Ilya grapes: variety description and characteristics, planting and cultivation

Inexperienced gardeners who select fruit crops for growing on the site, Ilya table grape variety is suitable. The plant, obtained by crossing Kishmish radiant with Wax, is distinguished by juiciness and increased sweetness of berries. Large fruits do not contain seeds, ripen early and store well. The vine takes root quickly and is unpretentious in care.

Description and characteristics of the variety Ilya

The Ilya grape harvest in the south is being harvested at the end of July. The period of fruit ripening, starting from the moment the leaves appear, is less than 4 months.

Average bunch weight0.5-1.0 kgFruit ShapeovalColorlight greenWeight of 1 berry12gSugar content Acidity

Berry characteristics	Values




up to 18%
6 g/l

For juiciness and sweet, rich taste of berries, tasters give the fruits of the Ilya variety 9 out of 10 possible points. Thanks to the developed root system, the vine will quickly take root on the site. The crop is harvested 3 years after planting. Flowers are self-pollinating. The fertility rate reaches 80%.

Mature plants are characterized by increased resistance to frost. Shoots tolerate temperatures down to minus 25 °C without additional soil insulation.

Pros and cons of grapes

Ilya grapes do not require a significant amount of fertilizer.

Pros and consFrost resistance.Long-term preservation of the presentation.Big bunch of bunches.High sugar content in fruits.The absence of bones.

Among the shortcomings, growers note not very high resistance to diseases characteristic of fruit crops.

The nuances of growing a bush

The variety shows good yields, subject to proper selection of a site for bushes and careful care of the vine.

Choosing a seat

Grapes are a thermophilic plant. Therefore, for cultivation, a place is selected that is protected from the wind, but open to sunlight. Most often, the bushes are located on the southern or southwestern slopes of the hills.In the conditions of a personal plot, the vine is planted near the house or fence. It is convenient to install poles with stretched wire to create a support for shoots when branches grow.

Comfortable conditions have a positive effect on plant development. And the presence of a drainage layer in the soil protects against waterlogging of the soil.

How to plant?

Before planting grapes, Ilya first prepare the ground. Poor land is advised to enrich it with manure or add compost. Soil with a high level of acidity is pre-watered with a solution of lime.

Other features of growing vines:

For planting shoots in the southern regions, the best time is the beginning of spring, in areas with a cool climate - not earlier than April.
Seedlings are placed in soil that has warmed up to 10 °C. Weak cuttings are first kept in a greenhouse and, after strengthening, transferred to the site.
Broken bricks are poured into the hole to remove excess moisture from the soil, and a nutrient layer.
Leave up to 1.3 meters between the bushes so that the growing shoots do not interfere with each other.

Complete the procedure by watering the plant and loosening the soil.

Care Tips

Like other grape varieties, Ilya needs regular care.

Irrigation

The plant requires regular but moderate watering. The frequency of watering is increased if the vine is located near the wall of the building. Water under the bushes is brought in only after the soil has dried. An abundance of moisture will not bring benefits, as well as its lack.

Shower sessions for grapes are arranged in the evening or in the morning. Daily watering is fraught with leaf burns. Water for irrigation is taken warm. Cold adversely affects the condition of the roots and provokes the development of fungal bacteria.

Feeding

In spring, the soil in the area where Ilya grapes grow is enriched with compost. During growth and during the formation of the ovary, the plant is supported with fertilizers. Organic substances, preparations containing potassium and superphosphates have a positive effect on development. Mineral complexes are applied weekly, before the fruit ripens.

Cutting

Removal of excess shoots plays an important role in the development of grape culture. Gardeners are advised to monitor the density of the bushes, limiting overgrowth. Cut off damaged and small branches, leaving a strong and he althy vine in place.

In order not to create an excessive load during fruit ripening, it is recommended to leave about 40 eyes on each bush.

The pruning procedure is often carried out in autumn. Pre-winter preparation will strengthen the plant.Grapes will not waste their nutrient reserves to maintain weak shoots, and the culture will more easily endure frost. Weak branches may die. With the onset of heat, dead parts of the vine begin to rot and can cause disease.

In the spring, bushes are carefully inspected and dried and damaged material is also cut off.

Common diseases and pests

Grapes Ilya does not have strong immunity. Plant susceptible to disease:

MildewFormation of spots of a gray tint and leaf fall, when the form is running - flowers and berriesOidiumThe appearance of white bloom on the leaves. Dissemination of an unpleasant odor

Name of disease	Signs of problem

As a preventive measure, spraying the vines with fungicides is used. Treatment with biological or chemical preparations will help prevent the death of the plant.

Insects also pose a danger to Ilya's grapes. Insecticides are used to control pests. Regular care also strengthens the plant's immunity. A he althy plant copes with problems more easily.

Harvest and storage of crops

Ilya's grapes ripen early, but the berries are not picked immediately. Harvesting begins a few weeks after the fruit externally acquire a ripe appearance. A pause is needed for the accumulation of sugar. For the full manifestation of sweetness, you need to wait a month.

Clusters with whole berries, without damage, are selected for storage. Grapes are left in a dry and cool place. A refrigerator or basement with ventilation is suitable for placing grape brushes. The fruits also tolerate transportation well.

Gardeners appreciate Ilya grapes for their honey taste. The plant does not contain red anthocyanins and does not cause allergic reactions. The ability to endure frosty winters and transportability also attract farmers.