The juicy sweet berries of Laura grapes are widely known to many gardeners. The excellent taste with a light aroma of nutmeg has long been appreciated. The unpretentious shrub is common in the southern and central regions of the country. Thanks to its many advantages, it is grown by ordinary summer residents and used on farms for sale and for making wine.
History of the variety
The name of the variety Laura is widespread mainly among amateur gardeners.The grapes are listed in the State Register under the name Flora. The hybrid was obtained in Odessa. During the crossing of the varieties Husaine, Muscat de Saint Valier, Queen Tairovskaya, Muscat Hamburg. Selective experiments were carried out by V. E. Tairov.
Description and characteristics
Each variety has specific data that determine the patterns of its development. Description of the distinctive characteristics of the Laura grapes includes external features and characteristics of growth and fruiting of the plant:
- The vine bush reaches medium size in maturity. Its main feature is a large number of fruitful shoots.
- The leaves have a standard shape - five-lobed. Depending on the degree of lighting, their color can be light or dark green.
- Laura's clusters are medium. The weight of one is up to 1 kg. Under favorable weather conditions and good care, the figure can be increased to 2.5 kg. One bush produces a harvest of berries of the same weight and size, even in an ordinary summer cottage.
- Laura's grapes, upon reaching maturity, become light and oval in shape. The weight of one berry is 7-10 g. The pulp is dense and juicy. Taste with a slight nutmeg tint.
- The variety is considered early ripening. Flowering begins in May. The first harvest is harvested in mid-August.
- One of Laura’s specific qualities is excellent transportability of fruits. They can withstand long journeys without harming their appearance.
- Frost resistance is above average. The shrub can withstand temperatures dropping to 21-23 degrees.
Depending on the region where the variety is cultivated, the planting location on the site, weather conditions, and the quality of care procedures, the characteristics of the grapes can change both positively and negatively.
The Laura variety is a bright representative of garden flora, popular among many summer residents and commercial gardeners.
Pros and cons of Laura grapes
Thanks to its many advantages, Laura grapes have long been in great demand for planting in garden plots:
- The shrub is characterized by abundant fruiting. The harvest is produced by 80% of the shoots.
- High resistance to most fungal diseases.
- Resistance to cold allows the variety to be propagated in regions with winter temperatures down to -23 degrees.
- The ripe harvest is well transported. This facilitates long-term transportation of grapes over long distances.
- Large, sweet fruits.
- Early ripening of berries.
It is worth considering a specific feature of the Laura variety: there is a high risk of shoots being damaged by oidium. Timely prevention will minimize the risk of fungal infections.
Planting and ripening dates
The planting period for Laura grapes depends on the region, its climate, and weather conditions:
- In the southern regions, planting can be done from October to March.
- For the middle zone, you should focus on a warm spring. The air temperature should not be lower than 17 degrees.
Rooting of the shrub should take place in the most comfortable conditions for the plant. It should be noted that the seedling must acclimatize and get used to the planting site before the onset of cold weather. The ripening period of the variety is considered short compared to other representatives of fruit and berry crops. Grapes are characterized by rapid growth.
Flowering occurs in May. Afterwards the ovaries are formed. From this moment until the fruits fully ripen, no more than 120 days pass. The first harvest is harvested in August two years after planting. One bush brings up to 40 kg of delicious juicy berries. Grapes can remain on the shoots for a long time without falling off or losing their taste.
Planting Tips
Planting Laura grape seedlings is a responsible procedure. When performing it, you should follow the recommendations of experienced gardeners:
- The soil should not be clayey. An increased salt content will lead to the death of the seedling.
- The variety prefers medium moisture. It is worth making sure that groundwater is located at a distance of 1.5 m from the rhizome of the plant.
- Grapes love light. The landing site should be well lit.
- The shrub needs protection from wind and drafts.
Planting algorithm for the Laura variety:
- Prepare holes twice as large as the roots of the seedling.
- The pits are at least 1.5 m apart from each other.
- A mixture of soil and organic fertilizers is placed at the bottom of the recess. Sprinkle regular soil on top.
- The seedling is lowered down, straightening the roots. The root collar should be at surface level. The hole is filled with soil. Lightly tamp.
- Perform watering. One bush uses 2-3 buckets of clean water.
- The area around the trunk is mulched with straw, hay, and sawdust.
A young plant needs additional support. To do this, a wooden stake is firmly placed in the hole with the seedling. The trunk is tied to it with a soft rope. After 2-3 years, the support can be removed.
Rules of care
Caring for Laura grapes will not require significant time investment. The variety is quite unpretentious. To ensure high-quality growth and development, plant health, the following mandatory procedures should be followed:
- The plant needs regular watering. It depends on weather conditions. In hot periods the quantity and frequency are increased, in damp and rainy periods they are reduced. One adult bush requires about 3 buckets of water.Watering is carried out using special drainage holes. Grapes do not absorb moisture directly under the standard. In autumn, the area around the trunk is mulched. This will help retain moisture in the soil.
