Rochefort grape: grape variety
Rochefort is a hybrid variety, the result of the labors of amateur breeder Yevgeny Pavlovsky. It appeared relatively recently by a complex method of pollination of the Cardinal variety. Due to its taste and unpretentiousness in cultivation, it has already become widely known and loved by gardeners.
Rochefort grape variety: description
Outwardly, it looks very attractive and has a high marketability. In addition, the bunches are well adapted for transportation – the fruits do not crack and are stored for a long time.
Rochefort grapes ripen early and have good taste
The plant has the following characteristics:
- The berries are round or slightly elongated. As they mature, they change color from red to purple. Overripe berries become almost black.
- The peel is strong, protects the fruit well from insects and external damage, but at the same time it is not felt while eating.
- The pulp has a dense consistency, a tangible nutmeg flavor. In general, the taste is pleasant and harmonious due to a rather high sugar content – 15% and low acidity – 4-5 g / l.
- Bunches of medium size, conical shape, weighing 500-900 g.
- Bushes grow rapidly. Flowering is late, so it does not fall under spring frosts. The flowers are bisexual, well pollinated and do not require any additional manipulations.
One of the advantages of this variety is its early maturity. In this he was ahead of even his progenitor, keeping pace in 105-110 days from the moment of budding. But his yield is low – up to 7 kg of berries is produced by one bush.
If you decide to acquire this grape variety in your garden, you will need the following care information:
- The plant has good frost resistance – it tolerates cold temperatures down to –23 ° С. In the southern regions it can winter without shelter. In the middle lane, before the onset of winter, the vines should be untied from the supports and laid on the ground. Spruce branches, sawdust, agrofibre are used as a covering material. The harsher the climate, the more cover is required.
- It has an average resistance to fungal diseases, it requires 2-3 preventive spraying per season. It is often affected by root phylloxera.
- For planting, you should choose a warm place, open to light, but protected from the wind.
- An adult plant must be pruned in a timely manner so that the shoots do not overload the bush. We leave them no more than 24 pieces per plant. The shoot is cut into 8 eyes.
Cuttings root well and develop quickly. Rochefort can also be grafted, usually a phylloxera-resistant variety is used as a rootstock.
With minimal maintenance, this grape delights with large and sweet berries. You can also improve the yield by applying dressings, they should be introduced into the soil to a plant that has completely entered the fruiting period.