Content
Modern hybrids are very actively replacing old grape varieties, and these are becoming less and less every year. The Taifi grape is considered one of the most ancient varieties, because the first mention of it dates back to the seventh century. Oriental grape variety, came to Europe from Arab countries. This crop has two varieties: white and pink grapes. Taifi Pink has become very popular and widespread, so this particular variety will be discussed further. This species has many advantages, and the main ones are considered to be the wonderful taste of the berries and the attractive appearance of the bunches. Winegrowers from Russia may face a number of difficulties when growing Taifi, because this variety is oriental and loves warmth and sun very much.
A detailed description of Taifi Pink grapes with photos and reviews is given in this article. Here you will be told about the advantages and disadvantages of Taifi, about the rules for its cultivation and the necessary care.
Species characteristics
The "journey" of Taifi grapes from Samarkand and Bukhara (his homeland) around the world was long. Not on all continents and not in all countries, this variety has taken root and was able to exist. For normal development and fruiting, the vine needs a warm, and even hot climate, a lot of sun, and a long summer.
The most suitable for the eastern Taifi were the lands of Crimea, Georgia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Dagestan. There the grapes received other names, and today the vine of this variety can be bought under such names as Gissori, Taifi-Surykh, Toipi-Kyzyl.
The Taifi Pink grape is a table species and belongs to the group of oriental hybrids and varieties. The description of the variety is as follows:
- plant with vigorous bushes and tall shoots;
- the ripening period of the crop is late - from the moment the buds open in the spring to the technical maturity of the berries, 165-170 days should pass;
- young shoots have a dark crimson border, they are weakly colored and have crowns with slight pubescence (this information will be useful to those who want to purchase a seedling of this variety for the first time);
- fully ripe vines and annual shoots are colored red-brown;
- shoots of grapes ripen well, are distinguished by strong growth;
- the percentage of fruiting shoots reaches 80, ovaries can form even on stepsons;
- the leaves of Taifi Pink are large, five-lobed, their shape is elongated, oval;
- the lower part of the leaf is usually covered with a small fluff, but it can also be absolutely smooth;
- the flowers of Taifi Pink are bisexual, which greatly facilitates their pollination and has a beneficial effect on the yield of grapes;
- the bunch of grapes is very large, loose with a large number of lateral blades;
- the average mass of a bunch ranges from 700 to 1500 kg (there are grape clusters weighing about two kilograms);
- the shape of the bunch in Taifi Pink is cylinro-conical or conical;
- the stem of the grape cluster is long, lignified at the base;
- the berries of the oriental variety are very large, their weight is usually 7-9 grams;
- the shape of the berries is oval or cylindrical; the fruit is distinguished from other varieties by a noticeably beveled top;
- in length, the berry can reach three centimeters, the standard size is 2.3-2.8 cm;
- at the stage of full ripening, the berries of the Pink Taifi are very bright in color: from dark pink to reddish and purple;
- the skin of the berry is covered with a small waxy coating, tiny dark spots are visible on it;
- the skin on the fruits of Taifi is dense, thick, its inner side has a rich red tint;
- the pulp is crispy, dense, juicy, fleshy;
- the taste of Taifi Rose is excellent, very sweet, harmonious (this grape is highly valued by tasters);
- sugar content - 17.2%, acidity is 6.4 g / l, calorie content - 65 kcal per 100 grams (which is much less than most hybrids and grape varieties);
- when ripe, the fruits do not crumble, do not overripe (on the contrary, the longer the bunch is on the vine, the tastier the grapes);
- the Taifi grape variety can be stored for a very long time (in the refrigerator, the bunches will last until spring);
- fruits tolerate transportation well, have a high market value;
- Taifi Pink grapes are very unpretentious to the composition of the soil; it can be grown on poor and saline soils;
- the variety is unstable to low temperatures, does not tolerate sudden temperature changes;
- the immunity to diseases characteristic of grapes in Taifi the Rose is poor;
- the yield of the variety is high - about 20 tons of fruit can be harvested from a hectare of vineyards.
