The taste and appearance of the Lady's Fingers grapes is known to almost every person. The description of the variety notes many positive qualities. To grow it on your site, you need to know some planting and care rules. To get a good harvest, the plant needs a lot of sunlight and heat, so this condition is fundamental for successful development.
History of selection
Lady Fingers grapes are eaten fresh and also used to make raisins.Central Asia is considered the birthplace of this grape variety. In the 17th century, the plant began to be grown in Astrakhan and Crimea. In the 20th century, the variety began to be grown in Georgia, Uzbekistan and the southern regions of Russia.
In each region the variety is called differently. The most popular name, which was obtained due to the oblong shape of the berries, is Lady's Fingers. Among professionals in viticulture, this variety has a different name - Khusayne Bely.
Description of the variety
The description of the variety indicates that the fruit bush is characterized by strong growth. The leaves are round in shape, medium in size with carved, slightly raised edges. The inner surface of the leaves has bristly pubescence.
The berries are collected in large clusters, the length of which reaches 40 cm. The average weight of a grape bunch is from 450 g. The berries themselves are large, seedless, and oblong in shape (the length of each berry reaches 3.5 cm). The juicy pulp tastes sweet, with a pleasant sourness.
The oblong berries of the Lady's Fingers variety can be yellow-green or black. The black variety of Lady Fingers is even larger than the yellow-green variety. The weight of one berry is up to 8 g, length is 4.5 cm.
Landing Features
In order for the prepared seedlings to take root and develop well, it is important to observe a number of conditions:
- for planting, choose a well-lit place, protected from drafts;
- there should be no tall trees or shrubs nearby that could shade the area;
- the occurrence of groundwater no closer than 3 meters to the surface of the earth;
- seedlings are planted at a distance of 3 meters;
- the depth of the hole being dug is 80 cm;
- Nutrient components are placed in the recess prepared for planting.
The seedlings are deepened to the root collar, covered with soil and watered abundantly with warm, settled water.
Planting season
It is allowed to plant Lady Fingers grapes in any season, from early spring to late autumn. The choice of season depends on the type of planting material.
It is better to plant young cuttings in warm weather, in late spring or summer. Vaccination begins at the end of May. Dormant shoots, for which grafting is still ahead, are best planted in April or at the end of September.
Soil preparation
For the development of a fruit bush, fertile and light soil is necessary. At the beginning of the growing season, nitrogen fertilizers are applied. Phosphorus and potassium components are also required. If the soil is highly acidic, liming is necessary.
Care
Caring for the crop involves loosening the soil, timely watering and fertilizing, and removing weeds. To ensure that the grape bunches receive enough light and warmth, pruning is carried out regularly.
Watering
You need to water frequently and abundantly. It is especially important not to forget about watering in early spring and during the period of active flowering. As soon as the ovaries are formed, watering is reduced. To retain moisture, it is advisable to mulch the soil. Peat, moss, sawdust, and humus are suitable as mulch.
Trimming
Pruning is carried out annually. After the procedure, approximately 9-10 shoots should remain. It is advisable to trim to 15 buds (the buds are the formation between the leaf and the bud). If you do not trim off unnecessary branches, they will waste energy and nutrients.
It is better to start removing excess branches from the bottom. First, shoots with three eyes are left, gradually increasing their number. Approaching the top, 14-15 eyes are left on each shoot.
Harvesting
Beginning gardeners are interested in the question: when do grapes ripen? Table grapes Lady's Fingers are varieties with medium ripening limits. Harvesting begins 150 days from the beginning of the growing season. After planting a young seedling, fruiting begins after four years.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Lady Fingers grapes have a number of advantages:
- attractive bunches of berries;
- sweet taste and rich vitamin composition of berries;
- long-distance transportation;
- abundance of harvest.
The disadvantages of the variety include poor disease resistance and frequent susceptibility to attack by pests. It is important to consider that the plant does not tolerate frosts below -18 degrees.
Pests and diseases
The variety is poorly resistant to disease. Grapes are especially often affected by fungal infections.
In rainy summers there is a high risk of infection with mildew (downy mildew). The berries rot, and ripened bunches become sour. Leaves and shoots die, productivity decreases.
Alternating drought with heavy rains leads to the spread of oidium (powdery mildew). Mold and dark spots appear on the lower branches, then the inflorescences are affected. The berries grow slowly and dry out.
The most common pests are: spider mites, grape thrips, leaf rollers, and aphids. An excess of aphids on a plant leads to the development of a disease such as phylloxera. Growths appear on the inside of the leaves. If the fight against aphids is not started in time, the infection spreads to the roots and the plant dies.
