Sphinx grapes: description and characteristics, rules for growing and caring for photos

The Sphinx grape variety belongs to table species, and even a novice gardener can grow it, as the plant is unpretentious in care. The taste qualities of berries and yield indicators are decent, but there are a number of disadvantages. Good fruiting can be achieved by knowing how to properly plant and care for horticultural crops.

History of variety appearance

The Sphinx grape variety was obtained by selection at the beginning of the 21st century, its creator was the Cossack V.V. Zagorulko. An interesting fact is that he was a mechanical engineer, and the work of obtaining new grape varieties was his hobby.To his merits, it is worth saying that a significant part of them received recognition and popularity. The Sphinx variety was bred by crossing the Moldovan grape variety Strashensky and frost-resistant Timur.

Characteristics and external indicators

The description refers the variety to early ripe table crops. From its parents, the plant inherited the black color of the fruit and the ability to tolerate low temperatures.

Growth area

The grape variety does well when grown in warm regions. According to the breeders, the territories of the south of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus are optimal for it. The grape variety tolerates heat and drought conditions well. The ability to tolerate frost makes it possible to grow the Sphinx in cold regions, but it definitely requires shelter and protection from gusts of wind.

Frost resistance

Sphinx grapes received their frost resistance qualities from their parent Timur. The plant can tolerate frosts down to -25 ^{C, but in cold regions it is required to provide shelter for it.}

Disease resistance

Sphinx grapes belong to hybrid varieties, which should provide increased resistance to various types of diseases, but they are rated as average. Experts rate resistance to mildew and oidium as 3.5 points on a scale of 10.

What the bush and shoots look like

Sphinx grape bushes are distinguished by strong growth, strong and vigorous shoots strewn with large dissected leaves. Clusters are formed on the shoots in the form of cylinders.

Fruits and yields

Grapes have a dark blue color.Their size can reach 30 mm, but in cold summer conditions they are able to shrink and lose their sweetness. The shape of the grapes is round or slightly elongated. The average weight of fruits varies from 8 to 10 g. They have a pronounced aroma, dense juicy pulp and a sweet taste. The weight of a bunch of berries varies from 500 to 700 g.

Sphinx Landing

The beginning of work on planting grape seedlings falls on the first days of April, they can continue until mid-May. Meeting the deadlines is necessary in order for the plant to properly take root, gain strength and become able to endure the cold.

Some gardeners practice autumn planting in October, but the risk of grape death increases.

For grapes choose a place protected from gusts of wind, as drafts are detrimental to the plant. It is recommended to choose the southern sites. It is permissible to plant seedlings along the walls of buildings. Loamy soils are optimal for shoot growth.

For planting seedlings, plants form a pit with a depth of 80 cm and a width of 20 cm. The bottom is laid out with a layer of fertile soil 15 cm thick, then a mixture of humus, superphosphate and potash fertilizers is successively placed. Before planting, seedlings are soaked in water for 48 hours, root shoots are cut and 3 eyes are left.

The roots of the seedling, when placed in the hole, are carefully straightened, achieving their uniform placement. After falling asleep with earth, the landing site needs to be watered abundantly, for this, 3 buckets of warm water are used.

Rules for the care of grapes

Caring for grapes is quite simple. The secret to getting a good harvest lies in choosing the right planting site, timely watering and pruning the plant.

Plants under the age of 3 years need watering, which is organized according to certain rules. At least 4 liters should fall on each bush, while a small amount of ash is added to the water. Do 3 waterings during the season:

• first - after removing the winter shelter;
• second - at the time of bud formation;
• third - after flowering.

Adult grape bushes do not need additional moisture. They require a single watering in the autumn before being sent under cover, which reduces the risk of shoots freezing. After that, it is important to provide timely protection from the cold.

Pinch

In order to give young shoots the opportunity to get stronger in the shortest possible time, pinching is carried out. This procedure is also often used to speed up the ripening of berries and make them more sweet. When it is carried out, the upper part of the apical part is removed in the amount of 3 leaves. It is permissible to remove 4 plates in case of its late departure from frost and the need to direct nutrients to its restoration.