However, it cannot be said that the presence of seeds is a disadvantage of Taifi. This grape is highly valued for its dietary and medicinal properties; it is recommended to eat it together with the peel and seeds, since each part of the berry contains its own vitamins and useful microelements.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any cultivated plant, the Taifi grape has its own strengths and weaknesses. Connoisseurs of this variety love it for the following qualities:
- excellent taste and high nutritional value;
- excellent presentation (which is confirmed by photos of berries and bunches);
- the possibility of long-term storage (for several months!) without losing the taste and attractiveness of the crop;
- high productivity;
- fertility of the vine and its rapid growth;
- the possibility of growing on salty and arid soils.
You can use Taifi grapes as you like: they eat it fresh, prepare juices (the juice, by the way, turns out to be transparent) and wines, make various sauces and marinades based on berries, dry the fruits and get the best raisins in the world.
Ancient Gissori also has drawbacks, and they are quite serious. Therefore, a grower before buying cuttings should think carefully, weigh the pros and cons. The disadvantages of the variety are:
- poor frost resistance;
- deterioration in the taste of berries with a lack of sun;
- intolerance to temperature fluctuations;
- Typhi's predisposition to diseases such as spider mites, mildew, oidium, powdery mildew.
Despite all the listed disadvantages, reviews of the Taifi grapes are mostly positive. All the disadvantages of Gissori are covered by its positive qualities. In addition, the usually experienced growers are ready for any kind of specialty.
Agricultural rules
It is, in principle, easy to grow the Taifi Pink variety - this grape is unpretentious. The only thing that a vine needs for normal development is a suitable climate. Given the low frost resistance of the variety, its love of the sun and long growing season, Taifi grapes are not recommended to be grown in temperate climates.
Landing
Cuttings of the Taifi Pink variety are distinguished by strong growth and good survival rate. Usually there are no problems with planting this variety. For grapes, it is recommended to choose a plot on the south or south-west side, to place the vine near the wall of a house, outbuilding, capital fence.
The distance between adjacent bushes should be at least three meters - you should take into account the high height of the bushes and their spreading. Planting holes can be prepared six months before planting, or at least a couple of weeks. The depth of the hole should be at least 50 cm, and its diameter should be about 60 cm.
The bottom of the planting pit is lined with drainage material, and a layer of river sand is poured on top. The extracted soil should be mixed with fertilizers. For Taifi grapes, a lot of fertilizer is not required, a bucket of humus and a liter of wood ash are enough.
After a couple of weeks, the fertilizers will be compacted, and you can start planting. It is recommended to soak the cuttings in water or in a growth stimulator for a couple of days. Immediately after planting, it is necessary to install a support near the cutting, since the vine of this grape is very tall.
Care
Compared to local varieties, Eastern Taifi is more capricious and demanding, therefore, you need to take care of it a little differently:
- The variety is very fond of water (although it normally tolerates periods of drought), therefore water the vine will have to often. It is most convenient to use special drip irrigation systems for irrigation. If there are no such systems, the grapes are watered at the root. Watering is especially important before flowering and immediately after flowering.
- Feed Typhi Pink is rarely needed. In the fall, you can use organic matter in the form of compost, humus, wood ash, cow dung or bird droppings. During the summer season, the variety responds well to potassium-phosphorus fertilization, which is performed after the flowering of the vine.
- The soil around the vine is needed regularly loosen... The work of the grower can significantly facilitate mulch. Organic mulch protects the soil from drying out and fertilizes the soil at the same time.
- Trim Taifi Pink is possible in spring or autumn when the vine is in a state of "sleep". Fan pruning is recommended for this variety. You need to trim it into three or four sleeves according to the principle of medium trimming (leaving 5-6 buds on each shoot). To increase yields, you can try long pruning with 7-8 buds. Large grapes do not tolerate excessive stress, therefore rationing in this case plays a significant role.
- Due to the disposition of Taifi to disease, several times per season will have to be spent preventive treatment vines. The bushes should be sprayed before flowering and immediately after flowering ends. Especially often these grapes are affected by fungal infections, so the use of insecticides is imperative.
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Conclusion
Taifi Pink grapes are perfect for lovers of Asian varieties, large-fruited and very sweet.This variety does not take root everywhere, it is afraid of the cold, does not like shade and temperature changes. But Gissori tolerates drought well, can grow on scarce soils, and gives very high yields. Ripe bunches have a marketable appearance, tolerate transportation well and can be stored for a long time.
It is not difficult to grow oriental grapes, you just need to create suitable conditions for it.