Due to its high taste, large fruit and decent appearance, Lily of the Valley grapes have received recognition from gardeners in a matter of years. Let's find out why this crop is interesting and is it suitable for growing in our climate?
grape variety "Lily of the valley"
Lily of the Valley grapes form fairly large and lush clusters
sweet berries of the Lily of the Valley grapes have a very persistent and pleasant nutmeg flavor
History of the variety
The famous Ukrainian amateur breeder V.V. Zagorulko worked on the creation of Lily of the Valley grapes. Grape growers became aware of this hybrid form, created by crossing the Kishmish radiant and Talisman varieties, in 2012.
To obtain new grapes with unique qualities, the breeder used the following characteristics of the parent varieties:
- Talisman (bearer of female flowers) – large-fruited, resistant to low temperatures, diseases and pests.
- Kishmish radiata (well-developed male flowers) - beautiful coloring of berries and wonderful taste, but most importantly - it is an excellent pollinator.
After carrying out the first necessary tests and preliminary confirmation of the declared characteristics, the variety quickly gains popularity among gardeners. This is facilitated by both the positive growing experience and the high characteristics of the grapes.
Due to its novelty, the variety has not yet been fully studied, and at the moment it is being further tested in different climatic zones.
General description of the variety
This table grape variety is valued primarily for its taste and attractive appearance of the bunches. Lily of the valley is suitable for fresh consumption. Of course, grapes add amazing flavor to desserts, baked goods and drinks. The variety is more common in the southern regions, as it was bred in Zaporozhye (Ukraine).
An adult plant forms a powerful, branching bush. In one season, the vine grows from 4 to 5 m. Already in the first year of life, the grapes need to be shaped. The leaves are large, rich green, glossy.
Maturation
Ripening dates are mid-early, closer to average. The first harvest can be harvested 125-135 days after the end of flowering. Among the early grape varieties, Lily of the Valley ripens the latest. In regions with a warm climate - in the second half of August and early September. In northern regions, ripening occurs later.
Reference Information! The Lily of the Valley variety is new, so the main indicators of yield and stability are still being studied. Gardeners who grow the plant note the high stability and productivity of the variety.
Frost resistance
The variety's resistance to low temperatures allows it to be grown in regions with different climatic conditions. In the southern regions, where in winter the air temperature does not drop below -21 degrees, the bushes do not need to be insulated.
If there are frosts down to -30 degrees in winter, the bush must be covered. To do this, the branches are lowered to the ground, pressed down or pinned, and covered in such a way as to ensure constant air circulation.
It is important! According to some gardeners, without insulation, Lily of the Valley grapes can withstand frost down to -25 degrees, but experts recommend not to risk it.
Self-fertility
The obvious advantage of the variety is the presence of bisexual inflorescences on the plant. This has a positive effect on the pollination process, which does not depend on the presence of other grape varieties on the site and does not require the use of a pollinator. The fertilization rate of flowers is very high.
The grapes bloom for a long time, the inflorescences are large and very fragrant. The smell is felt at a distance of 30 to 50 cm.
Resistance to diseases and pests
Grape resistance to diseases and pests is still being studied, but recent practical results confirm that the variety has good immunity. Resistance to fungal diseases is average, so for preventive purposes it is recommended to treat the plant twice or thrice every season.
Processing schedule:
- the first is when the buds open;
- the second - before flowering begins;
- the third is when the ovary is formed.
How and how to treat grapes against fungal diseases:
- The most effective way is to spray finely ground sulfur. The treatment is carried out in a protective suit and personal protective equipment. The product is sprayed onto the plant and soil.
- Colloidal sulfur is used to prepare sulfur baths for grape bunches.
- It is necessary to carefully inspect the bushes and promptly thin out the branches, removing dried ones. The cut parts of the plant are burned.
- Systemic fungcides are also used.
- Before sheltering for the winter, the bushes are sprayed with a solution of iron or copper sulfate.
It is important! It is better to buy grapes from nurseries or special farms where the plants are healthy and have already been treated for fungal diseases.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Lily of the Valley variety
Among the benefits of grapes, experts and gardeners highlight:
- unique taste qualities;
- stable, high yield;
- grapes can be propagated using different methods - cuttings or seedlings;
- high yield and long shelf life - if you choose a cool place, the berries will last all winter;
- the plant is frost resistant;
- the plant is suitable for growing in large, open plantations and small summer cottages.
The main disadvantage is the insufficient knowledge of the variety; therefore, there is no accurate data on how the plant behaves in different climatic conditions.
Other disadvantages:
- grapes are intended for cultivation in a limited geographical area;
- the plant requires annual preventive treatment against fungal infections.
Description of Lily of the Valley grapes
Brief botanical description of Lily of the Valley grapes:
- Vine. The grape bushes are vigorous, with powerful shoots, the thickness of which is 10-12 mm, and the length can reach 3.5-4 m. They are characterized by the most complete ripening, which ensures high, stable yields. Already in the first year, bushes begin to form. The leaves are large, rich green in color.
- Berries. They have a beautiful elongated oval, cylindrical shape and reach very large sizes. On average, the diameter of the fruit is more than 2 cm, length 3.5 cm. The weight of the berry is 8-14 g, but there are giants weighing up to 19 g. The skin of the ripe berries is bright yellow, lemon-yellow in color, does not crack and is not affected by wasps.
