Lydia grapes

The versatile, vigorous grape variety Lydia fell in love with many people in Moldova, Ukraine and Russia due to its stable, decent yield, attractive appearance of the vine and bunch, as well as the pleasant and appetizing aroma of ripe berries.

The variety has synonyms such as Lydia pink, Isabella pink and Isabella red.

The variety was created in the USA by crossing the Vitis Labrusca and Vitis Vinifera grape varieties. European grape varieties began to become infected with diseases that came to the mainland thanks to the imported seedlings of wild grapes. To solve this problem, other, most popular varieties began to be grafted onto the "foreigner". Thus, it was possible to get Lydia, whose parents were "American" and "European".

For many years, gardeners have been growing Lydia on their plots. Most often, the variety can be found in the south of Russia, as well as in Ukraine (in Polesie, steppe and forest-steppe zones). The hybrid is often found on the territory of Moldova and other neighboring states with a warm climate. Covering grapes can be grown in Siberia and the Urals.

Lydia has an average ripening period, its growing season is 158 days with a sum of active temperatures of 3090 ° C. You can harvest a ripe crop in mid or late October. It depends on the climate in which the grapes grow. The berries do not ripen at the same time. Initially, the clusters ripen, which are closer to the sun.

The bunches are not too large, weigh 150-180 g and have a conical or cylindro-conical branched shape. Thanks to the branches, its structure is rather loose. Insignificant peas are noted.

Each of the berries has an average size and a small mass - only 3.5-4 g. Their shape is round, the color is dark red, you can also notice a lilac wax bloom. The skin is thick and firm. The pulp separates easily, is slimy and juicy. Fruits contain 180-190 g / dm³ of sugar (high percentage) with an acidity of 5.5-9.3 g / dm³.

Lydia's taste is unusual and harmonious, you can feel notes of strawberries in it. The aroma is isable, very intense and extremely persistent.

The variety is high-yielding, therefore it consistently gives a good yield (100-120 centners / ha or 40 kg per bush). If we take into account the large-scale planting for commerce, it can be argued that up to 120-130 centners of bunches can be obtained from one hectare. The number of bunches per shoot is 6-8 pieces.

Lydia grapes can adapt to a wide variety of conditions, but in order to get a stable, strong and good harvest, some rules should be followed.

You can plant grapes both in spring and autumn. Spring work takes place in May or April. Subsequently, the plant will take root, get stronger and prepare for wintering. In the fall, you need to plant in October, before the severe frosts come. In this case, the grapes have time to take root and acclimatize.

Lydia must be planted in soil, the temperature of which ranges from +10 degrees at an air temperature of +15 degrees.

The flowers of the hybrid are bisexual, which means that it pollinates on its own.

If the gardener forms the variety using the fan method, then it is necessary to cut the plant. The procedure is carried out in the second year after planting. It is done so that many bunches are formed, and so that the culture is rejuvenated.

There are several types of this procedure.

• Spring pruning is carried out before the juice begins to move in the plant. It should be remembered that the air temperature should be established around +5 degrees. It is necessary to get rid of all frost-affected shoots.

• Summer pruning is sanitary, stepchildren need to be pruned in the process. This allows for improved ventilation of the bush.

• Autumn pruning is done in November or October.

Watering is extremely important for the growth of grapes and the quality of the resulting harvest, so it must be timely. The liquid must be introduced into the circumferential grooves, which should be made along the diameter of the stem. They should be 20 cm deep. After the water is completely absorbed, you need to sprinkle them with earth.

It is necessary to feed the hybrid so that the berries are sweeter and have a high level of sugar content. Funds are introduced in the process of digging the earth or in the form of a solution (in the process of irrigation). There is a fertilization scheme:

• 14 days before flowering, Lydia should be fed with the following solution - 10 g of ammonium nitrate, 5 g of potassium salt and 20 g of double superphosphate are dissolved in 10 liters of water;

• before the berries begin to ripen, the grapes are fertilized with a bucket of water, in which 20 g of double superphosphate and 5 g of potassium salt are dissolved;

• after collecting the bunches, it is worth treating Lydia with 15 g of potassium chloride per square meter.

The grapes are cold-resistant, their frost resistance is -26 degrees. But in some cases, it is recommended to cover the bushes for the winter to reduce the risk of damage to the plant during too harsh winters.

Lydia can be affected by diseases such as gray rot and anthracnose. Gardeners should also prepare to deal with spider mites and leaf rollers. To keep the bush healthy, it should be regularly sprayed with special products. The resistance of grapes to mildew and powdery mildew is 2 points. Sometimes the hybrid can suffer from bird attacks, so it is recommended to protect it with nets.

It is better to store ripe bunches in the following conditions: 0-3 ° C and 90-95% humidity. Under these conditions, the berries can be stored for several months. If you put them in a refrigerator, where the temperature is +8 degrees, the bunches remain ideal for 2 months.

Gardeners note that this variety is not whimsical, and if properly looked after, it will easily survive even the most severe cold winter. And also the incredible aroma of berries is noted. Most often, there are positive reviews, in which you can see information about insignificant peas and a slightly darkish color of berries. A hybrid is considered by many to be the ideal sales option.