristics that distinguish it from other forms.
- The brushes are characterized by a fairly regular conical shape, while the friability of the clusters is medium. That is, it cannot be said that the berries in the bunches were tightly packed to each other, but they do not have the ability to crumble in their hands, but keep their shape quite well. This is very convenient for harvesting, since the brushes, after being removed from the vine, optimally fit into the prepared container.
- The size of the brushes is quite large – the weight of each averages from 500 to 1000 grams.
- A feature of this form of grapes is the strong attachment of the berries to the brush, due to this, you can not be afraid of spilling or falling off the berries during the ripening process.
- The berries are quite large, each weighing from 10 to 15 grams and even more.
- The shape of the berries, as the name implies, really resembles a rhombus slightly smoothed at the corners.
- The berries turn dark purple when ripe, and later become almost black.
- The berries contain a small amount of seeds.
- The skin is quite thin, it is not felt at all when eating.
- The flesh is also dark and attractively crunchy.
- The taste of grapes is moderately sweet, harmonious with very original fruit shades.
- Rhombic grape berries are characterized by good commercial qualities and are quite suitable for transportation.
- Cracking of berries is usually not observed.
Advantages and disadvantages
Of course, the main advantage of this form of grapes, as noted above, is its ultra-early ripening. There are also other benefits that allow growers to turn their attention to Rhombic.
- Attractive appearance of berries and atypical taste;
- High resistance to diseases;
- Transport endurance.
Among the shortcomings, only the relative youth of the hybrid can be noted, which does not allow giving stable recommendations for its cultivation. Some growers also note the insufficient sugar content of the berries and small brushes.
Reviews of gardeners
Since the Rhombic grape form has appeared quite recently, there are still few full reviews about this hybrid, but in general, gardeners confirm the stated characteristics, especially early ripening.
Conclusion
Rhombic grapes will be a real find for beginner winegrowers who live north of the Rostov region. With high disease resistance, very early ripening and unconventional sweet taste, it will decorate any home garden.
