For inexperienced gardeners who are selecting a fruit crop to grow on their plot, the Ilya table grape variety is suitable. The plant obtained by crossing Kishmish radiata with Wax is distinguished by the juiciness and increased sweetness of the berries. The large fruits do not contain seeds, ripen early and are stored well. The vine takes root quickly and is easy to care for.
Description and characteristics of the Ilya variety
The Ilya grape harvest in the south will begin to be harvested at the end of July.The period of fruit ripening, starting from the moment the leaves appear, is less than 4 months.
| Characteristics of berries | Values |
| Average bunch weight | 0.5-1.0 kg |
| Fruit shape | oval |
| Color | light green |
| Weight of 1 berry | 12 g |
| Sugar content | before 18 % |
| Acidity | 6 g/l |
For the juiciness and sweet, rich taste of the berries, tasters give the fruits of the Ilya variety 9 out of 10 possible points. Thanks to the developed root system, the vines quickly take root in the area. The harvest is harvested 3 years after planting. The flowers are self-pollinating. The fertility rate reaches 80%.
Pros and cons of grapes
Ilya grapes do not require significant amounts of fertilizer.
Among the disadvantages, winegrowers note not very high resistance to diseases characteristic of fruit crops.
The nuances of growing a bush
The variety shows good yield, provided that the site for the bushes is chosen wisely and the vines are carefully cared for.
Selecting a location
Grapes are a heat-loving plant. Therefore, for growing, a place is selected that is protected from the wind, but open to sunlight. Most often, bushes are located on the southern or southwestern slopes of hills. In a garden plot, the vine is planted near a house or fence. It is convenient to install poles with tensioned wire to create support for shoots as branches grow.
Comfortable conditions have a positive effect on plant development.And the presence of a drainage layer in the soil protects against waterlogging of the soil.
How to plant?
Before planting Ilya grapes, the soil is first prepared. It is recommended to enrich soil that is poor in composition with manure or add compost. Soil with a high level of acidity is pre-watered with a lime solution.
Other features of growing grape bushes:
- The best time for planting shoots in the southern regions is the beginning of spring, in areas with a cool climate - not earlier than April.
- The seedlings are placed in soil that has warmed up to 10 °C. Frail cuttings are first kept in a greenhouse and, after strengthening, transferred to the site.
- Broken bricks are poured into the hole to remove excess moisture from the soil, and a nutrient layer.
- Up to 1.3 meters are left between the bushes so that the growing shoots do not interfere with each other.
The procedure is completed by watering the plant and loosening the soil.
Care Tips
Like other grape varieties, Ilya requires regular care.
Watering
The plant requires regular but moderate irrigation. The frequency of watering is increased if the vine is located near the wall of the building. Water is added under the bushes only after the soil has dried. An abundance of moisture will not be beneficial, nor will its lack.
Shower sessions for grapes are held in the evening or in the morning. Daytime watering can cause leaf burns. Water for irrigation is taken warm. Cold negatively affects the condition of the roots and provokes the development of fungal bacteria.
Top dressing
In the spring, the soil in the area where Ilya grapes grow is enriched with compost. During growth and during the formation of the ovary, the plant is supported with fertilizers.Organic substances, preparations containing potassium and superphosphates have a positive effect on development. Mineral complexes are applied weekly, until the fruit begins to ripen.
Trimming
Removing excess shoots plays an important role in the development of grape culture. Gardeners are advised to monitor the density of bushes, limiting excessive growth. Damaged and small branches are trimmed, leaving a strong and healthy vine in place.
In order not to create excessive stress during fruit ripening, it is recommended to leave about 40 eyes on each bush.
The pruning procedure is often carried out in the fall. Pre-winter preparation will strengthen the plant. The grapes will not waste nutrient reserves on maintaining weak shoots, and the crop will more easily withstand frosts. Frail branches may die. With the onset of heat, dead parts of the vine begin to rot and can cause the development of diseases.
In spring, the bushes are carefully inspected and dried and damaged material is also trimmed.
Common diseases and pests
Ilya grapes are not distinguished by strong immunity. The plant is susceptible to diseases:
| Name of the disease | Signs of a problem |
| Mildew | Formation of gray spots and falling of leaves, and in advanced forms - flowers and berries |
| Oidium | The appearance of a white coating on the leaves. Spread of an unpleasant odor |
| Gray rot | Cracking berries |
As a preventive measure, spraying the vines with fungicides is used. Treatment with biological or chemical preparations will help prevent the death of the plant.
Insects also pose a danger to Ilya grapes. Insecticides are used to protect against pests. Regular care also strengthens the plant's immunity.A healthy plant copes with problems more easily.
Harvest and storage
Ilya grapes ripen early, but the berries are not picked immediately. Harvesting begins a few weeks after the fruits appear ripe in appearance. A pause is needed for sugar to accumulate. To fully develop the sweetness, you need to wait a month.
For storage, bunches with whole berries, without damage, are selected. The grapes are left in a dry and cool place. A refrigerator or a ventilated basement is suitable for placing grape clusters. The fruits also tolerate transportation well.
Gardeners value Ilya grapes for their honey taste. The plant does not contain red anthocyanins and does not cause allergic reactions. The ability to withstand frosty winters and transportability also attract farmers.
