Lily of the valley grapes

Lily of the valley is a fairly young grape variety. But at the same time, he has already managed to gain recognition among gardeners. Experts and amateurs alike appreciate it for its taste, large fruit size and appetizing appearance. It got its name for a delicate aroma that bears a resemblance to the spring lily of the valley.

Lily of the valley was created by an experienced Ukrainian winegrower-enthusiast V.V. Zagorulko. The novelty appeared when two popular varieties were successfully crossed: Radiant Kishmish and Talisman. Its author introduced the new hybrid form to winegrowers in 2012. The parental varieties shared their unique qualities with the hybrid grapes. From the Talisman, he got resistance to frosty weather, large-fruited and good immunity. Radiant kishmish shared with the fruit of selection the spectacular color of berries, pleasant taste and the ability to pollinate qualitatively. After conducting initial trials with preliminary confirmation of the indicated characteristics, the variety quickly became popular with gardeners. While it has not yet been fully studied, it is still being tested for survival in different climatic zones.

First of all, Lily of the Valley is intended for cultivation in the southern part of Russia, in the Stavropol and Kuban regions, in a favorable climate in Ukraine and Moldova. At the same time, Lily of the Valley grows well in central Russia and in the Moscow region.

The hybrid is characterized by strong growth. The vine gives strong and vigorous shoots. The dark green leaves are large, highly decorative. The hybrid will thrive both on spacious vineyards and on modest estates.

The vegetation period of Lily of the Valley is 125-135 days. The variety has an early to medium ripening period.

The shape of large clusters is elongated, cylindrical-conical, of moderately loose density. On average, a bunch gains 600 g. It can reach 1 kg with good care.

The grapes of this variety have yellow-lemon oval-cylindrical fruits. They reach a mass of 8-14 g. This is considered a gigantic size for grape fruits. On average, the diameter of the fruit exceeds 2 cm, and the length reaches 3.5 cm. The skin is dense, does not crack.

Taste qualities are peculiar, but harmonious. Feels nutmeg and lily of the valley color. Sommeliers note the presence of a white acacia flavor. Sugar accumulation is high - 190-220 g / dm3. Acidity 5-7 g / dm3. The pulp is fleshy and juicy. Sweetness with an unobtrusive sourness, juicy, with a delicate aroma of nutmeg.

The Lily of the Valley variety is valuable for its high and stable yield. In warm climates, the bunches are ready to be harvested in the 2-3 decade of August. In cooler climates, by mid-September. Ripe fruits of Lily of the Valley can hang uncut on the vine for a long time, keeping their fresh appearance. Up to 10 kg of berries are harvested from young bushes. Begins to bear fruit fully 3-4 years after planting. Harvesting is done on a sunny day, carefully cutting off the bunches from the bushes with a sharply sharpened pruner.

Caring for the hybrid variety Lily of the valley consists in performing basic agrotechnical procedures.

Successful cultivation requires healthy seedlings from specialized nurseries. There are no deadlines for planting the hybrid form. The place is chosen bright, well warmed by the sun and calm. Grapes grow successfully on the southern side of the site, protected from cold winds by a high wall. The soil requires light, permeable, black earth. If the site of the proposed landing is flooded, a device of a small hill is needed. If the groundwater level is higher than 2.5 m from the ground level, a drainage device will be required. A vigorous bush needs personal space for full growth.

A stable yield guarantees the presence of flowers of both sexes. High level of pollination. The Lily of the Valley bush is self-pollinated. It is possible that yields may decrease during the lingering rainy season.

Pruning at the level of 6-8 eyes is carried out 2 times a year. In the spring, they get rid of shoots that could not endure frost. After the autumn harvest, the shoots are cut into 8-10 eyes, cutting out the unripe sections of the vines.

Little is known about how the hybrid variety responds to drought. It is noted that without proper watering for a month, the leaves remain green, and the bunches remain unspoiled. The number of damaged berries does not exceed 1-2%. Bushes regularly require abundant watering. Especially during the dry season and when the buds are being tied. Mulching helps to retain moisture in the soil.

The first 2-3 years Lily of the valley has enough fertilizers applied during planting. In the spring, feeding with organic matter is shown, and in the fall the introduction of phosphorus-potassium compounds. Once within 3 years, fertilize with potassium magnesium. To increase sugar levels and overall yields.

Frost resistance up to –21 degrees is noted. Shelter is necessary when the air temperature drops below the specified values. Under a film shelter, Lily of the valley winters calmly at -30 degrees.

The variety marks resistance to pests and diseases. There are no unambiguous data on the susceptibility of the described hybrid form to powdery mildew and mildew, nevertheless, resistance to these diseases is estimated at 3.5 points. Research on this subject is ongoing. For prevention, grapes are processed three times for the entire season. Birds and wasps are greedy for ripe fruits. Spraying with chlorophos helps prevent spoilage in vineyards.

The harvested crop is stored in wooden boxes in a cool, ventilated area with moderate humidity. It is necessary to limit the flow of sunlight. Under proper conditions, the berries are stored until January.

Summarizing the reviews about the Lily of the Valley grape, some features can be noted.

Observing the planting rules, properly caring for the Lily of the Valley, you can harvest high yields of incredibly tasty fruits.

Lily of the valley cuttings are characterized by fast rooting and survival.

In general, the variety is promising for successful cultivation in summer cottages, as well as on an industrial scale.

Harvesting can be omitted immediately after ripening. But it is impossible to delay harvesting for a long time in order to preserve the taste and juicy consistency of the pulp.

Lily of the valley is good for fresh consumption, it makes delicious preserves, jams and juices.

Possesses a unique flavor that cannot be felt when using berries of other grape varieties.

It is still difficult to imagine how an unexplored variety will behave in a particular area.

It multiplies easily and shows high survival rate.

Currently, the young hybrid is beginning to enjoy increased popularity.