- Bunches. Large, regular, slightly elongated conical shapes, weighing more than 500 g, can reach 1 kg or more. The clusters are of medium density, as a result of which the fruits are not compressed or wrinkled.
Comparison with similar varieties
Characteristic | Grapes Lily of the Valley | Grapes Laura | KoKl white | Pleven stable |
Ripening period | 4 months | 115 days | 4 months | 4 months |
Brush weight | 0.6-0.9 kg | 1.0-1.2 kg | 0.6 kg | 300 g |
Berry weight | 15 g | 12 g | 13-14 g | 5 g |
Taste of the fruit | Pleasant, harmonious | Pleasant, harmonious | Sweet with sourness | Harmonious, sweet with sourness |
Frost resistance | -23ºС | -15ºС | Up to -24ºС | Up to -15ºС |
Lily of the Valley grapes are not inferior in characteristics to similar varieties
Characteristics of the variety
Lily of the Valley grapes grow safely both in small garden plots and in vast areas of vineyards.
In the presented video, the gardener describes the Lily of the Valley grape variety:
Ripening time
Lily of the valley belongs to the mid-early varieties, but rather it can be classified as a species of medium ripening period. From the end of flowering to the harvest of the first harvest, 125-140 days pass.
In warm regions, and the variety is recommended primarily for the lands of Ukraine, Moldova and southern Russia (Stavropol region, Kuban), the harvest is harvested in the 2-3rd decade of August. In colder areas - until mid-September.
Ripe bunches of Lily of the Valley can remain on the vine for a long time without losing their presentation.
Variety resistance
Lily of the Valley grapes are valued for their excellent taste and appearance of the fruit, and not for their resistance to adverse factors:
- Resistance to pests and diseases . Absolutely reliable data on the resistance of Lily of the Valley to fungal diseases, oidium and mildew have not yet been obtained. Research is being carried out. According to the observations of winegrowers, the resistance of this hybrid form to pests and diseases characteristic of grapes is average. In order to prevent rot and fungal diseases, grapes are treated 3 times per season.
- Frost resistance. The grapes can withstand temperatures down to minus 20-21ºС, but if the frosts in the growing region are stronger and the temperatures are below these values, the Lily of the Valley must be covered for the winter.
- Drought resistance. The effect of drought on the variety has not yet been studied enough. But some winegrowers note that with a long absence of moisture (for a month), the leaves do not turn yellow, the bunches do not spoil, and there is no more than 1-2% damaged fruit.
Productivity and fruiting
Those gardeners who have already managed to plant and grow Lily of the Valley note that even young bushes are capable of producing up to 10 kg of grapes. In general, the variety produces stable and high yields. Full fruiting begins at 3-4 years.
The presence of bisexual flowers has an important influence on the stability of the crop, which ensures a high level of pollination. The grape bush pollinates independently, regardless of other varieties. A significant role is also played by the fact that the bushes are vigorous, and the shoots have almost one hundred percent ripening.
Prolonged rains during the flowering period and spring frosts can negatively affect fruiting and significantly reduce yields.
Taste characteristics
The berries have a harmonious and distinctive taste. The pulp is tender, sweet with barely noticeable sourness, juicy, with a pleasant aroma of nutmeg and an unobtrusive, light note of lily of the valley or white acacia flowers.
The presence of a floral tint may alarm lovers of this berry, but not even all tasters catch these notes. But they recognize the high taste qualities of Lily of the Valley, including sweetness. Ripe berries have a sugar content of at least 18-19% with an acidity level of 5-7 g/l.
The skin is quite dense, of medium thickness, but does not spoil the taste and is almost invisible when eating the berries.
Application
Lily of the Valley grapes are table varieties and are best consumed fresh. It is also suitable for obtaining juice, making homemade preserves, jams, compotes, and also for adding to baked goods.
Growing and care
Watering
We water young annual seedlings once a week, adult bushes - once every 2 weeks. Do not water the grapes during flowering, while the berries are coloring and after August 1, so that the vine ripens better. In late autumn we carry out abundant water-recharging irrigation. It is better to water in the morning and evening hours, use water from a tank, and not directly from a well or well.
An important operation in the vineyard is loosening. We loosen the next day after watering. Mulching will help reduce the number of loosening and watering, reduce the number of weeds. Do not try to place mulch in early spring; the ground must warm up well so that the plant begins to develop faster; it is better to mulch in early summer.
Feeding
With fertilizing of the hybrid Lily of the Valley form, everything is simple - in the spring and early summer we give nitrogen fertilizers to increase the green mass. Herbal infusions, infusions of mullein or chicken are suitable here. If there is nothing, then you can use mineral water - calcium nitrate or urea (urea).
Personally, I use mullein, and I don’t bother fermenting it. I simply mix a bucket of fresh horse or cow manure with a bucket of water, make baths out of the ground around the bushes, fill them with several buckets of water and pour in a liter jar of diluted mullein.
A good result can be obtained by using the popular Plantafol, they work with it on the sheet; variations of Plantafol depending on the time of year are shown in the pictures.
