Grape variety Jupiter: description, advantages and disadvantages, growing technology

Grapes are an indispensable attribute of summer and autumn, along with melons and watermelons. Many gardeners prefer store-bought fruits and berries grown on their own plot. It is important to choose a variety that is suitable for growing in a particular region. Next, let's look at the popular and versatile Jupiter grape. Let's find out its advantages and disadvantages, rules of cultivation and care.

Features of Jupiter grapes

Grapes Jupiter - raisins, that is, small seedless grapes. It belongs to the seedless table varieties, suitable for growing in temperate climates. It bears fruit in the second or third year of planting, depending on the growing region. It is distinguished by juicy pulp and attractive commercial qualities.

The flowers are self-pollinating, bisexual - do not require additional pollination by insects. Of all shoots, 75% are fruitful. The leaves are medium-sized with jagged edges, light green, smooth. Jupiter bushes are medium-sized, the root system is powerful.

Brief history of origin and distribution

Jupiter grapes appeared thanks to the works of the American breeder D. Clark in 1998.

Initially, he recommended growing it only in the United States. However, already in the early 2000s, this variety gained fame throughout the world. Gardeners and agricultural technicians have found the grapes to be tasty, frost-resistant and easy to care for.

Characteristics and description of the variety

Before planting Jupiter grapes, it is recommended to study its characteristics, planting and care rules. Despite the fact that the variety is unpretentious, it is important to learn the basic agrotechnical nuances and recommendations.

The crop ripens in clusters, the weight of one varies from 300 to 600 g. The clusters are compact and neat - the berries fit tightly to each other. The weight of one is about 4 g, the color during ripening is deep blue. The taste is moderately sweet, not bitter or sour. The aroma is pleasant, with notes of nutmeg. The pulp is not watery, the structure of the berry is elastic.

The growing season varies from 100 to 125 days depending on the region of cultivation, care, and fertilizers applied.

Jupiter's yield is stable - about 5 kg per bush over the summer.

Resistance to diseases, pests and weather conditions

Thanks to the dense peel, the grapes are protected from being eaten by insects - itching, spider mites, and leaf rollers rarely get to small berries. The same applies to diseases - Jupiter has strong immunity to fungal, viral, and bacterial diseases.

However, with improper care and high humidity, elementosis can develop - a non-infectious disease that occurs due to a lack of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). Yellow spots and ulcers appear on the leaves, and young shoots dry out.

Attention! Despite the low immunity of Jupiter grapes, preventive measures to protect against diseases and pests are never superfluous. Before planting bushes, gardeners collect and burn all last year's foliage and regularly treat the seedlings with antifungal drugs - a solution of Bordeaux mixture or copper sulfate.

Jupiter does not tolerate frost well, so gardeners install trellises or arcs near the bushes on which they stretch the film. This kind of greenhouse protects the plant from heavy rains, frosts and winds. Young plantings especially need protection.

Another effective remedy is agrofibre. This is a special material that protects the plant from thunderstorms, fog, hail, cold, and pests. Eco-friendly propylene, unlike film, creates a special microclimate and supports air exchange. Agrofibre is sold in specialized stores for gardeners.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

The advantages include early ripening, ease of care, and rapid adaptation of the variety to any climatic conditions. Jupiter shows stable and high yields, the grapes are universal in use and have high taste. It is valued for its marketable appearance and the berries’ resistance to cracking and spoilage.

Disadvantages include crumbling when overripe. If you do not remove the bunches from the branch in time, the berries will end up on the ground.

Growing technology

The technology of planting and growing does not require a gardener to have extensive experience and specialized knowledge. Below are the main recommendations.

Optimal conditions

For Jupiter, choose sunny and wind-protected areas. It is recommended to choose places with loose soil, giving preference to loamy and sandy loam mixtures. The soil should be light, with neutral acidity.

In the northern regions, the soil is pre-fertilized with mullein infusion, compost or sawdust. This increases its fertile qualities and has a positive effect on the development of seedlings.

Attention! The grapes do not take root well in swampy areas with high humidity. There should be no reservoirs or groundwater nearby.

Landing dates and rules

Grapes are planted in spring or summer. Spring planting occurs in April - May and is more popular among gardeners. Over the summer, the plant takes root in the ground; the warm climate has a beneficial effect on its rapid development. If planted at the end of September and before mid-October, preliminary measures are taken to disinfect the soil.

The area is cleared of debris, last year's leaves and weeds. The soil is dug up onto the handle of a shovel and holes are prepared at a distance of at least 3 m from each other. Crushed stone is placed at the bottom of the hole, soil is sprinkled on top - the crushed stone should not come into contact with the roots.

The seedlings are soaked in the Kornevin solution for a day, then placed in a hole, sprinkled with earth on all sides and watered with warm water. After planting, a wooden peg is placed nearby to secure the plant in the future.

Further care

To form a full-fledged harvest, gardeners monitor the moisture level. Water the grapes at the moment of bud break and flowering. The water should be warm, because cold water leads to fungal and viral diseases. Along with each watering, the soil is loosened - this feeds the roots with oxygen.

Bindweeds often grow near the grapes. It is recommended to remove any weeds immediately. Weeds negatively affect plant microflora and provoke the appearance of insect pests. In addition, it is important to apply mineral and organic fertilizers - urea, potassium sulfate, superphosphate, ammonium nitrate. Each element is diluted in water and mixed.

