Lancelot grapes: characteristics and description of the variety, planting and care

The Lancelot grape variety is a favorite among winegrowers, characterized as a reliable hybrid that consistently produces excellent yields. It is successfully cultivated in many countries, both in garden plots and on large industrial farms. While it has virtually no drawbacks, its advantages are numerous; even the decorative qualities of the bush itself are noteworthy. Lancelot grapes will leave no one indifferent.

History of origin

The white grape Lancelot was bred about 15 years ago by scientists at the Ya. I. Potapenko All-Russian Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking in Novocherkassk. The basis was a hybrid of the Ecstasy and FV-3-1 varieties, as well as Podarok Zaporozhye. The primary goal was to create a frost-resistant variety, and the numerous other positive qualities the hybrid acquired during the breeding process were a pleasant surprise for its creators. Lancelot was introduced to Russia in 2010.

At the same time as Lancelot, the following were bred at the institute varieties, like Ivanhoe, Arthur, and Merlin. They were originally intended to be similar forms, but over time it became clear that there was no difference between them; all four varieties were twins. How this came about is a mystery, but only Lancelot achieved widespread popularity.

Characteristics of Lancelot grapes

This mid-early hybrid ripens in 125–130 days from bud break to harvest. Uncovered, the bush can withstand temperatures down to -24°C (-74°F). Some gardeners report that, with good snow cover, Lancelot has withstood short-term drops to -27°C (-80°F).

Disease resistance is good, but in some years, partial infestation by powdery mildew is observed. Sparrows are a pest, and wasps are uninterested in the berries' thick skins. Lancelot can also be damaged by late spring frosts; frost-damaged vines recover poorly.

Description of the bush, bunches and berries

The bush is vigorous and tall, developing fairly quickly. The vines are flexible and brick-colored. The leaves are medium-sized, slightly dissected, and dark green. The shoots ripen well. The flowers are bisexual, and the hybrid produces fruit well without pollinators. The clusters are conical or broadly conical, large and dense, ranging from 800 grams to 1.2 kilograms; in rare cases, clusters can weigh up to 3 kilograms.

The berries are large (37 x 26 mm), oval with a blunt tip, approximately 12–15 grams in weight, light green-golden or white-golden, amber-colored, and have a milky tint due to a light waxy coating. The skin is medium-thick and firm, the flesh is dense, crisp, juicy, and meaty, and there are few seeds. Pea formation is not observed even when the bush is heavily loaded with berries.

The flavor is pleasantly honeyed and citrusy (without a muscat aroma), the sugar content is around 19%, and the acidity per liter of juice does not exceed 7 grams. The berries rarely crack when overripe or overwatered; those that do crack quickly rot. In the sun, a blush develops on the skin, which slightly spoils the presentation of the bunches.

Yield indicators, use

The bush begins bearing fruit in the third year, producing very high yields, with the vines ripening almost entirely. To avoid overloading the plant, pruning should be done at 6-8 buds; the norm is 35 buds per bush. By pruning excess buds, the berries ripen slightly earlier than originally estimated. A mature bush can support a load of up to 50 kilograms or more. The yield depends on many factors (vineyard age, growing region, weather conditions, and pruning).

The bunches do not lose their appearance during transportation, only overripe berries fall off, the commercial characteristics of Lancelot are very high, it is often grow For sale. Bunches store well in a cool place for up to 2.5 months without losing their appearance or flavor. Suitable for table use.

Advantages and disadvantages

The hybrid has very few downsides, so let's start with them. The first thing winegrowers who grow Lancelot for sale note is the negative impact of sun exposure on the berries' appearance. However, an unsightly blush rarely affects buyers' choice; the clusters generally remain very attractive. Severe sunburn causes the berries to spoil, dry out, and rot. Another drawback is the vine's lack of resistance to spring frosts; all damaged branches are immediately pruned. Let's move on to Lancelot's positive aspects:

• good taste and appearance of berries;
• no need to select pollinators;
• resistance to diseases and most harmful insects;
• frost resistance, the possibility of growing a hybrid in regions with a cool climate;
• simplicity in care;
• great growth force, excellent ripening of vines;
• productivity;
• a small number of small berries;
• shelf life and transportability.