Thinning and seasonal pruning

Grapes need timely thinning and pruning. The first helps to maintain sufficient air circulation and provides free access to the sun's rays on the berries. It is required to remove dry and damaged branches. Extra shoots are cut off not only when the main bush is formed, but also near the roots.

Feeding

The first enrichment of the soil is carried out immediately before planting the seedling in the hole. Further, within 3 years, there is no special need for additional nutrients. After this time, fertilizing with organic matter or mineral fertilizers is required. During the growing season, the plant is fed at least 3 times, the interval between treatments is from 2 to 3 weeks.

After removing the shelter, the soil is enriched with nitrogen fertilizers to give the plant strength and a better set of green mass.During the flowering period, for better formation of ovaries, the shoots are sprayed with a solution of boric acid, preparing it from 3 liters of water and 3 g of the drug. During the formation of berries, potassium superphosphate and potassium sulfate are added, and in the autumn, wood ash.

Mulching

Mulching provides the plant with better growth and higher yields. To do this, a layer of plant materials 5-10 cm in size is provided around the plant. Straw, sawdust and fallen leaves are often taken as the basis. Mulching helps retain moisture, oxygenates the soil, and stimulates the activity of organisms beneficial to grapes, creating a favorable environment for them.

Autumn and spring processing

Properly done pruning improves the quality of fruiting and makes the grapes stronger. Sphinx requires work before being sent to a shelter for the winter.At the same time, parts of the plant are removed, cutting off 4-6 eyes. Bushes form a fan, leaving 4 sleeves. The advantage of the variety is the lack of a tendency to form stepchildren, so pruning does not take much time.

Pruning is not done in the spring, as this will lead to tearing. The consequence of this may be the death of the plant or a significant reduction in yield. At such a time, only frozen and dry shoots are removed.

Shelter for the winter

When grown in regions with a cold climate, grapes require mandatory shelter. Work begins when the temperature reaches +5 ^{C. The shoots are removed from the support, covered with earth and mulch, arcs are installed on top with agrofiber stretched over them. It is important to prevent the effect of the grape debate.}

Terms of flowering and ripening of berries

The grapes form the first fruits on the 100-105th day. Even fully ripe bunches are able to stay on the vine for a long time.

When to harvest and store crops

Harvest time is slightly different in different regions. In most of them, it occurs in mid-August, in warmer ones on the first days of the last summer month. Harvested grapes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month. Berries can serve as raw materials for the preparation of raisins and winter preparations. Sphinx does not have a long shelf life, so it is not used for long-term storage.

Diseases and pests - how to deal with them

Infection of plantings is often observed when the rules for caring for the plant are not followed. This can be avoided by observing the agricultural practices of working with the plant, avoiding waterlogging and taking preventive measures.

Fungal infections

The Sphinx has a fairly high resistance to fungal infections. He quite successfully copes with one of the most dangerous diseases of grape varieties - mildew, oidium. Landings can be subject to anthracnose, verticillosis, and rot. To fight using special preparations - fungicides.

Bacterial contamination

When bacterial infection, dangerous microorganisms penetrate the plant and begin to parasitize, which negatively affects the growth of grape shoots. Systemic infection affects the appearance of the plant and berries. The leaves may begin to fade, tumor-like formations and spots form on the surface, and rot can be observed.

The number of common bacterial diseases of grapes includes necrosis, bacteriosis, acid rot. Not all bacterial diseases can be treated, for example, cancer infection will require a radical solution in the form of uprooting plantings and holding time for quarantine.

Insects

For grapes, the main danger comes from wasps, goldfish, mites, leafworms and thrips. Targeted pesticides are used to control pests. The most commonly used include Karbofos, Aktellik and Fufanon. For prevention, autumn treatment with Nitrafen is carried out.

Growing problems

Sphinx variety refers to a variety of grapes, which is quite easy to grow. Early maturation and frost resistance qualities allow you to get a good return even in regions with difficult growing conditions. Often, gardeners note the chopping of berries, which is associated with a lack of heat and the choice of a place with insufficient lighting. Timely pruning and feeding of the plant will help to avoid this.

Often, gardeners are faced with the freezing of grapes.Errors in this case are most often associated with incorrectly carried out shelter or its late implementation. Excessive warming leads to overheating of the shoots, and insufficient to the inability of the plant to survive frosts or move away from excessive hypothermia in the spring.

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