Processing by leaf in May. Nitrogen content 30%
Processing by leaf in June. A large amount of phosphorus stimulates the formation of a large number of inflorescences
Since August 1st we have been using the 5:15:45 train. The minimum amount of nitrogen will not allow the shoots to fatten, the vine will ripen well
Pruning during the season
Lily of the valley is a variety of high growth vigor and is prone to abundant shoot formation, so special attention should be paid to green operations. We remove all stepchildren. I don’t just break out the stepson, but leave one leaf on it and remove the top above this leaf. The second operation is chasing (removing the tops). As soon as the shoot grows to the top wire of the trellis, we carry out chasing. In addition, it is necessary to ration the bushes by harvest and shoots. There should be a distance of at least 15 cm between the shoots; if the shoots are more frequent, then we break out some of them. We also remove doubles and tees. We perform crop normalization when the bunches are pollinated and the berries are the size of small peas. For each shoot we leave one of the largest bunches, without signs of peas; if the bunches are small, then you can leave 2 pieces for the shoot. The very strong growth force of the Lily of the Valley must be compensated by shoots and harvest, otherwise the vine will fatten.
Pest and disease control
As a preventive treatment, we can recommend the drug Strobi, which fights two main diseases of grapes at once - oidium and mildew. Treatments are carried out several days before flowering and when the berry is in pea state.
If we consider the classic scheme of preventive treatments, then these are three sprayings:
- when 4-5 leaves have formed on the shoots;
- a week before flowering;
- when the berries are in pea state;
- if gray rot is rampant, then add a fourth treatment before closing the berries in the bunch.
Treatments are carried out with a tank mixture of a mixture of preparations. For the first and second treatments, you need drugs against mildew and oidium; if a mite is found, then we also add an acaricide. For the 3rd and 4th treatments, we add a drug against gray rot.
What drugs to use:
- from mildew Ridomil Gold (25 g/10 liters of water) or Ordan or Metaxil;
- from oidium: Falcon (5 ml./10 l. water) or Topaz (2 ml./10 l. water);
- from gray rot: Switch, Teldor, Scala;
- against ticks: Actellik, Fufanon, Bi-58, Sunmite, Omite, Nissoran, Neoron.
We do not use chemical treatments when coloring berries! Always pay attention to the waiting periods and do not violate them. One of the drugs with the shortest duration is Horus (7-10 days), it is even better to use Fitosporin or potassium iodide (2-3 g per 10 liters), which can be purchased at the pharmacy.
Mildew
Oidium
Mite
Formation of grapes
In my garden I formed the Lily of the Valley in the following way:
- In the spring, a seedling is planted, until autumn all its stepsons are removed, as a result it grows as one vine and by autumn it can reach a length of 1.5-2.0 m or more. In October and November we prune this long vine, leaving only 2-3 lower buds. Don’t be afraid and don’t spare the shoot, the root has already developed well and is on its way. year Lily of the Valley will quickly grow;
- In the spring of the second year, shoots will begin to develop from the remaining buds - these are the future sleeves of the bush. As in the first year, all the stepsons are removed during the season, as a result, by autumn we have 2-3 fruit branches up to 2 m long, we prune them taking into account ripening (there is no point in leaving green unripe tops, they will freeze anyway), and also taking into account what place we allocate to this bush. For example, we have 2.5 m between the bushes, we will put the sleeve horizontally next year, so there is no point in leaving it longer than 1.0-1.2 m, otherwise you will have one bush “overlap” on the second
- In the third year we will already taste the first harvest. In spring, the sleeves should be placed horizontally on the first wire of the trellis; fruit vines will grow vertically from the buds of the sleeves. In addition, we leave 2 or 3 more shoots closer to the head of the bush - these are future sleeves. I always leave 6 sleeves on an adult bush.
- Now one of the most important prunings is in the fall of the 3rd year. We leave one ripe fruit branch at each sleeve, preferably closer to the head of the bush, and remove all other fruit branches. The remaining fruit branch is on the trail. year will be used as a continuation of the sleeve and so on from year to year.
Shelter for the winter
The simplest and cheapest covering material is earth. We dig grooves 15-20 cm deep along the rows, place tied bunches of vines in them, and sprinkle them with the same soil. You can cover the grapes at an ambient temperature of less than +10°C, but it is better if the vine endures several light frosts, hardens, and then we dig it in. The main thing is to have time to complete the shelter before constant negative temperatures, otherwise it will simply be impossible to work with the soil.
When covering grapes, keep in mind that only annual growth is afraid of frost. The perennial vine will not freeze; there is no need to cover it.
Annual seedlings, pruned for reverse growth, are covered with half a 1.5-liter bottle before covering. The bottle is placed not for warmth, but so as not to damage the buds when filling with earth and subsequent excavation in the spring.
I also tried tunnel shelters, but my site is located in a village, nearby there are collective farm fields and a lot of mice. Mice settle in the tunnel and eat the shoots; there are no problems with the soil. If you live in a dacha cooperative or cottage community, perhaps you don’t have mice at all and spunbond with a density of 60 in 2 layers, placed on low arches above a vine pinned to the ground, will suit you just fine.
Advantages and disadvantages of Lily of the Valley grapes
This is a promising variety that has many advantages, but we should not forget that it was developed quite recently, and so far not enough data has been collected on its cultivation.
