Content
Many summer residents prefer early-ripening grape varieties, since their berries manage to accumulate solar energy in a short period and reach a high sugar content. Breeders of Novocherkassk bred grapes Alex, a description of the variety of which, as well as photos and reviews, testify to its undoubted merits.
Alex's table grape was obtained by crossing two varieties and successfully combined their best characteristics - early maturity and frost resistance of one and high yield of the other.
Description of the variety
An important feature of the Alex variety is its frost resistance, the vine tolerates temperatures up to -25 degrees without consequences. It is this quality that makes Alex grapes popular among gardeners in the western regions of the country, and in the north they are grown under cover conditions. On non-covering soils grapes capable of giving from 1 hectare, on average, up to 135 centners. The crop is harvested in late August or early autumn.
The shoots of Alex early grapes are evenly distributed on the bushes, which grow very quickly. Among all shoots, the number of fruit-bearing shoots is more than 70%. Large five-lobed leaves of the Alex variety with yellowish veins have a rich green color on the upper side, and a lighter shade and light pubescence on the lower side. The flowers are bisexual and do not need additional pollination.
Large light green berries of the Alex grape variety are collected in large bunches up to 35 cm long and weighing up to 1 kg or more. They are characterized by:
- cylindrical;
- dense juicy pulp;
- pleasant nutmeg taste;
- excellent sugar content - up to 20%;
- low acidity - up to 6%;
- the possibility of long-term preservation on the bushes;
- resistance to cracking after rain;
- excellent presentation;
- the possibility of long-term transportation without loss of consumer qualities;
- high tasting score - more than 8 points.
Growing features
To obtain consistently high yields of Alex grapes, gardeners' reviews recommend taking into account some of the features of his planting and care:
- the Alex variety grows well on light, sufficiently moist soils;
- grapes form a powerful root system that branches quickly, which should be taken into account when planting;
- bushes develop well in elevated sunny areas with well-drained soil;
- since the Alex variety is frost-resistant, it grows well in the lowlands;
- bushes grow quickly, so they should not be shaded;
- the rapid growth of bushes and the formation of large bunches require regular garters of grapes;
- 40 shoots are considered the optimal load on the bush, but leaving 30 of them, you can get a higher yield and larger berries;
- grafted seedlings bear fruit better;
- although the Alex variety demonstrates resistance to many diseases, preventive treatments are necessary for it.
Planting grapes
In order for the Alex grape variety to give good yields, it is necessary to provide it with comfortable growing conditions.
Site selection
The Alex variety is unpretentious in the choice of soils, almost any is suitable for it:
- it is important to provide clay soils with good drainage;
- peat bogs can be diluted with sand;
- increased acidity can be reduced by liming;
- fertilize sandstones with manure or compost.
The Alex variety grows well in the lowlands.Usually, the southern parts of the site are chosen for planting grapes, otherwise it is possible to bury the seedlings in a trench up to half a meter. Then their root system will be protected from freezing, which means that the vine will also be preserved. It is good to plant bushes next to a wall or fence so that there are no drafts.
Hole preparation
Optimal for planting Alex grapes early is considered to be a 3x0.75 m scheme, otherwise the overgrown bushes will shade each other. A trench or planting holes are prepared in two weeks:
- their width and depth are 0.8 m;
- the bottom of 10 centimeters is covered with gravel or expanded clay, which will provide drainage;
- from above it is covered with the same layer of soil and plentifully spilled with water;
- in the center of each hole, a support for the vine is fixed;
- compost or humus is laid along with mineral additives;
- the hole is filled up with earth by one third and again spills abundantly.
Planting grapes
If all the rules are followed during planting, the seedlings will quickly take root and grow:
- a mound of soil is collected around the support peg;
- a sapling is installed on it, which is tied to a support;
- the roots are neatly straightened on the mound;
- soil is gradually poured and compacted;
- the vaccination site should be 3 cm above the ground;
- the near-stem circle is covered with a small layer of humus.
If grape bushes are planted in a trench, then a wire is pulled between them for a garter every 30-40 cm.
Propagation by cuttings
Alexa reproduces well with cuttings, they quickly take root and by autumn they already give good shoots. To prepare cuttings, you need:
- after the autumn pruning of the vines, choose the lignified part of a healthy shoot about 70 cm long;
- the optimum diameter of the cutting should be about 10 mm;
- a heel should be left on the handle from a thicker shoot, from which the roots will then go;
- the cuttings should be dipped in a weak solution of copper sulfate;
- place them in a box of sand in a dark, cool place until spring;
- with the onset of March, select healthy strong cuttings and plant in sawdust;
- already in May, ready-made seedlings can be transplanted to the site.
As follows from the description of the variety and the photo, Alex grapes can also be propagated by layering:
- in the lower part of the vine, two strong shoots are chosen;
- remove their leaves and antennae; drip in pre-prepared grooves to a depth of 30 cm;
- layering is watered and mulched with sawdust or peat.
In the spring, new Alex vines will grow from the cuttings. Two years later, when they get stronger, you can separate them from the mother vine.
Bush care
Agricultural technology of the Alex variety consists in timely procedures for feeding, pruning and watering the bushes.
Spring care for Alex grape seedlings early consists of:
- in breaking out unnecessary shoots;
- removing unnecessary kidneys;
- pruning root growth;
- a garter to the trellis of young shoots;
- correct color rationing;
- complex dressings.
Summer jobs include:
- systematic pinching of the vine to prevent it from pulling;
- removal of stepchildren on the vine to ensure effective feeding of fruitful shoots;
- removal of leaves shading the berries during their ripening period;
- timely feeding;
- daily inspections of the vine to identify pests;
- preventive treatments for diseases.
In the fall, a crucial moment comes when the vine has given all its strength to ripen the fruits. After harvesting, you should prepare Alex grapes for winter:
- to strengthen the protective forces, feed with complex fertilizers;
- treat against pests;
- carry out formative and sanitary pruning, removing all damaged branches after foliage has fallen;
- in the northern regions, the grapes are huddled, and the vine is covered with spruce branches.
Preventive treatments
The thick skin of grape berries reliably protects them from various pests. The variety is resistant to many diseases. However, prevention of common diseases and pests is important. In the spring, when young shoots begin to grow, the bushes are sprayed with a solution of Bordeaux liquid.
The second processing of the Alex grape variety is carried out before the ovaries appear. If the bushes are infected with a bacterial or fungal infection, all diseased parts of the grapes - shoots, leaves, bunches, should be collected and destroyed, since they cannot be treated. The remaining healthy vines need to be sprayed with chemicals. You should also clean the trunks from weeds, from which pests easily move to grape bushes. Creating favorable conditions for their aeration will prevent the appearance of mold and mildew.
Gardeners reviews
Conclusion
Alex grapes will become a successful variety for home vineyards and will delight with yields of juicy sweet berries, without requiring complex care measures.
