Alexa Grapes: Characteristics and Description of the Variety, Planting and Care

A grape variety called "Alexa" was developed especially for gardeners living in harsher climates.It tolerates frost well, has good yield indicators and is unpretentious in care.

Characteristics of the variety

Developed by Russian breeders in Novocherkassk at the Potapenko All-Russian Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking, this variety is a complex American-European table grape hybrid. The "Alexa" grape was created by crossing the popular "Biruintsa" and "Vostorg" varieties. It is a mid-early variety, with a ripening period that varies depending on the season. growing region and can range from 120 to 135 days. The berries ripen as early as late August or early September. This variety is recommended for cultivation in all regions of Russia; in northern regions with short summers, "Alexa" can be grown under cover.

The vine grows rapidly and ripens well, with 60-65% of fruiting shoots. The root system is well developed, cuttings root well, and are highly compatible with rootstocks. The foliage is large, rich dark green above, lighter and slightly pubescent beneath. The inflorescences are medium-sized, bisexual, and do not require a pollinator.

The clusters are cylindrical-conical, large, weighing from 800 to 1,300 grams, and medium in density. A cluster can reach up to 35 cm in length. With proper care, a single bunch can weigh up to 2 kg. The berries are oval, 1.5-2 cm long, weighing 10-13 grams, and turn light green when ripe. The skin is dense, crisp, and covered with a white waxy coating; it is practically imperceptible when eaten. The flesh is meaty and juicy. It has a pleasant muscat flavor; the variety has a tasting score of 8.2 out of 10.

The fruits contain up to 20% sugar, with low acidity, approximately 6 g per liter. The berries hold well on the vine and do not fall off until frost. "Alexa" grapes are well-suited for transportation, without sacrificing quality or appearance. Up to 135 centners of harvest can be harvested from one hectare of open-air cultivation.

Advantages and disadvantages

"Alexa" isn't yet widely available. However, it will undoubtedly gain popularity soon, as it offers numerous advantages and virtually no drawbacks.

Advantages:

• excellent berry taste;
• attractive presentation;
• long-term storage possibility;
• berries do not lose their consumer qualities during transportation;
• active growth of vines and good survival rate of seedlings;
• opportunity grow grapes in regions with unstable climate;
• high winter hardiness;
• good yield performance;
• does not require artificial pollination;

Flaws:

• insufficiently high resistance to fungal diseases;

Diseases and pests

In order to save plants Preventative treatments against diseases are essential, and should be done 2-3 times during the growing season. The first time should be before flowering, and the second before fruit set. A third treatment can be performed if necessary. Bordeaux mixture or copper-containing products are typically used for treatment, but commercial products can also be used.

In general, the variety has good immunity, but the grapes can still be affected by:

• powdery mildew;
• mildew;
• gray mold;
• chlorosis;
• bacteriosis;
• rubella;

Wasps don't damage the berries; nets or scarecrows are used to protect against birds. Biopreparations are used to protect against common pests, and agricultural practices are excellent preventative measures against diseases and pests:

• timely removal of weeds;
• pruning;
• garter to a support;
• soil moisture control;

Landing

First, you need to choose a suitable location for the grapes. It should be bright and draft-free, preferably on a raised site. The groundwater table should be at least two meters deep. Any soil will do, but if the pH is high, it can be reduced with liming. Dig a hole two weeks before planting, place drainage underneath, and then fill with soil mixed with sand and humus. The planting material should be healthy, with well-developed roots.

Immediately after planting, the seedling is watered generously. Care consists of moistening and loosening the soil, and removing weeds. The young plant also needs to be tied to a support. Experienced agronomists recommend mulching the soil to make care easier.

Care

For that, to get a worthy harvest, it is necessary to follow the agricultural technology of the variety. In the spring, extra shoots are removed, trim off root shoots. Young shoots are tied to a support. Fertilizer should be applied at least once every few years; complex or organic fertilizers are excellent for this. Water the plants approximately once a month, then loosen the soil. After the sap begins to flow, spray prophylactically against diseases and pests.

In summer vineyard care This includes removing side shoots and leaves that shade the berries, as well as applying nutrients and watering. Regular inspection of the plants is essential to spot signs of disease or parasitic insects early. In the fall, after harvest, water the vines for moisture replenishment, perform sanitary and formative pruning, and treat them with specialized pest control products. In colder regions, the vines are removed from their supports, earthed up, and covered with spruce branches or agrofibre.

Harvesting, storage and application

Grapes are harvested when fully ripe; if the bunch is cut at the technical maturity stage, they will not ripen fully. The bunches are cut with a clean, sterile instrument; pruning shears are ideal. Before long-term storage, all bunches are carefully inspected for disease and damage, and only those with all intact berries are selected. Store the harvested grapes in a cool, dry place. "Alexa" grapes are most often eaten fresh. However, they are also suitable for making juice and wine. compote and other preparations for the winter.

Gardeners' reviews

Alexander

"Alexa" is an excellent grape variety; I fell in love with it right away. It tolerates winter frosts well, and the vines don't freeze. The seedlings take root easily and don't require any special care. I harvested my first crop in the third year after planting, and picked the blossoms in the second. The berries have excellent flavor, sweet and juicy.

Elena

I've been growing grapes for a long time. 'Alexa' is one of my favorite varieties; it's easy to care for, produces excellent yields, and the berries taste simply superb. They store well; I have them until New Year's. I treat them for pests and diseases twice a season, and haven't had any problems in five years.

Conclusion

The "Alexa" grape is a high-yielding hybrid variety. It can be grown anywhere and is undemanding in terms of growing conditions and care. It produces a stable yield, and the berries are sweet, appealing to both adults and children. This variety is primarily intended for fresh consumption, but is also suitable for other purposes.