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The Sphinx grape was obtained by Ukrainian breeder V.V. Zagorulko. Developed by crossing a variety Strashensky with dark berries and white muscat variety Timur. The variety is characterized by early ripening and harmonious taste of berries. The grapes are resistant to diseases and are not susceptible to spring cold snaps, but require additional shelter for the winter.
Characteristics of the variety
Description of the variety and photo of the Sphinx grape:
- ultra-early maturation;
- the period from bud swelling to harvesting takes 100-105 days;
- vigorous plants;
- large dissected leaves;
- early and complete ripening of the vine;
- flowering late enough to avoid spring frosts;
- cylindrical bunches;
- the average weight of the bunches is from 0.5 to 0.7 kg;
- Frost resistance down to -23 °C.
The berries of the Sphinx variety 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.Typically, harvesting begins in early to mid-August. The berries are used fresh. Transportability is assessed at an average level.
Planting grapes
Sphinx grapes are planted in prepared areas. The taste and yield of the crop depends on the correct choice of place for cultivation. For planting, healthy seedlings are taken from trusted producers. The work is carried out in spring or autumn. When planting, fertilizers are added to the soil.
Preparatory stage
Sphinx grapes are grown in well-lit areas. For cultivation, choose a place on the south, west or southwest side. 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 the nutrients.
When planting on slopes, grapes are placed in the central part. Lowlands where plants are exposed to frost and moisture are not suitable for growing the Sphinx variety.
Grapes prefer sandy loam soils or loam. The location of groundwater is at a depth of more than 2 m. The root system of the Sphinx variety is powerful enough to receive moisture from the soil. Coarse river sand is added to heavy soil. Peat and humus will help improve the composition of sandy soil.
For planting, choose annual seedlings of the Sphinx variety with a developed root system. Overdried plants with drooping eyes take root poorly.
Work order
The grapes are planted in planting holes. Preparations begin 3-4 weeks before planting. Be sure to prepare fertilizers in the required volume.
Planting order for Sphinx grapes:
- 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 onto the bottom. Expanded clay, ground brick or crushed stone are suitable for it.
- An irrigation pipe made of plastic or metal is dug vertically into the hole. The diameter of the pipe is about 5 cm. The pipe should protrude 20 cm above the ground surface.
- 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 settles, a small mound of fertile soil is poured into the hole.
- A seedling of the Sphinx variety is pruned, leaving 3-4 buds. The root system is slightly shortened.
- The roots of the plant are covered with soil, which is compacted slightly.
- The grapes are watered with 5 liters of water.
According to reviews, Sphinx grapes quickly take root and form a powerful root system. After planting, the Sphinx variety is cared for by watering. For a month, moisture is added every week, then - at intervals of 14 days.
Variety care
Sphinx grapes need constant watering, which includes fertilizing, pruning, protection from diseases and pests. In cold regions, 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 scheme:
- in early spring after removing the cover;
- during the formation of buds;
- after flowering ends.
The water consumption for each Sphinx bush is 4 liters. The moisture is first settled in barrels, where it must be warmed in the sun or in a greenhouse. Watering the grapes is combined with fertilizing. Add 200 g of wood ash to the water.
Mature grapes are not watered during the season. Moisture must be added in the fall before covering.Pre-winter watering prevents the crop from freezing.
Feeding
When using fertilizers for a planting hole, plants are provided with useful substances for 3-4 years. In the future, Sphinx grapes are regularly fed with organic matter or mineral components.
For the first fertilizing, which is carried out after removing the cover from the grapes, nitrogen fertilizer is prepared. Organic substances used include chicken manure or slurry. Grapes react positively to the addition of 30 g of ammonium nitrate to the soil.
Before flowering begins, the treatment is repeated with the addition of 25 g of superphosphate or potassium sulfate. It is better to avoid 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 during loosening. In the fall, after harvesting, wood ash is added to the soil.
Trimming
Proper formation of the grapevine ensures a good harvest of the crop. Sphinx grapes are pruned in the fall to cover for the winter. 4-6 eyes are left on the shoot. With increased load, the yield decreases, fruiting is delayed, and the berries become smaller.
The Sphinx grape bushes are formed in a fan fashion; it is enough to leave 4 sleeves. The variety is not prone to the formation of stepson clusters.
In summer, the leaves above the clusters are torn off so that the berries receive more sunlight. In spring, pruning is not carried out, since the vine produces “tears”. As a result, the plant loses its harvest or dies.After the snow melts, only dry and frozen shoots are removed.
Protection from diseases and pests
The Sphinx variety is characterized by high resistance to oidium and mildew. The diseases are fungal in nature and spread due to non-compliance with agricultural practices, excessive humidity, and lack of care.
According to reviews, 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. Plantings are sprayed with Oxyx, 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, borers, mites, leaf rollers, thrips, phylloxera, and weevils. To get rid of pests, special preparations are used: Karbofos, Actellik, Fufanol.
Healthy plants are treated in late autumn with a solution of the drug Nitrafen. Take 20 g of substance per 1 liter of water. After spraying, they begin to prepare the crop for winter.
Shelter for the winter
The frost resistance of the Sphinx variety is quite low, so it is recommended to cover the plantings in winter. The grapes can withstand temperatures up to +5 °C. 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 hilled up and covered with mulch. Arcs are installed on top, onto which agrofibre is pulled. Be sure to ensure that the grapes do not rot.
Reviews from gardeners
Conclusion
The Sphinx grape is a proven table variety of amateur selection. Its peculiarity is early ripening, good taste, and disease resistance. Plant care consists of fertilizing and pest control treatments. Increased attention is paid to grapes in the autumn. Plants are trimmed, fed and prepared for winter.