The following advantages of this grape can be highlighted:
- good resistance to diseases and pests (3 points out of 5);
- unpretentiousness: weather conditions and soil fertility do not affect the taste and marketability of fruits;
- resistance to low temperatures down to -21ºС;
- unique fruit taste and pleasant aroma;
- it simply reproduces, which is facilitated by good rooting and survival of both cuttings and seedlings, and branches;
- high and stable yield due to the presence of bisexual flowers;
- ripened fruits are stored on the bushes for a long time without loss of quality;
- grapes have a long shelf life in cool conditions - until the end of winter;
- excellent presentation;
- tolerates transportation well.
Flaws:
- predisposition to shedding of flowers under the influence of rain;
- if berries are left on the bush for too long, the consistency of the fruit pulp deteriorates;
- There is not enough data on how to more effectively form bushes to increase yield.
Characteristics
- The grapes have good frost resistance and can withstand temperatures down to -20 -22 degrees, and under a film tunnel shelter up to -30.
When growing on the territory of our strip, it is recommended to take care of shelter in advance before the onset of the first frost. The varieties Amethyst, Augusta, and Crystal also need shelter.Grapes are a heat-loving crop. If you do not provide it with protection from changes in temperature and wind, the bushes may not survive the cold winter and die.
- The variety is characterized by rapid rooting and survival of cuttings , which avoids problems with propagation, as well as replanting grapes. By the way, bushes reproduce with seedlings without any problems.
- Ripe berries and bunches have a long shelf life .
The same feature distinguishes the Pink Flamingo and Zagrava. In cool conditions, the harvest can be stored until mid-winter. There are no problems with transportation. When ripe, the berries can remain on the bush for a long time without losing their appearance, taste, and do not fall off or crack. - With proper care, the bushes can yield abundant annual harvests .
The disadvantage of the variety is its narrow zoning and lack of study of factors affecting fruiting. It is still difficult to say specifically how Lily of the Valley will behave in a particular area.
Reproduction
Lily of the valley grapes are propagated in several ways:
- By cuttings . The cuttings are grafted onto the rootstocks of other grape varieties. Thanks to a healthy adult rootstock, the bush begins to bear fruit at an earlier date. But this method can change the varietal qualities of the cutting.
- Saplings . The most popular and easy to implement option, optimal for the first planting of grapes. Once rooted, the plant will produce stable, moderate growth. When planting a two-year-old seedling, the first bunches from a grape bush can be removed in the third year, or, in extreme cases, in the fourth.
- Seeds (seeds) . The propagation option is too long, in which the berries will appear no earlier than a couple of years after rooting in a permanent place. Instructions for growing grapes from seed are here.
- By layering . Annual shoots of the lower part of the grape bush are bent to the ground, buried and sprinkled with soil. With comfortable weather and good watering, the shoot will certainly take root, and after a while it will form a full-fledged grape bush.
According to the experience of people who cultivate this variety, the best methods are to plant seedlings or cuttings.
Preparing the soil and planting site
Lily of the valley performs well on soils with different compositions:
- Chernozem.
- Clay.
- Dry soils.
- Sand.
The landing site should be sunny, but protected from cold gusts of wind. The area should not be wet. It is worth excluding areas with a risk of flooding. In the best case, the groundwater level should be at least 2.5 m. If there is no other place, then before planting, soil is brought into such soil and an artificial artificial hill is made.
The pit is prepared using the standard method. The hole is dug to a depth of 1 m. Diameter is 0.8 m.
Drainage is laid out at the bottom:
- Expanded clay.
- Crushed stone.
- Pebbles.
The drainage layer is at least 10 cm.
Then mix:
- Superphosphate.
- Humus.
- Compost.
- Wood ash.
Dilute the resulting mass with soil dug out of the hole and fill the hole with the resulting mixture. Cover with film and let sit for 2 weeks. It is worth considering that when choosing a place for planting, you need to take into account the dimensions of an adult plant. Between bushes you need to leave a distance of 3 m. Between rows - 5 m.
Products that can be used during planting if desired:
Name | Description |
Kornevin TM Novofert | Root formation stimulator. Has a gentle effect on the plant. Compatible with preparations for protecting shrubs. The composition contains magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, boron, nitrogen. |
TM BIOPON, for strengthening roots | The composition is enriched with phosphorus. Accelerates the development of plant roots, increasing their mass. Facilitates the absorption of minerals and water located in deep layers of soil. |
Rooter TM Green Guy | Provides rapid growth to the plant. Increases its resistance to diseases, rot and hypothermia. Sold in granules. |
You can choose the most suitable growth stimulator from the “Grandis” series.
How to plant Lily of the Valley?
The main condition for successful cultivation of Lily of the Valley grapes is healthy and high-quality planting material. It is better to purchase seedlings from specialized nurseries.
Optimal timing and climate
This hybrid form can be planted either in early spring or late autumn, there are no specific dates. At the very latest of the designated dates, cuttings and seedlings that are dormant are planted.
The period from the onset of the first spring warmth to the beginning of June is a favorable moment for planting blossoming seedlings with leaves. This is the time to make withdrawals.
When planting in the fall, it is important to get the timing right. The best option is mid-October. The plant will have time to take root, but will not yet enter the growth period. If you plant seedlings too early, they will grow over the winter and die. And late planting will not allow the plants to take root before the onset of stable frosts.
