Growing Alex grapes
Horticultural crops are planted in each region, which will yield rich harvests, using the resources of soil, water and adapting to climate conditions. The same conditions apply to planting vines. The Alex grape is one of the most common varieties for climatic zones with a large temperature difference.
Growing Alex grapes
Characteristics of grapes
The Alex grape variety was bred in a hybrid way by crossing the European variety Vostorg and the American Biruintsa. Alex grapes have a medium-early ripening period, belongs to the table varieties.
The bushes have a developed wide root system that needs regular watering. Moreover, the vine is not prone to overload. According to the description, the leaves are large, dark green, with a matte top layer. The lower part of the leaf is characterized by a light shade and light edging; yellowish veins are noticeable along the entire length. The flowers are bisexual and do not require additional pollinators.
The fruits are arranged in large clusters of medium density, which have a cylindro-conical shape, their width is 20 cm, length is 30-35 cm. The weight of one cluster reaches 800-1200 g.
The berries are large, oval in shape, the maximum weight of each is up to 15 g. In mature form, the color approaches greenish-whitish with matt pollination. The pulp is dense, fleshy, with a thick skin that crunches when bitten. The percentage of sugar in the pulp reaches 20%, acid - 6%. According to the description, the grapes are notable for their sweetness, rich nutmeg flavor, so this variety received a high tasting rating - 8.2 points out of 10 possible.
The growing season for Alexa is 120-130 days; the bunches are harvested in late August or early September. The percentage of ripening is at a high level - up to 60% of all shoots. The fruits of the grapes are not able to ripen after harvest, therefore they choose the right time to pick them at the period of maximum ripeness. Then the bunches will not crack, will not fade, and will retain their appearance and taste for a long time. The productivity of the bushes is high, up to 140 centners per hectare are harvested per season.
Growing grapes
The Alex grape variety is famous for its cold resistance, withstands frosts down to -25 ° C in uncovered ground. Like any vine, it needs to follow some rules when planting:
- A place well lit by the sun on the south side, slightly rising above the general soil level, is suitable for burying seedlings.
- A well-developed root system in the future may affect the yield, therefore, for a better result, seedlings are placed at a distance of 2-3 m from each other.
- The high demand for moisture requires planting bushes near the location of groundwater, as well as deepening the fossa.
It is important to properly care for plants
Grape care involves proper pruning in early spring, leaving a maximum of 6-8 eyes. The load on one bush should not exceed 30-40 shoots, then the yield is much higher. It is important to monitor the proper watering of the vine, to irrigate it during periods of drought, but not to allow the putrefactive processes of the root system to develop.In order for the roots to receive a sufficient amount of air, the top layer of the soil is regularly loosened and top dressing is applied. It is better to fertilize the plant in early spring and late autumn with a mash of organic matter, superphosphates and potassium substances.
For correct and even distribution of the load of the bunches, the bush is tied up for the growing season.
Pests and diseases
All grape varieties are susceptible to infectious or fungal diseases, as well as attacks of various pests. Alex grapes, due to the thickness of the peel of the berries, do not deteriorate in rainy weather and have a protective barrier against wasps. It is not sensitive to phylloxera, slightly more susceptible to damage from leaf aphids (at the level of 1.5 points), root aphids (3.5 points).
The plant is unusually resistant to various diseases. Among them are mildew (2.5 points), gray rot (1 point), powdery mildew (3.5 points). Even such small indicators can be overcome prophylactically by spraying the vine twice a year with appropriate means: in the period before flowering and before the appearance of the ovary.
Prevention of disease and pest control includes:
- Destruction of diseased shoots by cutting and burning them, the incision is covered with hot paraffin.
- Mandatory use of supports for bushes: the raised branches will be sufficiently blown with air, which will not give a chance for mites and mold.
- Removal of weeds and dry leaves, plant residues around the groove at the roots: they ensure the passage of aphids and other pests directly to the branches.
- Obligatory timely processing of the plant with biological products at the specified time.
Conclusion
To get a high yield, you should find an approach to each variety of cultivated plants. Gardeners appreciate the Alex grape variety for its resistance to cold, diseases and pests, high yield and taste of berries. The vine of this variety is gaining popularity due to its good technical qualities. The fruits are easily transported.