A relatively new table grape variety authored by amateur breeder Vitaly Zagorulka “Livia” managed to win the favor of winegrowers in a few years.
An early maturing large-fruited hybrid is the result of crossing “Flamingo” (female type of flowering) and the very famous and popular “Arcadia”. It is not too frost-resistant and resistant to pests and diseases, but it is tasty and fragrant. “Livia” is mainly used for consumption of fresh berries. At the beginning of autumn, the edges of the leaves may turn yellow.
The large pink berries of “Livia” ripen in very large bunches. The flesh is tight, crispy and juicy. The grapes are sweet, with a muscat taste that persists for a month after harvesting. The skin is thin. Stones — 2–4 in a grape.
The variety “Livia” is not prone to cracking, except in wet years. But it can be damaged during transportation.
It is better to plant “Livia” in fertile, loamy soil. It is good to enrich the land with mineral and organic fertilizers beforehand. Prepare pits 60-100 cm deep in a warm, sunny place. Pour a 25 cm thick drainage on the bottom, and a soil mixture (garden soil, peat, sand and humus) on top. Tie the seedling to the support and water it abundantly.
The vine grows well, quickly stretches upwards. You will get the first harvest 3 months after planting. It is necessary to constantly feed the grapes with complex mineral fertilizers.
In the spring, mulch the soil. In the first year after planting, the “Livia” bush does not need to be pruned, and starting from the second autumn – every year.
Виноград дозріває рано (достатньо 100-110 днів), але для досягнення насиченого кольору грона рекомендує притіняти, щоб трохи продовжити процес дозрівання.
The variety “Livia” is susceptible to downy mildew and oidium, but responds well to regular treatment with fungicides. Withstands up to -21 degrees, so we recommend sheltering for the winter.