As mentioned, Lily of the Valley grapes show excellent results in the warm climate of the southern regions of the Russian Federation. It is not yet known how this hybrid form will behave in the central or northern climatic zone of Russia.
Selection and preparation of a landing site
Choose a place for planting that is well-lit, sunny, warm and windless. It is good to grow grapes on the south side of the plot, behind the wall of a house or other building that protects the plantings from northern winds.
For the bush to fully develop, the soil must be light, fertile, permeable, ideally black soil. If the place chosen for planting is flooded during the rainy season or by melt water, you need to make a small hill, an earthen embankment.
The groundwater level should not be higher than 2.5 m from the ground surface. If this is not the case, it is necessary to install a drainage system to drain excess water.
It is necessary to take into account that the variety is vigorous, and give it an area sufficient for comfortable development. If you plan to plant several grape bushes, then the distance between them should be at least 3 m, and between the rows - 5 m.
Preparing the hole for planting:
- Dig a hole whose width and depth are the same - 80 by 80 cm.
- Pour fertilizer in large quantities into the bottom of the hole. Compost and humus, potassium salt, superphosphate, nitrogen and fertile soil are needed. On heavy soils, first lay a drainage layer (10 cm) in the hole, consisting of fine crushed stone or gravel mixed with sand.
- Place a layer of fertile soil on top of the fertilizer. It will separate the roots of the seedling and the fertilizer.
- Do not reach the very top when filling the hole with soil; there should be a hole left for watering.
- Sprinkle generously with water to seal.
- Leave the pit for several weeks, and if you are preparing it in the fall, until spring.
Step-by-step planting instructions
The root system of a seedling suitable for planting is white, and the cut at the top is green.
A grape seedling purchased immediately before planting cannot be immediately planted in a hole. Its roots are immersed in water so that the plant is properly saturated with moisture.
Follow these simple rules when planting grapes:
- Make a hole in the center of the hole that matches the size of the seedling's root system.
- Bury the seedling no more than to the root collar; this is a very important point.
- Fill the hole carefully, trying not to damage the roots, but lay the soil tightly, without leaving any voids in it.
- Drive in a support that is higher than the planted plant and tie the seedling to it.
- Pour plenty of water (2-3 buckets).
- When the moisture is absorbed, mulch the soil in the hole with rotted sawdust or peat.
For the first 2-3 weeks, it is recommended to cover the seedling with a non-woven fabric so that unfavorable weather conditions do not interfere with its rooting. Then the cover is removed.
Where to buy seedlings and cuttings of Lily of the Valley grapes?
You can buy seedlings and cuttings of Lily of the Valley grapes in Russia from several vine sellers. We have chosen the most famous ones, who value their name, and in our work with whom we have not encountered any mismatches.
If you are planning to buy not only Lily of the Valley, then we advise you to familiarize yourself with our summary table, built on the basis of catalogs of the most popular vine suppliers in Russia. The table is current for spring 2022.
Variety/hybrid form | Seedling price, rub. | Cutting price, rub. | Provider | Tel. for communication | |
Lily of the valley | 150 | 50 | Kriulya S.I. | +7(918)858-28-70 | [email protected] |
300 | 155 | Puzenko N.L. | [email protected] | ||
200 | 100 | Polyanin E.E. | +7(937)729-2715, +7(903)373-7309 — whatsapp | [email protected] | |
— | — | Gusev S.E. | +7(927)251-71-61 | [email protected] | |
200 | 100 | Zhdanova M.A. | +7(978)735-66-10 — whatsapp | [email protected] | |
— | — | Danilyuk P.P. | +7(917)628-21-08 | [email protected] | |
200 | — | Avina L.V. | +7(978)892-01-99 | [email protected] | |
150 | — | Krasokhina S.I. | +7(904)509-07-85 | [email protected] | |
300 | — | Fursa I.I. | +7(918)269-94-07 | [email protected] | |
150 | 70 | Galagutsky M.V. | +7(978)844-39-29 | [email protected] |
If you were unable to reach the seller at the indicated telephone numbers, then simply type in the Yandex search or any other search engine “catalog of grape seedlings and full name of the supplier”, for example, “catalog of seedlings of Zhdanov M.A.”, many sellers are represented in Odnoklassniki and on VKontakte have their own websites, so you will quickly find additional ways to contact them.
Care
Caring for grapes involves performing basic agrotechnical activities.
Watering
Bushes need abundant and regular watering. During dry periods and when buds are setting, this should be done more often. To retain moisture in the soil, plantings are mulched.
Feeding
They are not needed in the first 2-3 years; the plant only needs the fertilizers that were placed in the hole when planting. It is recommended to apply organic matter in the spring, and phosphorus-potassium fertilizers in the fall. Once every three years, fertilizing with potassium magnesium is carried out to accumulate sugar in the fruits and increase productivity.
Trimming
Held twice a year:
- in the spring - old, poorly overwintered shoots are pruned (read more about spring pruning of grapes here);
- in the fall - after harvesting the grapes, the shoots are cut off, leaving up to 8-10 eyes on each, and the unripe part of the vine is cut out.
