Description, characteristics and history of Lily of the Valley grapes, cultivation and propagation

A grape variety that was little known until recently is becoming popular due to its positive qualities. Lily of the Valley grapes have many advantages, but they are valued for their self-fertility and the ability to form ovaries under unfavorable weather conditions.

History of variety development

Ukrainian breeder V.V.Zagorulko is considered the author of this species. The first mention was in 2012, the variety was introduced by the author himself. The creation of a new plant is based on two types of grapes:

• Mascot;
• Kishmish Radiant.

The resulting plants took the maximum positive characteristics from their parents. After gardeners learned about the properties of the plant, it became especially popular.

Advantages and disadvantages

The variety has one significant drawback: it has not been sufficiently studied. But a large number of positive qualities encourage gardeners to acquire Lily of the Valley grapes.

Pros:

• high annual yield;
• versatility of use;
• high immunity;
• tolerance to adverse weather conditions;
• taste characteristics;
• ability for long-term storage;
• good rooting ability;

Minuses:

• the variety is poorly studied;
• demands for formation;
• excessive juiciness;
• Berries that are over-aged on the vine lose their taste and become mushy inside.

A gardener can personally determine the advantages and disadvantages of a variety if he plants it on his site.

Where can you grow Lily of the Valley?

Insufficient knowledge of the variety does not allow us to say exactly in which areas cultivation will be favorable and in which it will not. Therefore, Lily of the Valley grapes are grown mainly in the southern regions. Average frost resistance allows grow grapes in the middle zone.

Varietal characteristics

After studying the description, the gardener makes the final decision. The selection criteria are different, and therefore the varieties in demand are different. The plant is powerful, the bushes are tall. The weight of one bunch is at least 0.5 kg. The shape is elongated, cylindrical. The flowering is long and fragrant, which distinguishes the Lily of the Valley variety from many others..

The fruits are tasty, very juicy. The weight of one berry is up to 18 g. The shade of ripe grapes is yellow.

Productivity

Proper planting, care and formation of the bush determine the number of fruits obtained from one plant. Since there is no statistical information, it is difficult to indicate the harvest volume of the variety. Researchers are just collecting information.

Frost resistance

Manufacturers guarantee that the vine can withstand temperatures down to -21 ⁰C. This allows it to be used as a non-covering one. Or wrap it up for the winter in regions with more severe climatic conditions.

Self-fertility

The flowers are bisexual; for pollination, a pollinating variety does not need to be planted nearby. To increase productivity, summer residents advise planting several different varieties of grapes that bloom at the same time.

Immunity to infections

Lily of the valley grapes have high immunity. Resistant to common crop diseases. But at the same time, preventive treatment in spring and autumn is desirable. They are treated against fungal diseases before flowering and after harvesting.

Planting a bush

Healthy seedlings are purchased for cultivation and only from trusted people. The planting hole is prepared in the fall and planted in the spring. A drainage layer must be laid at the bottom. Use broken bricks or other available means. Then a layer of soil mixed with humus and mineral fertilizers is poured onto it.

Before planting, seedlings are placed in Kornevin or another similar product for 2-3 hours.

This is necessary for better rooting. Plant on a hill or form a mound. Water generously and tie to a peg. The distance between plants is 3 m, row spacing is 5 m.

Good growing conditions

In order for grapes to grow well and develop properly, they must be grown in favorable conditions. Lily of the Valley has no requirements for the composition of the soil. It is necessary to choose the right area in the garden.

Landing location

The culture is heat-loving, this must be taken into account when choosing where to plant the plants. The location must be suitable in terms of soil composition, lighting and other important parameters.

Lily of the valley does not have strict preferences for soil composition. But it is recommended plant grapes into fertile, breathable soil. The occurrence of groundwater should be no higher than 3-4 m. For decoration, gazebos, canopies and other buildings are planted with plants.

Illumination

The light-loving plant feels better on the sunny side of the site. The longer the plants are exposed to sunlight, the richer the taste, color and aroma of the fruit. The grapes will grow in the shade, but their berries will be sour and tasteless.

Caring for young and mature vines

The productivity of plants depends on proper care. Compliance with agricultural cultivation techniques will lead to its increase.

Watering

It is recommended to water regularly, never allowing it to dry out. But there is no need to fill it thoughtlessly. The root system of the crop suffers from rotting when there is excess moisture.

Watering is mandatory:

• before flowering;
• after flowering;
• after harvest.

No type of grape is watered during fruiting; excess moisture leads to cracking of the berries.

Fertilizers

Plants also need fertilizing. For the first 2-3 years they are not needed; the grapes need only what is added during planting. It is important to apply them on time and in moderation. Excess nutrients lead to the opposite effect. In the spring, organic matter is added, followed by complex mineral fertilizers. Alternating feeding will not lead to addiction.

Once every 3 years they are fed with potassium magnesium to maintain sugar content in the fruits.

Trimming

Pruning is carried out in the fall. This way the grapes get sick less. Leave 10 eyes on the shoots.To choose the right pruning method, it is recommended to take into account the composition of the soil, the characteristics of the variety, location on the site, and method of cultivation.

Covering for the winter

In the southern regions, Lily of the Valley is grown as an uncovered plant, but in the northern regions it is necessary to wrap it up for the winter. For this, they use special material from the store or build a shelter themselves, using straw, plant debris and thick film, non-woven fabric and soil. If a gardener decides to plant grapes in the fall, then special attention should be paid to covering them for the winter. A fragile plant needs high-quality shelter.

Reproduction methods

There are several ways to propagate grapes. The choice of method depends on the desires and capabilities of the gardener.

• Cuttings. The most common method of culture propagation. Cuttings are cut from one shoot or several, depending on the quantity needed to be prepared. They are cut in the fall, wrapped in damp cloth and stored in the cellar. Planted in the ground in spring. And they wait for the cuttings to take root and grow. Then they are transferred to a permanent place.
• Seed propagation. Long-term method, plants will bear their first fruits 6-7 years after planting.

Grape bushes planted in this way do not retain their maternal characteristics.

• Vaccination. A high-quality rootstock from a strong plant and a scion from the mother plant are required. The grafting site should be located above the ground.
• By layering. The grapevine shoot is dug in and watered abundantly. They give the opportunity to take root and continue to feed from the mother plant for about 2-3 months. Then you need to disconnect it using garden shears and plant it in a permanent place.

The effectiveness of each method is different, and the result will be different. Therefore, when choosing a method, you should weigh the pros and cons.

Diseases and pests: ways to combat them

The variety is still little studied, but according to reviews, Lily of the Valley grapes are resistant to common crop diseases. Resistance to mildew and oidium is 3 points. The plant also resists insect pests. But to consolidate the result, gardeners recommend treating the plants. 2 preventive treatments will cope with the spread of the disease.

Traps are set against insects, since attacks often occur during fruiting. The Lily of the Valley grape was developed quite recently. But despite this, it is gaining favor and recognition among gardeners. Its versatility of use, high immunity and low maintenance requirements are gradually making it a favorite for many summer residents.