Despite the popularity of new grape varieties and their hybrid forms, many still remain true to their old tastes and have been growing proven grapes over the years.
Such wine-growers are not at all afraid of the difficulties of care and possible diseases of the bush, because a great incentive for them is the opportunity to get extremely tasty berries of this culture.
This type of grape is the "Lady Fingers" variety, which we are going to introduce you to in the article below.
Moreover, our goal will be not only to tell about all the charms of this variety, but also to teach you how to grow it properly in your own plot and provide you with the necessary care.
The secret of the long-term popularity of "Ladies Fingers": a detailed description of the variety
The cultivation of this variety for many centuries engaged in the growers of Central Asian countries, from which he was brought first to the territory of the Crimean peninsula, and then gradually spread throughout Ukraine and some regions of Russia.
The name "Lady Fingers" is not original, but was given to this grape due to the elongated shape of its berries and is considered marketable.In professional scientific viticulture, it is referred to as “Husayne Bely”, although in Dagestan it is also called “Shakh-Izyum”, and in Russia - “Bocal” grapes.
Despite a lot of shortcomings, it still remains the best Oriental grape, because its brewing characteristics and yield indicators have not yet been able to be improved by any breeder.
Regarding the regionalization of the variety, it should be noted that it was not possible to extend it very strongly, since a lot of heat and sunny days are required for the ripening of the fruits of the "Lady Fingers". It also ripens long enough and when grown on the territory of the middle climatic strip in Russia, it does not have time to mature.
Brushes "Lady Fingers": what is manifested in the eastern beauty of grapes
The clusters of the described grapes are not always formed identical to each other, if we analyze them in terms of size. The parameters of their length can vary from 18 to 50 centimeters, and widths - from 16 to 26.
Naturally, the record figures in most cases can occur only when growing "Lady Fingers" in the warm countries of Central Asia, although we have the same indicators with abundant feeding and in good years. By weight, they can be medium and large, but the average mass of one bunch is usually only 0.4 kilograms.
They are characterized by a conical shape, berries are hung heavily, although not tight enough.
But the most important advantage of "Ladies Fingers" invariably remain the berries, which are quite large in size. On average, cylindrical or elongated berries can have a length of from 2.6 to 3.9 centimeters, while their width can reach both 16 and 26 centimeters.
They certainly do not show record weight indicators among grape berries, although they have a fairly good weight - 5-7 grams. They are usually recognized not only by the shape, but also by the color of the skin: most often it can be yellow-green or yellow-pink with enough sunlight.
In relation to the skin should pay attention to the presence of natural wax coating, which envelops the surface of the berries with a thin film. But in general, the skin is very thin, it breaks when eaten, does not affect the taste of the berries.
Most of all, they attract buyers and winegrowers with their sweet taste. The sugar content of the juicy pulp of the "Lady Fingers" grapes by the time of their ripening is much higher than the acidity indices.If you use the concept of "rich grape flavor", then the benchmark for it can only be the described variety.
Also, they are characterized by a special varietal flavor, which can be a good stimulant for the secretion of gastric juice. Overall he is seedlesshowever, in some berries, rather large stones of elongated shape and colored brown may be formed.
The yield of "Ladies Fingers": how to produce real grape varieties
The vigorous shrub and the presence of a flower with the functions of both sexes allows this grape to produce incredibly high yields of high-quality fruits. The results of fruiting are record since more than 40 tons of ripe berries are often harvested from one hectare. Of course, for such results, the grapes must necessarily provide good growth conditions. It shows itself better in industrial cultivation.
Like most Asian grape varieties, "Lady Fingers" have a rather long ripening period of the crop. The vegetation of the bush on average lasts 140 days. However, this process can be greatly influenced by the temperature conditions of the climate,therefore, in Central Asia, it can reach removable maturity in just 130 days, that is, in early September, and in the Kherson region and north - up to 155 days, by the end of September.
But despite this, many may be disappointed. fruiting irregularity bushes described varieties, the cause of which is usually its instability.
Also, fruit bushes "Ladies Fingers" start only by the 5th yearThat in comparison with other varieties may seem a very long time. However, the opportunity to taste a little of your own grapes may be given a little earlier, since partial yield is sometimes formed on some shoots.
Summarize the main advantages of "Ladies fingers"
- The variety is characterized by very high yield, excellent quality of clusters and berries.
- Taste features of this variety make it one of the best among the white varieties.
- The presence of flowers of both sexes, which is very positive effect on the process of pollination of the bush.
- Berries mainly have table purpose, but are best suited for the production of raisins of very high quality.
This is facilitated by the absence of seeds in the berries, as well as the ability of the resulting product is stored for a long period of time.
- Grapes have many healing properties, treats for dry cough and positively affects the strengthening and growth of the child's body, contains a large amount of vitamins.
Get acquainted with the shortcomings of the variety and how to deal with them
Unfortunately, there are many shortcomings in the “Lady Fingers” grape, which is why it is not among the most popular varieties among modern winegrowers. Together with high quality fruits and excellent yields, this grapes are very unstable.
First of all it concerns bushes and their inability to endure low temperatures. On the one hand, this fact seems natural for an oriental plant, but it also brings many difficulties, because without damage to the vine and the buds, the bush can only tolerate temperatures of -11ºС. Thus, without a very careful shelter, this grape will not be able to transfer the winter even in the Crimea.
Also, "Lady Fingers" very often and strongly may be affected by fungal diseases. Particularly intensive can develop in hot weather, when the grape bush described varieties need to pay special attention.