Preparing for winter
If winter temperatures in the region drop below -21ºС, the grapes need shelter. Plants should not be insulated until stable frosty weather of -2...-5ºС has established. If you do this earlier than expected, without waiting for cold weather, the vine under the “coat” will wither away.
Experienced winegrowers use this method of shelter for the winter:
- the shoots are bent to the ground, small wooden blocks are placed under them, and pinned;
- cover with a sugar bag cut on the sides (the material is breathable, unlike film);
- a layer of soil (up to 10 cm) is poured on top, which is taken along the laid and fixed vine. Grooves are formed where water will go in the event of a thaw.
Productivity, harvesting and storage of grapes
Practicing gardeners growing the Lily of the Valley variety note stable, high yields. Fruiting is influenced by external factors - spring frosts, prolonged rains during the flowering period.
It is important! As a result of crossing grapes with female and male inflorescences, a self-pollinating variety was obtained, which is why “Lily of the Valley” is distinguished by its high yield.
Several factors influence yield. Two main ones:
- choose a place on the site with the best conditions for a given grape variety;
- Do not remove grape bunches.
If you need to grow the largest possible cluster, leave one bunch on one shoot.
In order for the harvest to be constant and plentiful, the following measures must be taken:
- Twice a year - in spring and autumn - cut the shoots to about 10 buds.
- Regularly remove stepsons and weak shoots that interfere with the full development of the bush.
- The plant requires constant and abundant watering in spring and summer, so that the soil remains moist for a long time; it is mulched with moss or sawdust.
- During the period of pollination of inflorescences and formation of the harvest, the plant is fed with organic fertilizers based on calcium, magnesium and nitrogen.
- The grapes are sprayed three times a year as a preventive measure against fungal diseases.
By following all the recommendations, you can get a high yield and reliably protect the plant from diseases and insects.
It is important! As practical observations show, only one factor affects the yield of grapes - the fall of inflorescences. However, gardeners note that this phenomenon makes it possible to relieve the brushes a little.
Ripe grape clusters can reach 1 kg. A distinctive feature is that the crop can remain on the bushes for a long time, while the berries acquire a rich taste and a brighter aroma. The skin of the berries does not crack. After harvesting, the harvest can be stored all winter, the clusters retain their shape, and the berries retain their taste and aroma. Choose a cool place for storage.
The Lily of the Valley grapes are distinguished by excellent transportability, which makes this variety attractive to individual entrepreneurs who sell their crops. The density of the berries in the bunch is average, so during storage and transportation they do not deform, do not rot, and retain their presentation.
How to properly harvest?
The basic rule of agronomists is never to harvest in cloudy or rainy weather. Also, you should not cut the bunches in the morning when there is still dew on the plant. In this case, the berries will freeze and rot.
It is important to know! The best time to harvest is the first half of the day on a sunny day. If you cut grapes at this time of day, they will be more flavorful than those picked in the afternoon.
You need to cut the crop with a sharp knife so as not to damage the vine. The collected bunches are carefully placed in a clean container; they should not be deformed or broken. The container does not need to be filled completely so that the lower brushes are not damaged.
Diseases and pests
Taking into account the average resistance of Lily of the Valley to diseases and pests, mandatory preventive treatments are carried out three times per season:
- before flowering;
- at the end of flowering;
- when the fruit is the size of a pea.
Apply fungicides and other protective drugs, following the instructions attached to them.
The main danger is fungal diseases. Let's look at the most common ones:
Disease | Symptoms | How to fight? |
Mildew | Gray coating and yellow spots on the leaves. | Spraying grape bushes with preparations:
|
Oidium | A gray coating on the berries and leaves, later - cracking of the berries. | Application of fungicides:
|
Gray rot | It affects any above-ground parts of the bush, which are covered with a gray fluffy coating. Bunches of grapes hanging close to the ground are more likely to become infected. | Difficult to treat. Drugs used:
Prevention measures: tying, thinning, pruning. |
Protection from birds and insects
Ripe fruits attract birds and insects, which can cause significant damage to the crop. To protect the vineyard from wasps, the bushes are sprayed with Chlorophos solution, and wasp nests are also identified and destroyed.
To protect against birds use:
- Repellers. Sound, visual and complex.
- Isolation of ripening fruits. The material used is: tulle;
- nylon stockings;
- fishing nets;
- double nets for packaging vegetables.
Planting a plant
The big advantage of this variety is its survival rate. The grapes are propagated and planted using all methods known to winegrowers. Among them:
- Planting seedlings. The easiest way to propagate shrubs. The main advantage of this method is obtaining a “pure” Lily of the Valley variety. But, with this type of cultivation there are also significant disadvantages. The grapes will grow slowly, and the fruits will appear on the plant no earlier than 3 years of age.
- Grafting cuttings. This growing method promotes faster development, due to the fact that the plant already has its own developed root system. But, with such cultivation, it is worth understanding that Lily of the Valley can adopt the taste qualities of another variety, and accordingly will lose its “purity”.
- Planting seeds. A fairly simple, but rather lengthy growing method. The first shoots will begin to appear from the soil only after two years.
Reviews about grapes
★★★★★
Alexander, 56 years old, summer resident, Rostov region. I like Lily of the Valley more and more.
