There are a lot of varieties of grapes that have large bunches and berries.
Even with average varietal abilities, some particularly diligent winegrowers are able to achieve unprecedented success.
But, in the case of Monarch grape variety, special efforts will not be needed.
After all, even in spite of the average size of a bunch of grapes, the berries of this grape simply reach record sizes.
If you want to surprise your friends - you will certainly plant this variety on your plot.
And how to carry out the correct planting, and what other advantages the Monarch grapes have - we will describe in detail and in detail for you below.
"Monarch" - grapes worthy of true rulers
The simple Russian amateur breeder E.G. managed to achieve such high success in creating new grape varieties. Pavlovsky. To obtain the variety "Monarch" he used the grape variety "Cardinal", pollinated with a mixture of pollen from other varieties.
The result of such pollination, he crossed with grapes "Talisman". After the results of such a crossing showed extraordinary results, the new hybrid was given a truly worthy name "Monarch".
Distinguishing features of grapes "Monarch"
The clusters of this grape variety are relatively small, although they are considered large. Their weight fluctuates from 0.5 to 1 kilogram. The berries are placed on a bunch of medium density. The form of a bunch of grapes "Monarch" is usually conical, although it is often found and cylindrical.
But the main advantage of this variety is undoubtedly its berries. The sizes they reach really large. Egg-shaped berries of this variety are found in weight from 15 to 20 grams., although there are even weighing 32 grams. Thus, this grape has some similarities even with plums.
The height of the average berries of "Monarch" is 3.6 centimeters, and its width is within 2.6 centimeters. The skin color of these grapes is amber-yellow with a slight reddish tan from the side illuminated by the sun. The structure of the skin of a grape berry is quite dense, but although it has an average thickness, it is not felt when it is eaten. Beautiful appearance gives them even more attractive presentation.
The pulp of grapes "Monarch" is unusually fleshy, very pleasant when used freshly. The seed in the berry is small, only 2-3 things. The pulp contains a large amount of juice, for which reason the density of berries is medium. The taste of this variety is very pleasant and sweet, characteristic exclusively of "Monarch", has a muscat flavor. The chemical composition of this grape is very a lot of sugarswhich quickly accumulate, so that it matures faster.
The grade "Monarch" is dining. Its berries are very suitable for human consumption and are often grown specifically for sale. Due to the density of the skin, the berries are also perfectly transportable. A large amount of juice makes this variety well suitable for making wine.
Terms of ripening grapes and its yield
As for the ripening time of grapes "Monarch", then this variety should be attributed to the early average. The fact is that the ripening of berries occurs at different times depending on the climatic region in which the grapes grow. In the South, maturity may begin as early as August 10 or in its middle, while, for example, in the Samara region of Russia, these periods are delayed until mid-September. On average, the growing season of this grape variety lasts no more, than 130 days.
The yield of this variety is very high, because one bush usually brings from 7 pounds of ripe berries. It is worth noting that the growth power of the Monarch bush is very intense. The vine is able to mature more than 30% of its length, shoots usually have a length of more than one meter. When pruning it is recommended to leave for load on the bush no more than 35 eyes. The optimum number of shoots for one bush is 24 pieces.
Monarch grapes are pollinated independently. This is due to the bisexual flower. However, its peculiarity is that it is best pollinated from the side that is in the shade.
Pluses of grapes "Monarch"
Most valuable in this variety are excellent bunches of grapes with a high presentation and good size for sale. Also, a big advantage is the large attractive berries, with a unique taste. Also, the advantages of "Monarch" are the following:
- After maturity, the berries can remain on the bush without harming the taste.
- Berries do not react to sudden changes in soil moisture and air. Rotting grapes is also not marked.
- Horn berries are not observed even in very bad weather conditions.
- Cuttings of grapes "Monarch" have very high rates of rooting as when planting on their own roots, and when grafting.
- The wood of the vine has good resistance to low winter temperatures. At -23-25ºС damages are not marked.
- The high resistance of this variety to mildew and the defeat of the fruit gray mold.
Disadvantages variety "Monarch" and ways to solve problems
Among the shortcomings is the tendency of this variety to shedding the ovary. Therefore, in order not to lose the harvest completely, it is better not to carry out thinning of the grapes. Also, it is believed that the removal of shoots before flowering is one of the causes of shedding the ovary. Normalizing the number of bunches on a grapevine stands when pea berries begin to form on them.
Bush and fruits of grapes "Monarch" often affected by flour dewthat can lead to very negative consequences. To avoid such, the vine must be sprayed for prevention.
How to plant grapes "Monarch" on the site: questions and answers
Good grapes require a good and proper fit. The first question concerns the proper selection of varietal material for planting. You can prepare the stalk either yourself or purchase a seedling that has already taken root. It is very important that the roots of the purchased seedlings are sufficiently well developed. Evidence of good, not dried roots is their white color. Place the cut of the seedling should be green. The optimal number of holes for cuttings - 2-3.
How to prepare the cutting for planting?
Preparation of cuttings for planting on their own roots and for grafting on a grape stock is somewhat different. In the first case, the cutting is simply lowered into the water or planted in a glass with moistened earth and left in this state until the root formation and opening of the eyes.
In the second, the stalk needs to be trimmed. It should be done carefully and in such a way that only two sides were cut off, and two shoulders remained on the sides. Further, this stalk is placed for one day in the water. Before inoculation, the trimmed part can be placed in a special root-forming Humate solution (for the solution, only 10 drops of the drug per liter of water should be used). In the same solution should be placed and seedling.
