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Many summer residents prefer early-ripening grape varieties, as their berries have time to accumulate solar energy in a short period and reach high sugar content. The breeders of Novocherkassk bred Alex grapes, the description of the variety of which, as well as photos and reviews, testify to its undoubted merits.
Alexa table grapes were obtained by crossing two varieties and successfully combined their best characteristics – early ripeness and frost resistance of one and high productivity of the other.
Variety description
An important feature of the Alexa variety is its frost resistance, the vine tolerates temperatures down to -25 degrees without consequences. It is this quality that makes Alexa grapes popular among gardeners in the western regions of the country, and in the north it is grown in sheltered conditions. On uncovered soils, grapes are capable of producing from 1 ha, on average, up to 135 centners. Harvest is already in late August or early autumn.
Early shoots of Alexa grapes are evenly distributed on bushes that grow very quickly. Among all shoots, the number of fruitful shoots is more than 70%. The large five-lobed leaves of the Alexa variety with yellowish veins have a rich green color on the upper side, and a lighter shade and slight pubescence on the lower side. The flowers are bisexual and do not need additional pollination.
Large light green berries of the Alex grape variety are collected in large clusters up to 35 cm long and weighing up to 1 kg or more. They are characterized by:
- cylindrical shape;
- dense juicy pulp;
- pleasant nutmeg taste;
- excellent sugar content – up to 20%;
- low acidity – up to 6%;
- the possibility of long-term preservation on the bushes;
- resistance to cracking after rains;
- excellent trade dress;
- the possibility of long-term transportation without loss of consumer qualities;
- high tasting score – more than 8 points.
Peculiarities of growing
To obtain consistently high yields of Alexa grapes, gardeners’ reviews recommend taking into account some features of its planting and care:
- the Alexa variety grows well on light, sufficiently moist soils;
- grapes form a powerful root system that branches quickly, which should be considered when planting;
- shrubs thrive in elevated, sunny areas with well-drained soil;
- since the Alexa variety is frost-resistant, it also grows well in the lowlands;
- bushes grow rapidly, so they should not be allowed to shade;
- the rapid growth of bushes and the formation of large clusters require regular grape garters;
- 40 shoots are considered the optimal load on the bush, but leaving 30 of them, you can get a higher yield and large berries;
- grafted seedlings bear fruit better;
- although the Alexa variety shows resistance to many diseases, it needs preventive treatments.
Planting of grapes
In order for the Alexa grape variety to give good yields, it is necessary to provide it with comfortable growing conditions.
Site Selection
The Alexa variety is unpretentious in the choice of soils; almost any is suitable for it:
- clay soils are important to provide good drainage;
- peat bogs can be diluted with sand;
- increased acidity can be reduced by liming;
- fertilize sandstones with manure or compost.
Variety Alexa grows well in the lowlands. Usually, the southern parts of the site are chosen for planting grapes, otherwise the seedlings can be buried in a trench up to half a meter. Then their root system will be protected from freezing, which means that the vine will also be preserved. It is good to plant bushes next to a wall or fence so that there are no drafts.
Well preparation
An early scheme of 3×0,75 m is considered optimal for planting Alexa grapes, otherwise the overgrown bushes will obscure each other. A trench or planting hole is prepared in two weeks:
- their width and depth are 0,8 m;
- the bottom of 10 centimeters is covered with gravel or expanded clay, which will provide drainage;
- from above, it is covered with the same layer of soil and spilled abundantly with water;
- in the center of each hole, a support for the vine is fixed;
- compost or humus is laid along with mineral additives;
- one-third of the hole is filled with earth and again spills abundantly.
planting grapes
If all the rules are followed during planting, the seedlings will quickly take root and grow:
- a mound of soil is collected around the support peg;
- a seedling is installed on it, which is tied to a support;
- the roots are neatly straightened on the mound;
- the soil is gradually poured and compacted;
- the vaccination site should be 3 cm above the ground;
- the near-stem circle is covered with a small layer of humus.
If grape bushes are planted in a trench, then a garter wire is stretched between them every 30-40 cm.
Reproduction by cuttings
Alexa reproduces well with the help of cuttings, they quickly take root and already give good shoots by autumn. To prepare cuttings, you need:
- after autumn pruning of the vine, select the lignified part of a healthy shoot about 70 cm long;
- the optimal cutting diameter should be about 10 mm;
- on the handle, a heel should be left from a thicker shoot, from which the roots will then go;
- cuttings should be dipped in a weak solution of copper sulfate;
- place them in a box with sand in a dark, cool place until spring;
- with the onset of March, select healthy strong cuttings and plant them in sawdust;
- already in May, ready-made seedlings can be transplanted to the site.
As follows from the description of the variety and photo, Alexa grapes can also be propagated by layering:
- at the bottom of the vine choose two strong shoots;
- remove leaves and tendrils from them; dripped in pre-prepared grooves to a depth of 30 cm;
- layering is watered and mulched with sawdust or peat.
In the spring, new Alexa vines will grow from the cuttings. Two years later, when they get stronger, you can separate them from the mother vine.
Bush care
The agricultural technology of the Alexa variety consists in timely procedures for feeding, pruning and watering the bushes.
Spring care for seedlings of Alex’s early grapes consists of:
- in breaking out excess shoots;
- removal of unnecessary kidneys;
- pruning root shoots;
- garter to the trellis of young shoots;
- correct rationing of colors;
- complex feeds.
Summer jobs include:
- systematic pinching of the vine to prevent it from stretching;
- removal of stepchildren on the vine to ensure effective nutrition of fruitful shoots;
- removal of leaves that shade the berries during their ripening;
- timely feeding;
- daily inspections of the vine to identify pests;
- preventive treatments for diseases.
In autumn, a crucial moment comes when the vine gave all its strength to the ripening of fruits. After harvesting, you should prepare Alexa grapes for winter:
- to strengthen the protective forces, feed with complex fertilizers;
- treat against pests;
- carry out formative and sanitary pruning, removing all damaged branches after the foliage has fallen;
- in the northern regions, grapes are spudded, and the vine is covered with spruce branches.
Preventive treatments
The thick skin of grape berries reliably protects them from various pests. The variety is resistant to many diseases. However, prevention of common diseases and pests is important. In the spring, when young shoots begin to grow, the bushes are sprayed with a solution of Bordeaux mixture.
The second treatment of the Alexa grape variety is carried out before the appearance of the ovaries. If the bushes are affected by a bacterial or fungal infection, all diseased parts of the grapes – shoots, leaves, clusters – should be collected and destroyed, as they cannot be treated. The remaining healthy vines need to be sprayed with chemicals. It is also necessary to clean the near-stem circles from weeds, from which pests easily move to vines. Creating favorable conditions for their aeration will prevent the appearance of mold and fungi.
Reviews of gardeners
Conclusion
Alexa grapes will be a good variety for home viticulture and will delight with harvests of juicy sweet berries without requiring complex care measures.
