Grapes "Platovsky": characteristics of the species and cultivation

Grapes "Platovsky" is an artificially bred variety. Due to its features, it is able to live and grow in the climatic conditions of central Russia.

Initially, this fruit type was created for the manufacture of white wines. However, many gardeners say that grapes are tastier to use fresh. It also often produces raisins, juices and jams.

By the way, Platonovsky grapes can also be used as a design solution for courtyards. Usually they are decorated with arbors and arches.

This variety was bred by Soviet agrobiologist Yakov Potapenko. For dozens of years, he studied the development of grapes, eventually forming the basis of his selection.

The goal of Potapenko was the breeding of frost-resistant varieties. One of the seven such was the grapes "Platovsky".

In addition to frost resistance, high resistance to diseases and pests is one of the features of the “Platovsky” grapes. In addition, this variety can boast a short ripening period (115 days, sometimes less), due to which people sometimes call it “Early Dawn”. All this, including unpretentiousness in the care, made this grape so popular among residents of the central part of Russia.

The fruitful age of the variety begins the next year after planting. More than a third of shoots mature. The weight of one berry is usually 1.5-2 grams (200 grams - one bunch), but under good climatic conditions it can reach 2.5 grams. By the standards of grape species, "Platovsky" has a small size, but it compensates for the variety with high yields.

On each branch grows up to three clusters of medium density with a conical shape of the cylinder.

The berries themselves are rounded, white with a pinkish tinge. Have a thin elastic skin and juicy dense flesh under it. Such a structure makes it easy to transport grapes in large volumes. The taste of berries - sweet and sour. Sugar content - 20%, acidity - 8.9 g / l. Once ripe, they can hang on the bush for a month without losing taste or presentable appearance.

The leaves on the branches are distinguished by a light green shade, a long purple petiole, lowered jagged edges and five lobes with light streaks.

It is best to engage in planting in the spring, so that the roots have time to adapt before the first frost. But if you are late, grapes can be planted in the fall. For example, in October. The deadline is two weeks before the onset of cold weather.

The first step is to choose seedlings.

The most suitable parameters of the bushes:

• height - 0.5 meters;
• shoot thickness - 6 cm;
• root length - 10 cm;
• age is one year.

Pay attention that the roots are not overdried, and the branches have healthy buds. By the way, seedlings are better to buy from trustworthy sellers.

Then we proceed to the preparatory stage, which consists in the selection of a suitable site. Immediately it should be noted that the grapes should not be planted in the lowlands, because there is accumulated moisture and not enough light. Best suited to a well-lit place on the south or west side of the site. Otherwise, it will affect the quality and volume of the crop. There should be no buildings or fences nearby, and the minimum distance to the nearest fruit trees is 5 meters.

Vineyard is better to have on virgin soils. At the same time groundwater should lie no higher than one and a half meters. The landing hole (80x80 cm and 60 cm deep) should be dug 2-3 weeks before planting.

Step-by-step instruction:

• fill the bottom of the excavated pit with a 10-centimeter layer of pebbles or expanded clay;
• stick a plastic tube into the pit (about 6 cm in diameter) so that in the end 15 cm of its length will remain on the surface;
• add a compost bucket and a glass of wood ash to the ground;
• fill the pit with a mixture of soil.

Only after these steps can the seedling be placed in the settled soil.Then fill the roots with soil and water the plant with plenty of water. By the way, the soil can be covered with plastic wrap until the grapes take root.

This should be done strictly through the dug tube. Keep water away from leaves and stems.

In the first month after planting "Platovsky", the grapes must be watered once every seven days with 5 liters of water. After its expiration, reduce the frequency approximately two times.

In the future, when the grapes become adults, it is enough to water it only a few times per season. - in the spring, seven days before the buds bloom, and as soon as the flowering is complete. It is better to water less frequently, but more abundant - about 4 liters per bush.

In this case, you can add half a kilogram of wood ash. Grapes can not be saturated with moisture when the berries begin to ripen. Last watering is done in the fall, before covering it for the winter. And do not forget about regular loosening (especially after rain) and removal of weeds.

Use fertilizer when planting grapes, and then do not have to deal with regular feeding for 3 years.

In total, there are three periods for feeding.

• Early spring after the snow melted. Organic substances are better suited for this. For example, slurry with the addition of superphosphate or potassium salt. Instead of organic, you can use urea and ammonium nitrate.
• When buds begin to form. Here it is better to resort to mineral substances, such as phosphate or potash fertilizers. They can be diluted in water or added to the soil in a dry form.
• When the first berries ripen. During this period mineral fertilizers are also used.

Very useful is foliar processing. For spraying vine leaves, gardeners choose drugs such as Kemira, Aquamarine and Novofert. It is better to do this in cloudy weather or in the evening.

As mentioned above, the Platovsky grape has a high disease resistance. The plant is very resistant to fungal diseases (mildium, oidium, gray rot).

If you properly care for grapes, no threat will arise. But if you notice a white bloom on the leaves and stems, which only “spreads” over time, then it’s time to take action.

For processing it is necessary to purchase drugs:

• "Antrakol";
• Chorus;
• "Ridomil";
• Bordeaux mixture.

The main thing - to follow the instructions attached to the medication. Processing can also be carried out for the purpose of prophylaxis in spring, before bud break or in autumn, after harvesting.

Among the pests are the phylloxera insects, mites, leafworms, cicadas, pillows and wasps. In the fight against them, Fufanon, Karbofos and Aktellik preparations can help, which should be sprayed with grape bushes. Various birds can also harm the plant.

Mount the supports and tie the vines to them in a vertical or horizontal position. The main thing is that the shoots are illuminated by the sun from all sides. Stretch fishing line or wire between the supports.

Pruned shrubs should be for three seasons.

In the spring, it is necessary to eliminate dry and frozen branches. But be careful - “tears” can be released from them, because of which the eyes turn sour and the yield decreases. In a particularly neglected case, the vineyard may die.

In the summer, get rid of fruitless stepsons and pick off the leaves that cover the vine from the light.

In the fall, remove excess shoots. Branches must be cut into 4 eyes.

Due to its frost resistance, Platovskiy grapes are able to withstand cold temperatures up to -29 ° С even without shelter. But the risk is not worth it. It is better to prepare in advance and be sure that the plant will live until spring.

This is done like this:

• after autumn pruning, remove the grapes from the loops;
• Spud the bushes with earth.
• install metal arcs;
• pull agrofiber;
• if the temperature is above -15 ° C, leave the inlet and outlet open so that the grapes do not rot.

At extremely low temperatures, bushes should be covered with snow.

The Platovsky grape is very popular among the gardeners of the Moscow region, primarily due to its ability to survive the local winters with twenty degrees of frost. In addition, it ripens faster than other varieties and is very prolific. The berry harvest from one hectare of land can reach 300 centners.

Unlike other grape varieties, “Platovsky” is not the most presentable, as it is technical. But at the same time it has a pleasant sweet-sour taste. It produces good dessert and table wines. Many winegrowers no longer imagine a holiday without a bottle of “Platovskiy” wine on the table.

However, not without its drawbacks. For example, ripe berries have a bright taste of nightshade, and when overripening, it does not disappear.

The second major drawback is the set of Platovskiy clones on the market, which correspond to the description and characteristics, but are inferior to the original in their qualities. Be careful when choosing seedlings.

On how to plant grapes, see the next video.