What is surprising is that it throws out good inflorescences, a lot falls off, we thought there would be no berries, and they grow very slowly. But from the second half of summer they quickly gain weight and color, and then sugar and taste! And the bunches are decent. I'm happy with the harvest. ★★★★★
Anna, 37 years old, amateur gardener, Anapa. There was a signal harvest that was already eaten.
The taste is excellent, and now the grapes on the shoots are ripening, I’m sure they’ll pick up sugar before the cold weather. Recently the hurricane passed, then it rained for more than a day. I look, all the bunches are intact, the berries have not burst. These are my grapes, I will propagate them. Hide
Add your review
By following simple rules for planting Lily of the Valley and caring for it, you can get rich harvests of amazingly tasty and beautiful berries. In general, the variety is promising for growing in gardens, dachas (for personal consumption), and for commercial purposes too.
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Bunches and berries
Gardeners highlight the attractive shape of the grape cluster - it has the correct shape of an elongated cone. The structure of the bunch is moderately loose, thanks to which the grapes are well stored and transported.
It is important! The average weight of one bunch reaches 0.5 kg, but larger and heavier ones are often found.
The berries have a regular oval-cylindrical shape and a characteristic elongated tip. This form is considered individual for the Lily of the Valley variety. The berries grow large, the average size is 3.5x2.5 cm, the weight reaches 14 g.
The skin of the grapes is yellow-lemon in color, quite dense, but this does not affect the taste. The taste is moderately sweet, with a pleasant aftertaste of nutmeg. The aroma of the pulp is quite intense, reminiscent of lily of the valley and acacia, the structure is fleshy and juicy, of medium density.
Good to know! The taste characteristics remain constant regardless of growing conditions - soil type, region and climate.
Taste characteristics:
- sugar content – 17-19%;
- acidity level – 5-7 g/l.
Advantages and disadvantages
"Lily of the valley", along with other crops and grape varieties, has a number of advantages and disadvantages.
Among the advantages of the variety, the following are especially highlighted:
- Unique taste and aroma.
- High yield.
- Possibility of long-term storage.
- Resistant to drought, frost, pests and diseases.
- Ease of propagation and good rooting of layerings and cuttings.
- Easy to care for.
The variety does not require immediate harvesting after ripening; the fruits have high commercial quality and tolerate transportation well.
Disadvantages of "lily of the valley":
- Possibility of flowers falling due to rain.
- Harvesting too late leads to a deterioration in the consistency of the pulp.
Also, due to the fact that the variety is young, there is no data on which method of forming bushes is most effective for increasing productivity.
Description of growing conditions for the Lily of the Valley variety
The bushes prefer sunny, bright areas where there is no through north wind. An excellent option for placing grapes is on the south side of a plot of land or garden near the walls of a house or other building.
The terrain itself is also important, since Lily of the Valley does not like stagnation of cool air, which is possible in the lowlands of valleys. Therefore, it is recommended to plant grapes on the tops of small hills or other elevations.
If we talk about soil, then light and fertile soil is preferable (for example, black soil). Although this is not a requirement. Read all about the best soil for planting grapes here.
Main characteristics
The ripening period is average and is 125-135 days from the moment of bud break (growing season). In the conditions of the south of Ukraine, the full ripening of berries occurs in the second ten days of August. The bushes are very vigorous and require shaping already in the first years of life, this is associated with a large transgressive effect. The vine is ripening satisfactorily.
The clusters are very large, cylindrical-conical in shape, medium density or loose, with an average weight of 800-1500 grams, marketable. However, there is a disadvantage of possible shedding of flowers before flowering due to heavy rains or hail, which contributes to loss of presentation. Pinching the shoots, as well as using Da-6 or PHF preparations, can help a little.
The berry is very large, oval, slightly heart-shaped, sometimes elongated, weighing 10-16 grams, sunny yellow in color, which gives a feeling of ripeness and attractiveness. The pulp is fleshy-juicy, tender, but during long-term storage it becomes slightly watery. The skin is dense, but easily eaten, and is not penetrated by wasps and other pests.
The taste of Lily of the Valley grapes needs to be discussed separately, because this is its main trump card. It is both bright and delicate with a feeling of a certain freshness. It's a real balance of nutmeg, sweetness and acidity. Having tried it once, you realize that you have never eaten tastier grapes and you begin to forgive all its existing shortcomings.
The yield is good, consistently produces a full harvest and carries the load well. There is no repeat harvest due to the poor formation of stepsons. It can hang on the bush for a long time, and a special aroma of lily of the valley appears near it. True, the pulp slightly changes its consistency, becoming more liquid. Has good long-term storage properties under special conditions.
How to properly prepare and plant seedlings?
There are some points and conditions that are important to consider when preparing and planting seedlings. Regarding the pit – depth more than 0.8 m, quite wide
It is recommended to line the bottom with fertilizers, which are sprinkled with a layer of soil. The pit is prepared several weeks in advance. If you prepare it in late autumn, then wait to plant until spring.
Next you need to decide on seedlings. Their readiness is visible by the whiteness of the rhizome and the green tint of the cut top. Please note that newly purchased planting material must first be placed in water for a while, and only then planted.
The use of root system growth stimulants is allowed.
It is not recommended to bury the seedling too deeply
Cover with earth carefully but tightly. Next - regular abundant watering
Harvest
Experienced gardeners claim that Lily of the Valley is a unique variety. With minimal requirements it gives an ideal harvest. The berries have a very pleasant taste. They are quite large. The yield is usually very bountiful. But all this may not happen if the gardener does not comply with agrotechnical rules.
