Chameleon grapes: variety description and characteristics, planting and cultivation

Gardeners planning to grow grapes on their plots are looking for a variety that will withstand the climate of the region, will be resistant to fungal diseases and, with minimal care, will delight in a rich harvest. In recent years, summer residents have preferred hybrid varieties that show more positive characteristics than older varieties. Chameleon grapes have high frost resistance and strong immunity to diseases.

The history of the creation of the variety

A hybrid form of grape called Chameleon was introduced in 2010.Its creator is considered not a professional breeder, but a folk craftsman from Ukraine Vishnevetsky N.P. To develop a new plant with improved characteristics, he used grape varieties such as Atlant Zaporozhye, Arcadia, Glusha and Kishmish radiant. From each parental form, the hybrid took the best qualities and since 2011 began to spread through the gardens of domestic summer residents.

Description and characteristics of Chameleon grapes

The hybrid form Chameleon got its name for the ability to change the color of berries depending on the place of cultivation. The plant belongs to the very early specimens and gives the first harvest 110 days after the swelling of the kidneys. This feature allows you to grow it not only in the southern regions, but also in the northern regions, where the cold comes early.

Chameleon Characteristics:

1. The leaves are dark green in color, three-lobed with smooth edges. Less common are five-lobed sheet platinum.
2. The bush is vigorous, forms many shoots. Harvest for the season in good weather is removed the first time from the main branches, and the second time - from the stepchildren.
3. Resistance to cold - high, without shelter withstands temperatures as low as -23 degrees.
4. The berries have a regular conical shape and light burgundy color with a slight orange tint.
5. Percentage of fruit sugar content - 18.
6. The weight of one berry is about 15 grams.
7. The flesh of the fruit is slightly crunchy, juicy and quite sweet.
8. The weight of one bunch with proper care reaches 2 kg.
9. Yield from one bush - from 20 to 30 kg.
10. The hybrid has good immunity to fungal diseases.

Pros and cons

Growing a new hybrid form on their plots, gardeners noted the positive and negative qualities of grapes.

Pros and consAttractive trade dress of grapes.The ability to withstand transportation over long distances, the berries do not fall off the bunches.Strong immunity to various diseases of the culture.Pleasant taste of berries and delicate nutmeg aroma.Quite high frost resistance.High yield.The need for light fertile soils to obtain the declared yield.Freezing when the temperature drops to more than 23 degrees, insulation is required for the winter.

Subtleties of growing crops

Before you start planting Chameleon grape seedlings, you need to select and prepare a site. The plant is unpretentious to growing conditions, however, the minimum requirements must still be observed.

Where to plant on the plot

For planting a crop, it is recommended to choose a place on a small hill so that water does not stagnate near the roots during the rainy period. Mostly seedlings are placed on the south side of the site, giving preference to places protected from drafts and cold winds. The soil is needed with a neutral reaction, light and fertile.

The plot is preliminarily dug up to a depth of 50-60 cm and at the same time weed roots are removed. If you do not do this right away, they will take away nutrients from the grapes. If the soil is not nutritious enough, add fertilizer.

How to plant seedlings

They buy seedlings in nurseries - so there is confidence that exactly the variety that was planned was purchased. In addition, the risk of buying planting material infected with a fungal disease is reduced.

Chameleon planting is carried out using the following instructions:

1. For several days they dig holes at a distance of 2.5-3 meters from each other. The parameter of the landing pits is 100x100 cm.
2. One day before the work, the roots of the grapes are soaked in water. It is recommended to add a growth stimulator to it to speed up the rooting of the crop.
3. A layer of drainage is laid on the bottom of the hole. To do this, use either crushed brick or small pebbles.
4. The soil is mixed with nutrients, and half is poured into the pit.
5. Set up the seedling and straighten its roots.
6. Then fill up the remaining soil and irrigate the grapes.

Important! It is necessary to ensure that the root neck of the plant is above the ground.

If desired, lay a layer of organic mulch - it will prevent the rapid evaporation of moisture and will not allow weeds to grow.

Essential Care

Without minimal agrotechnical care, the harvest will be small, so seedlings are regularly moistened, fertilized, sanitary pruned and insulated for the winter if necessary.

Irrigation

It is necessary to irrigate grape seedlings in the first years of cultivation, later natural precipitation will be enough for the plant. Humidification is carried out not with cold water, up to 20 liters of water are spent on each bush, depending on the condition of the soil.

Fertilization

The first year after the planting of the grapes, he has enough nutrients laid in the pit.Subsequently, both organic and mineral fertilizers are used for top dressing. In the spring, it is recommended to apply compositions with nitrogen, and during the formation of berries - fats containing potassium and phosphorus.

Cutting

The total load on the bush of the plant should not exceed 35 eyes, as the clusters are large, and the culture may break. In the spring, diseased and weak shoots are removed.

Shelter for the winter

If the temperature in the growing region during the winter does not fall below 23 degrees, additional insulation is not required. Otherwise, the grapes are covered with plastic wrap or sprinkled with earth, after tying and bending the shoots to the soil.

Diseases and pests of the variety

The hybrid form has a high immunity to fungal pathologies, but in rainy summers the vine can be affected by mildew and oidium. As a preventive measure, a double spraying of fungicidal preparations is carried out.

From the pests on the plant there are leafworms and spider mites. They are being fought with acaricidal compounds.

Cleaning and storage

Harvest begins 110 days after the buds swell. However, the berries can hang on the bushes longer, as they are not prone to cracking. Store the berries in the refrigerator for no longer than 2 weeks, but the fruits can not be pre-washed. Compotes or juices are prepared from grapes.

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