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The Sphinx grape was obtained by the Ukrainian breeder V.V. Zagorulko. Bred by crossing varieties Strashensky with dark berries and white nutmeg Timur... The variety is characterized by early ripening and harmonious taste of berries. The grapes are resistant to diseases, not susceptible to cold snaps in spring, however, they require additional shelter for the winter.
Characteristics of the variety
Description of the variety and photo of Sphinx grapes:
- ultra early maturation;
- the period from bud swelling to harvest takes 100-105 days;
- vigorous plants;
- large dissected leaves;
- early and complete ripening of the vine;
- sufficiently late flowering to avoid spring frosts;
- bunches of cylindrical shape;
- the average weight of the bunches is from 0.5 to 0.7 kg;
- frost resistance up to -23 ° С.
Sphinx berries have a number of features:
- dark blue color;
- large size (length about 30 mm);
- weight from 8 to 10 g;
- round or slightly elongated shape;
- pronounced aroma;
- sweet taste;
- dense juicy pulp.
Bunches of Sphinx grapes hang on the bushes for a long time without losing their marketability and taste. In cold and rainy summers, peas are observed and the concentration of sugar in fruits decreases.
The ripening of the Sphinx variety depends on the region. Harvesting is usually started in early to mid-August. Berries are used fresh. Transportability is rated at an average level.
Planting grapes
Sphinx grapes are planted in prepared areas. The taste and yield of the crop depends on the right choice of place for growing. For planting, they take healthy seedlings from trusted manufacturers. Work is carried out in the spring or autumn. When planting in the ground, fertilizers are applied.
Preparatory stage
Sphinx grapes are grown in well-lit areas. A place on the south, west or southwest side is chosen for culture. The permissible distance from fruit trees and shrubs is from 5 m. Trees not only create shade, but also take away a significant part of nutrients.
When planting on slopes, grapes are placed in its central part. Lowlands, where plants are exposed to frost and moisture, are not suitable for growing the Sphinx variety.
The grape prefers sandy loam soil or loam. Groundwater is located at a depth of more than 2 m. The root system of the Sphinx variety is strong enough to receive moisture from the soil. Coarse river sand is introduced into heavy soil. Peat and humus will help improve the composition of sandy soil.
For planting, choose annual Sphinx seedlings with a developed root system. Overdried plants with drooping eyes do not take root well.
Work order
The grapes are planted in planting pits. Preparation begins 3-4 weeks before planting. Be sure to prepare fertilizers in the required amount.
The order of planting grapes Sphinx:
- In the selected area, a hole is dug with a diameter of 0.8 m and a depth of 0.6 m.
- A thick drainage layer is poured at the bottom. Expanded clay, ground brick or crushed stone are suitable for him.
- An irrigation pipe made of plastic or metal is vertically dug into the pit. The diameter of the pipe is about 5 cm. The pipe should protrude 20 cm above the ground.
- The pit is covered with earth, where 0.2 kg of potassium sulfate and 0.4 kg of superphosphate are delivered. An alternative to minerals is compost (2 buckets) and wood ash (3 l).
- When the earth subsides, a small hill of fertile soil is poured into the pit.
- The Sphinx seedling is cut, leaving 3-4 buds. The root system is shortened slightly.
- The roots of the plant are covered with soil, which is tamped a little.
- The grapes are watered with 5 liters of water.
According to reviews, the Sphinx grapes take root quickly and form a powerful root system. After planting, the Sphinx variety is looked after by watering. During the month, moisture is brought in every week, then - with an interval of 14 days.
Variety care
Sphinx grapes need constant watering, which includes feeding, pruning, protection from diseases and pests. In cold regions, the bushes are covered for the winter.
Watering
Young plants no more than 3 years old need regular watering. They are watered through a drainage pipe according to a certain pattern:
- in early spring after removing the shelter;
- when forming buds;
- after the end of flowering.
The water consumption for each bush of the Sphinx variety is 4 liters. The moisture is preliminarily settled in barrels, where it should be warmed up in the sun or in a greenhouse. Watering the grapes is combined with top dressing. 200 g of wood ash is added to the water.
Mature grapes are not watered during the season. Moisture must be brought in in the fall before the shelter. Winter watering prevents the crop from freezing.
Top dressing
When using fertilizers for the planting pit, the plants are provided with useful substances for 3-4 years. In the future, the Sphinx grapes are regularly fed with organic or mineral components.
For the first feeding, which is carried out after removing the shelter from the grapes, nitrogen fertilizer is prepared. Of organic substances, chicken droppings or slurry are used. Grapes respond positively to the introduction of 30 g of ammonium nitrate into the soil.
Before flowering, the treatment is repeated with the addition of 25 g of superphosphate or potassium sulfate. It is better to refuse nitrogen components during flowering and ripening of berries, so as not to provoke excessive growth of green mass.
When the berries begin to ripen, the grapes are fed with superphosphate (50 g) and potassium sulfate (20 g). Substances are embedded in the soil when loosening. In the fall, after harvesting, wood ash is added to the soil.
Pruning
The correct formation of the vine ensures a good crop yield. Sphinx grapes are pruned in the fall before sheltering for the winter. 4-6 eyes are left on the shoot. With an increased load, the yield decreases, fruiting is delayed, the berries become smaller.
Sphinx grape bushes are formed in a fan manner, it is enough to leave 4 sleeves. The variety is not prone to forming bunches of stepsons.
In the summer, the leaves are cut over the bunches so that the berries receive more sunlight. In the spring, pruning is not carried out as the vine gives off "tears" As a result, the plant loses its yield or dies. After the snow melts, only dry and frozen shoots are removed.
Protection against diseases and pests
The Sphinx variety is characterized by high resistance to powdery mildew and mildew. Diseases are fungal in nature and spread if agricultural practices are not followed, excessive humidity, and lack of care.
According to reviews, the Sphinx grapes are not susceptible to gray rot. To protect plantings from diseases, preventive treatments are carried out: in early spring, before flowering and after harvesting. The plantings are sprayed with Oxyhom, Topaz or any other preparations containing copper. The last treatment is carried out 3 weeks before harvesting the grapes.
The vineyard is affected by wasps, goldfish, ticks, leaf rollers, thrips, phylloxera, weevils. To get rid of pests, special preparations are used: Karbofos, Actellik, Fufanol.
Healthy plants are treated in late autumn with a solution of Nitrafen. For 1 liter of water, take 20 g of the substance. After spraying, they begin to prepare the culture for winter.
Shelter for the winter
The frost resistance of the Sphinx variety is rather low, so it is recommended to cover the plantings in winter. The grapes can withstand temperatures up to +5 ° С. When a more serious cold snap begins, they begin to cover the bush.
The vine is removed from the supports and placed on the ground. The bushes are spud and covered with mulch. Arcs are installed on top, onto which the agrofibre is pulled. Be sure to make sure that the grapes do not decay.
Gardeners reviews
Conclusion
The Sphinx grape is a proven amateur table variety. Its peculiarity is early ripening, good taste, resistance to diseases. Plant care consists in feeding and treating pests. They pay more attention to grapes in the autumn. Plants are pruned, fed and prepared for winter.
