Lancelot grape

The Lancelot variety is characterized by winegrowers as a reliable hybrid that yields stable generous yields. This variety is successfully cultivated in many countries, in private plots and large industrial vineyards. The disadvantages of this table grapes are practically not revealed, but the advantages are not counted. The decorativeness of the bush itself deserves attention.

Lancelot table grapes were bred by scientists about 15 years ago within the walls of the V.I. Potapenko Y. I. in Novocherkassk, Russia. Appeared when the parental pair crossed the Gift from Zaporozhye and (Ecstasy + FV-3-1). Synonyms of the name IV – 11-3-6.

The first trials of the new variety were carried out in the southern part of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. Then the variety was gradually moved closer to the central regions. Lancelot has a good survival rate in almost any conditions. The hybrid can even be grown in the harsh Siberian conditions and in the Urals.

The bush is powerful, begins to bear fruit in the third year. It is distinguished by its tallness and rather rapid development. The vine is flexible, brown with a red tint. An adult bush can withstand loads of up to 50 kg or more. Leaves are medium in size, slightly dissected, dark green in color. Excellent ripening of shoots.

A mid-early ripening hybrid, the period from budding to cutting is 125–130 days.

Dense clusters of wide conical shape weigh from 900 g to 1.2 kg. Under certain conditions, they can reach a mass of 3 kg. They have a high presentation. The density of the bunches is a definite disadvantage of the variety. And the more mature the bush, the denser the clusters. Thinning of berries is necessary. If carried out in a timely manner, the clusters turn out to be very beautiful and marketable.

The berries are large, milky white, in the sun with a tan. A dense, fleshy pulp is hidden under the dense and strong skin. The shape is oval. The weight of one berry is 12-14 g. After the rain, the berries do not crack. In the sun, a tanned blush forms on the shell of the berries, which slightly spoils the marketability of the brushes.

The berries have a harmonious taste. The acid level per 1 liter of juice does not exceed 7 g. Sugar content 170-190 g / dm3.

The creation of powerful arched bushes helps to improve the characteristics of the variety, the fruitfulness of the buds and the yield. Lancelot has a very strong growth force and is an excellent option for braiding arbors and pergolas.

Saplings should be strong, from 50 cm in length with a developed, healthy root system. In preparation for planting, the stem must be shortened to 3-4 eyes, and the root to 10-15 cm.So that the berries do not get sunburn and do not lose their visual appeal, do not cut off the foliage shading the bunches. The sun is especially dangerous when berries are poured. The hybrid has very few downsides.

For planting, the place should be open, well warmed up by the sun's rays, and windless. The soil needs permeable and fertile. It is recommended to run the vine along the trellis. It ripens well, and the cuttings take root easily. Planting the Lancelot hybrid is usually carried out in the spring, when the risk of return frosts is minimal, and in the autumn, from mid-September until the arrival of hard frosts.

Care for the Lancelot variety is quite standard. As a cover crop, it is grown only in regions where the temperature does not drop below -24 degrees in winter, but there is practically no snow. The branches of an adult vineyard are bent to the ground as far as possible, wrapped or covered with polyethylene (on arches).

The flowers of the culture are bisexual, so it bears fruit well without pollinating varieties.

To get a good yield, a long pruning of fruit vines with 10-12 eyes is recommended. The main pruning is carried out in the fall at the end of the leaf fall, and with the arrival of spring, the frozen branches are removed. It is recommended to leave 3-8 sleeves on each bush.

The first watering is done at planting (3 buckets per bush). The next one - before flowering and immediately after its end, the amount of water is 15 liters. The need for moisture appears during dry periods. Extreme watering will be needed before wintering, before leaf fall, when the entire crop is harvested. Per sq. m of land are poured out 100 liters of water. The procedure is carried out in several stages so that moisture is gradually absorbed into the soil. In the spring and 2-3 times more during the growing season, the bushes must be mulched with straw, tops of garden plants, ash, dry foliage or peat.

Before the beginning of fruiting, the culture does not need to be additionally fertilized, then once every 2 or 3 years, the bush is fed with organic or mineral fertilizers, as well as fertilizing with nitrogen. After flowering, the plant needs phosphorus-potassium mixtures or compost and humus. Up to 6 kg of organic matter (per square meter) is applied under an adult bush, and half as much under a young plant.

Without shelter, the bush is able to withstand frosts up to 24 degrees. According to the experience of some gardeners, under a good snow cover, Lancelot can withstand a short-term drop in temperature to -27 degrees. The plant does not tolerate significant cooling in the early stages of development. In the first year, it must be covered with a bulky container, completely covered with earth or sand.

The Lancelot variety has a high resistance to fungal diseases. Growers recommend annually carrying out protective treatment of the bushes in the period before and after flowering, as well as when the size of the berries reaches the diameter of a pea. Of the pests, the danger for him is from passerine attacks, and from the wasps it is not necessary to wait for an attack because of the dense skin of the fruit. Various noisy devices help against sparrows.

The brush is well tolerated, only overripe berries fall off. Lancelot has very high product characteristics. It is often grown for sale. The bunches are stored in a cool place for 2.5 months without losing their appearance and taste.