Content
The Lily of the Valley grape variety is new to the horticultural market. The first information about it appeared only in 2012, when the Ukrainian breeder V.V. Zagorulko presented his “brainchild” for everyone to see. Due to the lack of proper testing and the high cost of seedlings, the crop did not immediately gain popularity among winegrowers. But over time, it became known that in addition to excellent external qualities and unique taste, grapes have good resistance to diseases, pests, and adverse weather conditions. Remarkable characteristics and positive growing experience became the basis for the widespread distribution of grapes. For those who are still unfamiliar with this crop, we will provide in our article a photo, a description of the Lily of the Valley grape variety, and reviews from experienced gardeners about it.
Progenitors of the variety
Many breeders use the “Talisman” variety as a progenitor to obtain new types of grapes. It is distinguished by its large fruit and resistance to adverse external factors. “Talisman” produces flowers that are functionally female. It was “Talisman” that became the basis for obtaining a new variety called “Lily of the Valley”.It was decided to supplement “Talisman” with a variety with well-developed male flowers. “Kish-Mish radiant” was used as a pollinator. This variety affected not only the yield of “Lily of the Valley”, but also its taste and color.
Thus, by crossing “Talisman” and “Kish-Mish radiant”, we managed to obtain a new variety with unique qualities. Its characteristics truly surprise even experienced winegrowers. Connoisseurs of taste claim that having tasted this variety of berries, it is impossible to forget the nutmeg taste with the aroma of lily of the valley and white acacia.
Varietal characteristics
Before planting a grape seedling on your plot, you should get acquainted with its main characteristics in order to know what to expect from this crop. The size and taste of the berries, the yield of the crop when grown must coincide with the proposed description of the Lily of the Valley grapes. Significant deviations from the provided characteristics may be a sign of a violation of cultivation rules.
Description of berries
It is the characteristics of the fruit that winegrowers are most interested in when choosing a new variety. The Lily of the Valley berries in this sense occupy an advantageous position, since they combine not only excellent external qualities, but also a unique aroma.
Large grapes of the Lily of the Valley variety have an oval, elongated shape, sometimes resembling a heart. The color of the fruit is yellow. Looking at the berries, you might think that they have absorbed the heat of the sun, which is why they have acquired such a bright, attractive color of ripeness. On average, each fruit weighs 10, and sometimes 16 g.
The pulp of the Lily of the Valley grapes deserves special attention. It is very tender and juicy, sweet and aromatic.Light sourness and pronounced freshness make tasters vying with each other to “shower” the variety with compliments. To appreciate the harmonious balance of muscatel sweet and sour taste, you need to try the Lily of the Valley grape variety at least once.
When describing the Lily of the Valley grapes, it is worth noting the quality of the skin of the berries. It is quite dense in order to withstand the effects of bees, wasps and other insects. For all its strength, the skin is very delicate, which can be appreciated by biting it.
Bunches of grapes
The Lily of the Valley grapes form fairly large and lush clusters. Their weight can vary from 800 g to 1.5 kg. The shape of the bunches is cylindrical, the density is average. The commercial qualities of the product are excellent.
Unfortunately, speaking about bunches, it is necessary to note one drawback: in rainy weather, grape flowers may partially fall off, which will negatively affect the yield and appearance of the bunches. You can resist bad weather by timely pinching shoots or using special biological products.
Ripening time
The Lily of the Valley grape variety is recommended to be grown in favorable climatic conditions in Ukraine, Moldova and southern Russia. At the same time, the experience of breeders shows that it is possible to successfully cultivate the variety and get a good grape harvest in the conditions of the Moscow region. At the same time, the climate of the region will have a certain effect on the ripening period of the berries.
The “Lily of the Valley” variety, with an average ripening period in warm climates, produces a harvest 130 days after the spring buds open. This period in the south of Russia falls on the second ten days of August.In slightly cooler climates, grapes ripen in early September.
Features of the vine
The Lily of the Valley variety has vigorous bushes, up to 4 m high, which need proper formation. Already in the first years of cultivation it is necessary to prune the vine. A possible option for forming a vine of this variety is suggested in the picture below:
It is generally accepted that the stepsons of the Lily of the Valley variety develop poorly and waste the strength and energy of the vine in vain. However, in practice there were cases when, after the mature shoots froze, it was possible to harvest a good harvest from actively growing stepsons.
Productivity
Gardeners who have Lily of the Valley grapes on their plots note its high and stable yield. Only prolonged rains during the flowering period and late spring frosts can reduce the level of fruiting.
After ripening, bunches of grapes can remain on the vine for quite a long time. At the same time, the grape bush begins to exude a bright and alluring aroma of blooming lily of the valley over time. The elasticity of the berries themselves is lost, the fruits become watery.
Variety resistance
The practice of growing Lily of the Valley grapes has shown its high resistance to adverse external factors. At the genetic level, grapes are well protected from oidium and some other diseases dangerous to the crop.
The frost resistance of the variety is good. Without problems, the vineyard can withstand temperatures down to -210C. According to some reviews, the temperature is -250C is also not harmful to the plant.
Reproduction
The Lily of the Valley grapes are successfully propagated not only by seedlings, but also by cuttings and offshoots. Grapevine cuttings take root well and quickly. The plant must be grown on a well-drained plot of land on the south side of the site. The seat should be a hole 1 m wide.
When using seedlings, you need to ensure that the grafting site remains above the ground when filling the soil. Grapes love loose, nutritious soil, which can be prepared by adding complex mineral fertilizers to the soil. For rooting, planting material should be watered regularly and abundantly. In favorable conditions, already 2-4 years after planting, the vine will produce the first grapes.
You can see the Lily of the Valley grapes in the video:
The video perfectly reflects the abundance and quality of the harvest obtained in the second year of growing the seedling in favorable conditions.
Advantages and disadvantages
Based on the characteristics and reviews of the Lily of the Valley grapes, the following advantages of the variety can be identified:
- unique taste and aroma of berries;
- high level of productivity;
- long shelf life of grapes in cool conditions (until mid-winter);
- good resistance to extremely low temperatures;
- ability to reproduce by taps, cuttings;
- good resistance to many diseases.
Among the disadvantages of the variety, only two main criteria can be distinguished:
- tendency to shed flowers when exposed to rain;
- deterioration in the consistency of berry pulp during long-term storage of grapes on the bush.
Many winegrowers, having tasted Lily of the Valley berries, are ready to forgive all the existing shortcomings of this variety, because the amazing taste is really worth investing their efforts in growing the crop.
Conclusion
Today it is difficult to find a winegrower who has not heard of the Lily of the Valley variety. This young crop has become famous in just a few years, thanks to its amazing taste and external qualities of the berries. This grape is relatively unpretentious and can grow even in cool climates. Its abundant clusters and lush vine will not only delight you with a delicious harvest, but will also decorate the garden. Thus, the Lily of the Valley variety will provide taste and aesthetic pleasure, requiring in return a minimum of care.
how about resistance to oidim
I also plant it for its taste and strong disease resistance.