Attention! Gardeners use foliar fertilizers along with root fertilizers.Their purpose is protection from diseases and insects. The first foliar feeding is carried out before flowering with boric acid and urea in a ratio of 50:5. Dilute in 10 liters of water, filter and spray the bushes.

Possible problems, diseases, pests

Due to frequent rains, grapes may develop downy mildew. This is one of the most harmful fungal diseases that can destroy the entire crop. Spots appear on the leaves and shoots, and the plant withers before our eyes. To prevent powdery mildew, gardeners cover grapes with agrofibre, regularly mulch the soil, process planting with fungicides.

Among the pests, the appearance of spider mites is noted. Miniature bugs and a white coating - cobwebs - appear on the leaves. A mite sucks from a plant juice and nutritional elements. If treatment measures are not taken in time, the grapes die.

Also, due to a lack of mineral components, phylloxera appears. Green and yellow aphids attack leaves and root systems; both larvae and adults are dangerous. Phylloxera appears especially often in rocky and slate soils.

Attention! An excess of mineral fertilizers negatively affects the development of Jupiter grapes. This leads to chemical burns of the leaves and excessive oxidation of the soil. Experienced gardeners monitor the schedule and amount of fertilizing applied.

Wintering

Jupiter, like most varieties, needs additional protection in winter. Particular attention is paid to bushes in the first 5-7 years. Coniferous branches, sawdust and reeds are used for shelter.

In addition to keeping you warm, these natural materials repel rodents and other pests. Sawdust and branches are placed next to the bush, and vines tied into a bunch are placed on top.They are attached to the ground with thick wire, and another layer of branches or reeds is placed on top. The final stage is to sprinkle a 40 cm layer of soil.

Attention! Gardeners determine the timing of covering bushes independently. As a rule, this is the period from the beginning of leaf fall until the first frost.

Features of growing the Jupiter variety depending on the region

In regions with a changeable climate, it is recommended to pay special attention to fertilizing. It is organic and mineral substances that strengthen the plant’s immunity and protect it from sudden temperature changes.

Gardeners fertilize the grapes with dry wood ash and spray them with a solution of copper sulfate. They also use ready-made mixtures and preparations - “Rastvorin”, “Kornevin”, “Aquarin”, “Novofert”. They improve the permeability of the soil, making it lighter and more useful.

Attention! The garden cannot be done without fertilizing with manure. It saturates the grapes with calcium, nitrogen and potassium. Grooves 30 cm deep are dug around each bush. This way the plants absorb and absorb nutrients faster.

In regions with high humidity, it is not recommended to get carried away with watering. The soil is moistened 1-2 times a month. Do this in the morning or evening to avoid sunburn. In the summer, the drug “Ovary” is applied - potassium-phosphorus fertilizer stimulates the development of berries.

Harvesting and application

The ripeness of Jupiter is determined by its soft flesh and blue-saturated hue. The stems of the bunches become harder, and a faint waxy coating appears on the berries.

Grapes are harvested in dry weather. For cleaning, use a garden knife or scissors. The cut bunches are placed in boxes or buckets with the stalks up on dry paper or newspapers.

If there are spoiled berries in the bunch, they are carefully picked and thrown away. The rest of the crop is placed in a dry place for 1-2 days. Store it on slats or lay it out in one row on clean and dry shelves.

Jupiter grapes are universal in use — it makes delicious and healthy fruit salads, snacks, and canapés. Housewives process the harvest and stock up on preparations for the winter - they cook compotes, jelly, juice, and jam.

The juicy pulp of the berries goes harmoniously with chicken breast, walnuts, cheese, figs, and arugula. These ingredients are used to prepare nutritious and dietary salads.

Reproduction

Grapes are propagated in several ways. The most common is using cuttings. They are harvested during the autumn trimmings - during this period the shoots are already hard and mature. It is recommended to pay attention to cuttings from the middle part of the vine - they are cut with 5-6 eyes. The thickness of the cutting must be at least 6 mm.

Cuttings can be stored at home in the refrigerator or in a cool, clean basement. They are placed in a thick plastic bag, leaving only the top outside.

The second method is propagation by green cuttings. The gardener does not have to stock up on them at home and organize storage. However, green cuttings are only suitable for regions with warm climates and fertile soils. In other climatic conditions they do not take root.

Reviews

Experienced gardeners who have already grown bushes of this sultana on their site speak about the strengths and weaknesses of the Jupiter variety.

Maria, Moscow: “I love Jupiter grapes! I've been growing it for five years now, and I'm very pleased. It doesn't cause any trouble in caring for it - I just water, tie up and feed the plants. The berries are beautiful and appetizing and can be stored for a long time.Autumn tastes sweet and juicy, we love to eat them with the whole family.”

Oleg, Krasnodar: “I rate Jupiter grapes as a 4.” I like its presentation and taste - the berries do not sour and rarely spoil after harvest. Among the minuses, I would note the average resistance to pests - for example, last year Jupiter was attacked by spider mites.”

Alexandra, Orenburg: “I planted Jupiter grapes on the recommendation of a neighbor. I can’t say that I was satisfied with the fruit qualities - the berries, for my taste, are sweet and sour. Care is the same as for other varieties. Productivity is below average."

Conclusion

Jupiter grapes are chosen by gardeners in Siberia, the Moscow region, and the Urals. The guarantee of a rich and tasty harvest is proper planting and care.

Grapes are planted in spacious areas and covered with agrofibre, sawdust and pine branches to protect them from bad weather and pests. Harvest as it ripens, paying attention to the color and shape of the berries. They are used fresh or processed into drinks, salads, desserts and snacks.