Let's return to the downsides, and note one more thing: most often, the first two buds are unfruitful. This must be taken into account when pruning, leaving at least three, and preferably four, buds. Overall, this is a very good hybrid, as noted by numerous positive reviews, with cultivation. grapes Even inexperienced gardeners can handle Lancelot.

Features of cultivation

The seedlings should be strong, at least 50 cm in length, with a developed, healthy root system. When preparing for planting, the stem is shortened to 3-4 buds, and the root to 10-15 cm. Choose an open, sunny, wind-free location with permeable, fertile soil. It is advisable to train the vines on a trellis.

Planting grapes Lancelot can be planted in the spring, once the risk of frost has passed, and in the fall, from the second half of September until severe frosts arrive. The plant tolerates significant cold, but not in the early stages of development. During the first year, the vines are covered with a large container and completely covered with soil or sand.

How to care for Lancelot grapes

Caring for Grapes Lancelot is a standard vine. As a cover crop, it is grown only in regions where winter temperatures drop below 25 degrees Celsius and there is virtually no snow. The branches of a mature vine are bent as close to the ground as possible and wrapped or covered with plastic (using arches).

Watering

The first watering is done at planting (3 buckets per bush), then before flowering and immediately after, with the same amount of water – 15 liters. Additional watering may be necessary during drought, and the final watering is necessary before wintering, before leaf fall, when the entire harvest has been collected. Apply 100 liters of water per square meter of soil, in several doses, to allow the moisture to gradually penetrate the soil.

In the spring and 2-3 more times throughout the growing season, mulch the bushes with straw, ash, garden tops, dried leaves, or peat. Mulch prevents weed growth, retains moisture, creates a greenhouse effect in hot weather, and allows the soil to breathe, preventing compaction.

Top dressing

Before fruiting begins, additional fertilizers are not needed, after which spring fertilization is carried out once every 2 or 3 years. feeding the bush Organic or mineral fertilizers, as well as nitrogen fertilizers (50 grams per square meter), should be added after flowering. After flowering, phosphorus-potassium mixtures or compost and humus should be added. Approximately 6 kilograms of organic matter (per square meter) should be added to a mature bush, and half as much to a young one.

Trimming

Long or medium pruning is recommended for this hybrid, leaving no more than 6 or 8 buds on each branch. It has been observed that the first two do not produce strong shoots, while the third and fourth may develop poorly. The main pruning is done in the fall after leaf fall, and excess and frost-damaged branches are removed in the spring. It is advisable to leave 3 to 8 branches on a single bush.

Prevention of diseases and pests

Berries can be protected from wasps with special bags, which will also partially protect them from sunburn. Various noise-making devices can be installed to repel sparrows. Lancelot is above average in disease resistance, but winegrowers recommend annual protective treatments before and after flowering, as well as when the berries reach pea size. Use 1% Bordeaux mixture, Fundazol, Strobi, Quadris, and other fungicides. Alternate the treatments. After harvesting, spray the bushes with ferrous sulfate (a kilogram of the product per 5 liters of warm water).

The Lancelot grape was bred relatively recently, and testing is still ongoing. Therefore, a more objective and reliable assessment of the hybrid will be possible later. However, the variety is already proving itself in many countries and regions; it is actively cultivated on commercial vineyards, and the high commercial value of its berries has been noted.

Reviews

Andrey

Lancelot is my first white grape. I'm very happy with it; sunburn on the berries is a minor issue, considering the frost resistance, good growth habit, and ease of care. The flavor isn't particularly vibrant or intense; it's neutral, but incredibly pleasant. The bunches store very well. I store them in wooden boxes lined with parchment paper in a single layer, then put them in the cellar. We eat the grapes until almost the beginning of December, and the flavor remains intact.

Antonina

I've tried many grape varieties suitable for central Russia, and Lancelot is among my favorites. They don't require covering; standard care is required. Even when overripe, most of the berries remain in the clusters, and they don't crack in damp weather or rot—a godsend! I apply the usual treatments—twice in spring, summer, and fall. I try using biological preparations such as Mikosan-B, Alirin-B, Gamair, or Fitosporin-M.