- It is recommended to fertilize the plant often, but in small portions. Laura needs feeding with potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. The application of preparations should be carried out depending on the phases of flowering and fruiting. During flowering and fruit set, the plant has a more intense need for additional nutrients. Before sheltering for the winter, grapes are also fertilized. This will help him endure the cold season.
- Shrub pruning is carried out 2-3 years after planting. Cut off dry, damaged, overgrown shoots. For the full development of grapes, it is recommended to leave 3-4 main shoots. They will grow and become thicker. You should not get carried away with the formation of the crown of grapes. Laura may react badly to excessive pruning and may stop growing. Perform medium or short pruning.
- Shelter for the winter is a must. The variety is characterized by high resistance to frost, but low temperatures can damage fragile shoots. Young bushes are bent to the ground and covered with earth. For older grapes, straw and hay are used. You should not cover the plant with materials that will not allow air to pass through.
- Prevention of plant diseases and insect pests should be carried out regularly and in a timely manner. The grapes are sprayed with special solutions, rotten fruits and dry leaves are removed from the area, and all shoots are thoroughly inspected.
Competent care is an important component. High-quality watering, regular fertilizing, shelter for the winter, and disease prevention will provide high immunity for Laura’s grapes.A healthy plant will bring a bountiful harvest of large, sweet berries.
Reproduction methods
The Laura grape is considered a "female" variety. To pollinate it, additional “male” species are needed. It is best to use for this purpose:
- Arcadia;
- Kishmish Radiant;
- Rusbol.
The Laura variety can reproduce in several ways:
- Seeds. Used for breeding new varieties.
- Layering.
- Cuttings.
- Graft. Can be used on bushes, indoors.
The most common method of propagation is cuttings. The procedure is easy to perform if you follow simple rules:
- Cuttings are harvested just before the cold weather.
- The basis for harvesting should be a healthy, high-quality vine.
- The optimal length is 50-60 cm.
- Before storage, the cuttings are soaked in warm water for 2 days.
- After processing, they are wrapped in a damp cloth and put in the refrigerator. The optimal temperature should be observed - 0-4 degrees.
- During the storage period, cuttings are checked once a month. If the fabric dries out, it must be re-moistened.
Before planting, cuttings go through a number of mandatory stages:
- After wintering, the cuttings are checked. An incision is made on the trunk. If liquid appears, then the young plant is ready for further processing. It happens that the seedling dries out. For rehabilitation, it is soaked for a longer period.
- Viable cuttings are immersed in warm water for several days.
- Rhizomes are treated with a special solution. It will speed up the process of root emergence.
- Seedlings are dipped in sawdust for 10-15 days. They are moistened periodically. During this period, a young root system is formed.
- Grow cuttings at home.
Further planting is carried out during the warm period. If all norms and rules are observed, the cuttings will take root in the prepared area.
Diseases and pests
The Laura variety has high immunity to many fungal diseases. It is rarely affected by gray rot and mildew. Oidium poses a high level of danger to grape bushes. To prevent and treat such a disease, a number of mandatory measures are taken:
- Spraying with sulfur solution. Laura is treated before flowering.
- Use of potassium permanganate. It is bred in water. A light solution is considered an excellent means of prevention. It is used several times during the warm period. If the bush is affected by oidium, then spraying is carried out more often.
- Mullein infusion is one of the popular folk remedies. It is a good way to prevent the onset of disease.
- In case of severe damage, it is recommended to use chemicals - “Karatan”, “Rubiga”, and others.
- Shrubs are treated with solutions of Bordeaux mixture and iron sulfate.
The berries of the Laura variety are characterized by a high sugar content. This attracts many insect pests:
- Wasps. To protect against them, it is recommended to wrap each bunch with a special net. Not far from the planting, baits and traps with poisonous agents are placed - boric acid, "Karbofos".
- Birds. Small species of birds encroach on the harvest of ripe berries. To protect against them, metal nets are used for bunches.
- Mice. Particular attention should be paid to shoots covered for the winter. The mice chew them off. It is necessary to spread the burnt felt and wool between the shoots of the grapes. Rodents will be put off by the smell and will not approach the grapes.
Treatment and prevention of plant diseases and the destructive influence of pests is an important component of care procedures for Laura grapes.
A thorough examination of the shoots, foliage, and fruits of the plant will help to identify the disease at its inception stage and apply timely treatment measures.
Best Growing Regions
The Laura variety is a heat-loving plant. It is recommended to be planted in the southern regions of the country. The frost resistance of the plant allows the variety to be cultivated in central regions and cities with fluctuating low temperatures.
The Laura variety is a well-known representative of fruit and berry crops. The excellent taste of grapes makes it a popular planting for many summer residents. Providing proper care will become the basis for regular, abundant fruiting. The undeniable advantages of the shrub provide it with a leading position in modern gardening.