Even for the purpose of prevention, it is sprayed much less frequently than other varieties. Treatments need a bush, even in autumn.
But in the processing, pay attention to one very important fact: when signs of a disease appear, first you must determine its type and characteristics, and then apply chemicals intended to combat a particular disease.
In addition, an excess of moisture in the air and soil can cause berries to rot. Although fungi do not reproduce so intensively in rainy weather, decay can also severely damage part of the crop. Be sure to follow this and tear off the already damaged berries, so that the rot does not transfer to those that are still healthy.
Plant grapes with seedlings and grafting: a description of the most important aspects and recommendations
To decorate your yard with beautiful “Lady Fingers” grape bushes will not make the slightest difficulty, since finding the saplings or cuttings of these grapes is quite simple.There will be no difficulty in landing it, if you prepare for it in advance and take into account all the necessary conditions.
The ideal place to grow a grapevine: what to consider?
Of course, finding the perfect place is difficult, but still possible.
Most importantly, it is well lit and was closed from the cross-winds of the north. In this case, the ideal option would be the south (south-west) side of your site, which is closed from the north side by buildings or trees.
Do not forget to take into account the possibility of shading a grape bush with other plants, which should not be allowed either.
When planting grapes do not forget about groundwater. So that they do not damage the root system of the bush, their depth should be about 2.5-3 meters. Otherwise, the only solution for your site will be the construction of a drainage system from it or a pond.
The scheme of planting grapes "Ladies Fingers" - 3x5 +/- 1 meter.
What terms are more preferable for planting grapes?
The big advantage of this plant is the ability to plant it at any time of the year (of course, except for winter). The truth is that specific terms can be significantly delayed, and you will have to be guided by the method of planting you decided to propagate your grapes.
If these are sleeping saplings and cuttings (for vaccination), the beginning-middle of spring and the middle of October will do. For green seedlings that already have shoots and leaves, you need to wait for the onset of stable spring heat, sometimes even summer. It is also possible to inoculate the cuttings at a later spring time, because after adaptation, they will immediately begin to grow intensively, and become well-established by autumn.
It is also possible to propagate this culture with the help of branches, both in spring, and in summer, and in autumn. Branches (shoots of a grape bush), sprinkled with soil, take root very quickly, which allows them to be immediately transplanted as a full-fledged bush.
Grape seedlings and features of their planting: how to quickly grow "Lady Fingers"?
In order for the vine to be planted with a seedling on its own roots, it quickly adapted and entered fruiting more quickly, when it is planted in a hole, a large amount of fertilizer must be filled. This will make it easier for you to work, because in the early years of growth, the grapes will not have to be fed, and will very well affect the bush itself.
The pit for the grape seedling must be very deep - at least 80 centimeters. A mixture of fertile soil, good compost and mineral fertilizers is poured into it (superphosphates and potassium are best, as well as a small amount of nitrogen).
After fertilizer, another layer of soil is poured to separate them from the roots of the seedling. After, the pit is left for a time, during which all its contents will settle, and it will be possible to plant a seedling.
When you have to choose a seedling, do not lose sight of its roots. If they are damaged, dried or broken - such a sapling will not be able to adapt and start growing when it is planted. A healthy root system should be white, fairly well developed.
To live seedling moisture his before landing, immersed in water for several days.Only after that it will be possible to lower it into a hole and bury it. This is done very carefully, so as not to cause damage to the roots. In the middle of this process, you can pour water into the pit, which will immediately compact the soil.
Having dug the hole completely, pour your seedling once more and hammer into the soil near it a solid support. Thanks to her, the future bush will not trail on the ground.
When planting grapes it is very important to take into account that the root neck of its seedling should in no case be covered with soil. It is for this purpose that we prepare the pit in advance and advise very slowly and carefully to bury the sapling.
Grafting grapes cuttings and all its secrets
Grafting can be considered a simpler and more economical way, but only if there is an old grape bush on your site whose variety you would like to change. The most important thing is to prepare good cuttings.
You can harvest them either in autumn or in early spring. Optimally, their length was not more than 2-3 eyes. For better contact with the stock, to which the cutting will be grafted in the future, its lower part is wedge-cut from both sides. As well as the seedling, the stalk should be lowered before grafting water.
The preparation of the stock itself is the removal of the old bush and the stripping of the remaining cut.The resulting 10-centimeter stump splits evenly in the middle, so that the resulting gap can accommodate only a cutting. At the same time, the stalk is lowered into the split only by its trimmed part, after which it is firmly tightened and coated with wet clay.
After grafting do not forget to water the stock, using at least 30 liters of water. Also, the future bush necessarily needs support, which can be erected immediately. Very well will react on a bush its top dressing and soil mulching around the trunk.
We care for grapes and satisfy all the needs of the bush
- The most important need is moisture. It gives the bush strength to grow and form a crop. Watering a bush is only during the entry into the growing season, before flowering and after it. In droughts also do not forget to moisten the soil.
- To keep moisture well in the ground - it is recommended to cover it with mulch. Used as a last peat, humus, sawdust and even moss.
- Top dressing of a bush of grapes - success of a future crop. It is held both in spring and autumn. You can use both organic and mineral fertilizers.
- The bush of "Ladies Fingers" is cut off every year. After pruning an adult bush, it is recommended to leave only 9 shoots (but preferably less), each of which should have no more than 15 holes.
- Since this variety is very afraid of frost, in cold climates it is best to grow it in greenhouses, because it will not be possible to cover it from 25 º C below zero.
- Do not forget about preventive sprays. It is especially important to do them before flowering. Pick drugs to combat oidium and powdery mildew.
