Chameleon grape

Chameleon grapes are a hybrid form of ultra-early ripening. Belongs to the group of table varieties.

Ukrainian amateur breeder Nikolai Pavlovich Vishnevetsky has created high-yielding grape varieties with excellent quality berries, suitable for growing in the area where he lives. The Chameleon grape is one such variety. Bred by crossing the varieties Atlant Zaporozhsky, Glasha, Arcadia, Kishmish radiant.

Chameleon bushes are tall (up to 2 meters), vigorous, spreading. Not every grape variety has such luxurious bushes with a dark green crown and gorgeous multi-colored bunches. Intense shoot growth requires regular pruning.

Chameleon is a very early variety, it ripens in 100-110 days from the opening of the leaves. This is an approximate ripening period, it depends on weather conditions in a particular season, growing conditions, climatic zone, care.

The Chameleon has large, weighty clusters of regular conical shape weighing 1000-1500 g, and with especially favorable weather and correct agricultural technology, they can reach 2000 g. The average length of a bunch is 30-35 cm.

Large berries weighing 12-14 g are densely packed in clusters. The skin is firm, edible, crunchy when bitten. The color of berries is light pink, amber-yellow, orange-red, golden-beige and other shades of color, which creates an incomparable presentation of the product. For this feature, the variety got its name.

The color of the fruit does not affect the taste. Green berries slowly gain color, but at the end of the ripening period, even being greenish, they already have an excellent harmonious taste. The berries are tender, sweet, almost no sourness is felt. The ratio of sugars and acids significantly outweighs in the direction of sugar (sugar up to 22-24%, acid 5-6 g / l).

Chameleon is characterized by a high stable yield of more than 30 kg per bush. On fertile soils, under favorable conditions, large adult bushes can produce up to 50 kg.

The best place to grow is a sunny area on the south side of the site without cold winds. The chameleon will grow on almost any soil, only heavy ones are not suitable. It is preferable to cultivate this variety on neutral acidic soil without high groundwater. This will greatly simplify the care of the plantings.

Chameleon seedlings can be planted both in spring and autumn, but April is considered the best time. Over the summer, young bushes will get stronger and winter successfully.The selection of seedlings and planting techniques are carried out in accordance with the general recommendations of specialists. An indispensable condition is the distance between the bushes of at least 3 meters, sufficient for the growth of powerful bushes of this variety.

Bisexual flowers provide self-pollination of Chameleon grapes. Suitable for cross-pollination of neighboring bushes of other varieties, which increases the quality of fruits and the yield of plantations.

Removing stepchildren and thinning the shoots is a must for the wildly growing chameleon bushes during the growing season. Spring pruning sets the crop load on the bushes. 4-6 eyes are left on the shoots. If you set the load more (up to 8-10 eyes), then the bushes will normally endure the overload, but the ripening period will be delayed. Autumn pruning prepares plantings for winter: weak and broken branches, incorrectly directed shoots, extra buds are cut out.

The chameleon can withstand frosts down to -23? С. It is possible to grow without shelter only in the southern regions. In mid-latitudes and in more northern regions, vineyards need to be covered for the winter.

Resistance to diseases and pests is good, practically not affected by gray rot. Against mildew and powdery mildew, standard prophylactic fungicide treatments are recommended in strict accordance with the instructions, and plantings will remain healthy.

Chameleon grapes are suitable for long-term storage and transportation over long distances. The berries are firmly attached to the hands. The first bunches are cut in August, but you can leave the harvest on the bushes until October. The berries will not crack, and the color and taste will become more pronounced.

Winegrowers characterize Chameleon only with positive reviews:

• very early ripening period;

• high productivity;

• sweet taste;

• large berries without cracking;

• excellent presentation;

• long-term storage without loss of quality;

• good transportability;

• easy care;

• quick survival of seedlings;

• disease resistance;

• sufficient frost resistance;

• beautiful landings.

No significant shortcomings were noticed.