The upper part of the cutting is recommended to wax. This is done in order to improve the preservation of moisture in the handle, which, in turn, increases its ability to rooting. But it is necessary to carefully wax the stalk: in order not to damage, the stalk only momentarily sinks into the melted paraffin and is immediately cooled in water.
What is the best place for planting grapes "Monarch"?
Grapes are very fond of sunlight, without which the consumer maturity of the berries does not come in the right time. Also, it is contraindicated cold winds, which are usually those that blow from the north. For this reason, it is best to plant it near the southern walls of buildings, which at the same time will be both wind protection and support for vertical weaving.
Also, the type of soil in which the grapes are planted is very important. This plant is best suited to the lungs. soils with optimum moisture levels.
Strictly contraindicated are clay soils and wetlands. It will not be possible to achieve good survival of grapes in the sand.
The best option for grapes are black soil with groundwater at about 1.5 meters. If they come up higher - be sure to make a drainage system on the site, digging a groove or something like a pond. Otherwise, planting grapes should be abandoned.
What is the best way to plant grapes "Monarch", and what time to choose?
We have already mentioned above that the landing of the Monarch can be carried out as using varietal seedlings, and grafting stock on the old grape shtamb. However, it is worth considering the fact that the best results in taste are able to give the grapes, which was planted on its own roots. But, planting on a stock will ensure a faster entry of the vine during the fruiting period and higher yields in the early years.
If you have chosen to plant a sapling, it is better to carry it out in early spring, since the sapling tolerates winter very badly, as it is not sheltered. For grafting grapes "Monarch" is perfect for both spring and autumn. After all, vaccination can be done in many ways:
- Graft "black" graft on the same grape shtamb.
- Graft a green stalk to the green stem of an old bush.
- Inoculate with a "black" graft to an already full boom.
How to plant grapes with a sapling?
How to prepare for planting a sapling we have already described above, now it's up to preparing the pit. Its depth is usually made two to three times the size of the root system of the seedling. This is done in order to place in it also a mixture of humus with the ground. The fertilizer is necessarily filled with another layer of earth, not mixed with organic matter or mineral fertilizers (otherwise there is a high probability of burning the roots of a grape seedling).
Next, take our seedling and slightly cut with a sharp knife or shears the tips of its roots. It is necessary to carefully lower the seedling into the pit so that it root neck did not sink into the pit. After that, we gradually bury the pit, making sure that the roots are not damaged and there is no free space between them.
It is very important to dig a strong support near the grape seedling. After planting, the grapes are intensively watered, for which at least 30 liters of water is used (although it is worth paying attention to weather conditions).
What is special about grafting a Monarch grape graft?
The cuttings of this variety have a good ability to root. Therefore, if the cutting was chosen good, you should not worry about whether it will get used to the stock. But nevertheless, it is necessary to instill it correctly, having prepared well not only the graft itself, but also the stem. In particular, shtamb should be very carefully cleaned, making it absolutely smooth and wiping all the dirt with a damp cloth.
Further, the stock splits in the middle so that the cutting fits well in it. It is necessary to lower the cutting into the inside of the stock so that only its trimmed part is hidden in the split. After this shtamb firmly tightened and smeared with clay.
Caring for grapes "Monarch" - what nuances should not be missed?
In the care of grapes you need to be especially careful, because this plant is able to greatly reduce its yield in the absence of proper pruning and watering. An important role is also played by proper dressing and care of the soil around the grape trunk.
Watering - goals and regularity
Watering the grapes needs quite strongly only in case of strong droughts and on soils that retain moisture in themselves poorly. In good soils, it is not often necessary to water it often, it will be enough to have two waterings before the beginning of flowering and after the end of this period. In the future, you should constantly monitor the level of soil moisture and watering if necessary.
Mulching and dressing of grapes - the main rules
Mulching, like fertilizer with mineral fertilizers, plays an important role for the growth of a grape bush.
In particular, mulching, in addition to helping to preserve the optimum amount of moisture in the soil, also nourishes the roots of grapes. Indeed, as mulch for grapes, the most commonly used is stubborn humus, which is lined on the soil surface with a layer of 3 centimeters.
Potassium and phosphorus are very well suited as mineral fertilizers for grapes. It is these minerals that have a very positive effect on the growth of grapes. It is necessary to bring them in very small quantities directly into the soil during its loosening. However, it is not worth pouring them directly under the shtab itself, because in this way it can be damaged, and it is still not capable of absorbing fertilizers.
It is also interesting to read about the autumn processing of grapes.
We harbor a grape bush for the winter
To cover grapes well, the bush should be well cut, reducing it at times and put on the ground. After that he covered with hay and film. However, all these measures are carried out only if the temperature drop below 25ºС is possible in your region. If you have warmer winters, you can limit yourself to mulching the soil.
Pruning grapes "Monarch" - what is important to know?
The bush of this variety is usually formed from four sleeves. Trimming is recommended for him - therefore only 4-6 eyes need to be removedwhile leaving on the bush about 40-ka. At the same time, you should not regret the grapes when pruning, since a large number of shoots will only lead to a decrease in the quality of the crop. Grapes are pruned exclusively during periods when it is at rest. Thinning grapes is not earlier than the time of the formation of peas on them.
Protection of grape bush varieties "Monarch" from disease
Despite the fact that the grape "Monarch" is considered one of the most sustainable, it can sometimes hit flour dew. To avoid damage to the grape bush and the crop of this disease, be sure to carry out spraying for prevention. As a drug for spraying is most often used. 1% Bordeaux liquid. Spraying is carried out with the same regularity as mandatory watering.