The berries win over many other varieties because they not only have very outstanding attractive external characteristics. But also due to the fact that they have an unsurpassed excellent aroma.
Large grapes of the Lily of the Valley variety are elongated. Sometimes their shape can even be heart-shaped. The fruits are usually an attractive golden color. The average weight of one berry varies from 10 to 16 grams. But usually it’s still close to 12-13 grams. They really stand out from many other varieties. This is indeed one of their advantages. What you can't help but pay attention to.
Description and features
Lily of the valley is a hybrid form of table grape. It is characterized by a mid-early period of ripening. The growing season takes 130 days.
Vine
The grapes of this variety have large bushes with powerful shoots. They develop quickly and have the ability to throw out many offspring. The vine ripens well along its entire length.
Inflorescences
This variety is characterized by bisexual flowers. Thanks to this, the crop is pollinated even in the absence of other varieties nearby.
Berries
The grapes have regular clusters of elongated conical shape. They weigh 500 grams. The fruits are free in the cluster. Thanks to this, they are not compressed.
The berries are large in size and have a beautiful elongated shape. They reach 3.5 centimeters in length and 2 centimeters in diameter. The berries weigh 14-18 grams and are covered with a bright yellow peel. It is quite dense, but does not affect the taste of the fruit.
Taste
The grapes have tasty pulp. A characteristic feature of the variety is its unusual aroma, which combines the smells of nutmeg and lily of the valley.
Rules for planting grapes
A healthy, strong seedling is the guarantee of a consistently good harvest in the future.
A young plant must be purchased from specialized nurseries and a number of simple recommendations must be followed when planting:
- Choosing a suitable location. It should be elevated (a small hill or an artificial embankment), well lit and protected from strong cold winds and drafts.
- The soil. Lightweight, breathable. An excellent option is black soil. When groundwater is located close to each other, it is appropriate to design a drainage system.
- Plan a wide and free row spacing - from 5 meters and a distance between bushes - from 3 meters.
- Properly prepare the planting hole and transfer the plant to its permanent location.
- Provide proper care.
Recommended timing
Landing is carried out:
- In the spring. When the soil is well warmed up and the last frost has passed. If the temperature remains consistently warm, then you can plant material with already blossoming foliage.
- In autumn. In the first half of October. Thus, the plant will have time to take root, but will not yet enter the growth period.
Choosing a suitable location
The ideal place for planting the Lily of the Valley variety in the conditions of the Middle Zone would be the south side of the garden plot under the wall of a house or other building. This will provide protection from the wind.
Important! The terrain is also of great importance. The vine feels great at low elevations.
Selection and preparation of planting material
A purchased high-quality sprout (white roots, green cut tip) must be prepared before planting. For this:
- Only the purchased seedling must be placed in water for a short time. Thus, the plant will be saturated with the required moisture.
- Treat the root system with a growth stimulator (for example, Gumat or Epin-Extra).
- Carry out transshipment without deepening the root neck and without damaging the roots. The planting hole must be filled tightly, without air cavities.
- The process ends with watering, installing a support for the young plant and mulching the soil around it.
Landing algorithm
The step-by-step process of planting Lily of the Valley grapes, according to the description, is as follows:
- Preparing a transfer pit (from 70 cm deep). A wooden block is driven into the center of the hole, the bottom is covered with a drainage mixture of expanded clay, pebble stone and crushed stone. Fertile soil enriched with organic matter and minerals is added on top. The final layer is ordinary soil. This preparation is carried out 2 weeks before planting.
- After the specified period, the bush is moved to a planting location and carefully sprinkled with earth. Tie up, water and mulch.
- To protect from possible bad weather, the sprout is covered with a protective film for 14–20 days.
Biological description
- The characteristics of the bushes primarily come down to the predominant growth power. In this case, we can talk about the formation of large clusters weighing from 0.5 kg.
- The traditional shape of a grape bunch is considered to be cylindrical or conical with a slight elongation.
- The characteristics of the shoots are associated with full ripening, which allows obtaining a consistently high yield. Bisexual flowering, rapid pollination.
- It should be noted that the selection of the hybrid form of “Lily of the Valley” appeared relatively recently, which does not allow us to obtain maximum information about all its shortcomings, as well as resistance to pests and diseases.
Today, research is underway to determine how accurate the stated data regarding the resistance of the variety against fungal infections, oidium and mildew are.
Pruning and propagation by cuttings
Since the Lily of the Valley variety is distinguished by very active shoot growth, plants need to be pruned every autumn, giving the crown a certain shape. In this case, much depends on the climate and the place where the grapes grow, although on average, in order to prevent overloading the bush, no more than ten eyes are left on each shoot (Figure 6).
Figure 6. Vine formation technology
During the pruning process, you can prepare green cuttings, which can later be used to grow young grape seedlings. The prepared planting material is first immersed in small containers with wet peat for rooting, and in the spring it is transplanted to a new location. It is noteworthy that the plants quickly take root in a new place, but even if all the rules of care are followed, a young vine grown from a cutting will begin to produce a harvest only after 2-4 years (Figure 7).