Contents
Grape Swallow is a hybrid crop characterized by high yield and sufficient frost resistance. The variety is considered early, because the crop has time to ripen in 3-3,5 months.
History of occurrence
The table grape Swallow was bred in Our Country. The originator of the variety is Pavlovsky E.G. When creating a hybrid, two species were involved: Beauty and Super Extra. Variety Swallow is not included in the register of breeding achievements.
Description of the grape variety Swallow
Grape Swallow is a vigorous crop with dark blue berries. The crop ripens in summer, so the plant is valued for its early maturity. The root system is well developed.
bunches
Grapes Swallow have medium-sized bunches. The shape is cylindrical. Weight depends on the age of the crop and growing conditions.
The average weight of a bunch ranges from 400 to 800 g
Berries
The color of the berries is dark blue. The shape is oval, the size is large. The weight of the berry is 8-12 g. The pulp of the grapes is juicy, compacted. The taste is pleasant, dessert, sometimes with a slight hint of nutmeg. The aroma is unobtrusive. The peel of the berries is thin, but the brushes are quite stable during transportation.
Vine
Vine maturation is good. Shoots give a medium-sized bush with increased foliage. The leaf blades have prominent veins. Foliage color varies from light green to dark green. By the end of the season, the leaf plates acquire a brownish tint.
Characteristics of grapes Swallow
Before you buy any grape variety, you need to familiarize yourself with its characteristics. Only the right crop is able to please the harvest.
The ripening period of grapes Swallow
In the description of the variety, it is noted that the Swallow ripens in 95-100 days. Therefore, the variety belongs to the super-early.
In regions with a warm climate, the first crop is harvested in the second decade of July.
In areas with cool summers, grapes ripen 1-2 weeks later, that is, by the end of July or early August.
Productivity
Experts note the unstable yield of Lastochka grapes. The indicator depends on the growing conditions, the correct care. The average yield from each bush is 15-25 kg. This is considered a good indicator for culture.
Taste
Berries have firm, crispy flesh. The peel is thin, it is not felt when used and does not spoil the taste. The pulp is sweetish, with a nutmeg flavor.
Growing regions
Variety Swallow can be grown in various regions of Our Country. It should not be forgotten that in areas with cold and little snowy winters, the crop needs to be covered.
Frost resistance
According to the description of the originator, the Lastochka variety belongs to crops with high frost resistance. Bushes are able to withstand up to -23 ° C. So that the vine does not suffer from frost, it must be removed from the support and covered with agrofiber, spruce branches.
Drought tolerance
Drought tolerance is average. Without watering and precipitation, the berries remain small, and the yield is low. Therefore, periodic soil moistening and crown irrigation are important.
Disease and pest resistance
Variety Swallow is still at the testing stage. Nothing is said about its resistance to diseases and pests. Therefore, when cultivating seedlings, it is necessary to take care of preventive spraying.
Methods of Use
Grapes can be used both fresh and for winter harvesting. It is used to make juice, compote, wine. Bunches keep in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
Advantages and disadvantages
The grape variety Swallow has its advantages and disadvantages. Winegrowers appreciated it for the early ripening of the crop and the versatility of the fruit.
According to the description of the originator, the variety Swallow rarely suffers from mildew.
Pros:
- early ripening of the crop;
- good yield;
- pleasant taste with nutmeg notes;
- resistance to transportation;
- versatility of application;
- unpretentiousness to growing conditions.
Cons:
- small bunches;
- not too big berries.
Features of landing
When buying a seedling, you need to pay attention to the root system. If it is closed, then the bushes are placed immediately in the holes in the open area.
Planting work is recommended to be carried out in the spring, after the threat of frost passing.
Wells for culture are prepared in advance. They should be 30-35 cm deep. 2 m are left between adjacent seedlings.
Algorithm for carrying out landing operations:
- Crushed stone, broken bricks are poured into the bottom of the dug hole. The drainage layer should be 10-15 cm.
- They make a mound of fertile soil in the hole with the addition of sand (2: 1).
- A seedling is planted on an earthen mound. The roots are covered with ashes.
- The hole is covered with earth. Gently tamp with your hands so as not to damage the roots of the plant.
- 7-10 liters of water are poured into the near-stem soil.
If the planting of the Swallow grapes is scheduled for autumn, then the procedure is carried out no earlier than October. It must be taken into account that a young seedling may suffer from frost, so you should take care of a reliable shelter for the winter.
Care instructions
Ultra-early grapes Swallow are classified as frost-resistant crops. According to the tests carried out, the seedlings are able to withstand frosts down to -20 °C.
It is advisable to cover young bushes for the winter even in the southern regions, because they react negatively to frost
In areas with a cold climate, it is recommended to grow Swallow grapes in greenhouse conditions. For the winter, the vine is removed from the trellis, cut to two meters, covered with spruce branches, and agrofibre is pulled onto the supporting structure. When snow falls over the bushes, snow mounds (30-40 cm) can be formed.
Timely care measures can lead to an increase in yield and improve the taste of berries:
- Pruning bushes. Carried out in autumn and early spring. In the autumn, the shoots are cut to a length of 2 m. In the spring, damaged branches are removed.
- Soil loosening. The procedure is necessary in order to saturate the roots of the seedling with oxygen. The earth in the trunk circle is loosened at least five times per season.
- Elimination of weeds. Grass is pulled out as it appears. To slow down the process of weeds, the trunk circle is mulched. As mulch, cut grass, hay, straw, peat are used.
- To get a good harvest, you need to feed the crop. You can use rotted manure. Under each seedling you will need one bucket of diluted liquid. If there is no manure, the bushes can be fed with mineral fertilizers. They are buried in the ground to a depth of at least 30 cm. In the spring, it is recommended to feed the Swallow grapes with ammonium nitrate or potassium salt. In a five-liter bucket, 100 g of the substance is diluted.
- Vine tie. After wintering, the shelter is removed, and the branches of the grapes are tied to a support. Do this before the buds open.
- Timely watering is important for laying the crop.
The first moistening is carried out in the spring after the snow melts and the earth dries
20 liters are poured under each seedling. The second watering is carried out before flowering. The third procedure is planned at the time of tying fruit brushes.
Treatment for diseases and pests. The first spraying is carried out in the spring, at the time of tying the vine to the support. To do this, use copper sulfate (3%) with the addition of urea (300 g per bucket of water). It is possible to prevent infection of grapes Swallow with oidium with the help of drugs Operkot, Shavit. Before flowering, spraying with Aktara, Ridomil is carried out. These funds will save planting from ticks, aphids, fungal diseases.
When the grapes fade, they are treated with fungicides. For these purposes, use Previkur, Skor, Thanos. Before wintering, the bushes are sprayed with iron sulphate. A preventive measure is scheduled for a calm day without precipitation, since the drug is easily washed off with water.
Conclusion
Grapes Swallow – an early ripe hybrid that is in demand among gardeners. With proper fit and timely care, it practically does not get sick. There are hints of muscat on the palate. Berries have a universal purpose. They are used to make wine, juice, compote. Clusters can be transported over long distances.