What are the best early grape varieties?
Tasty and healthy grapes have been bred by mankind since ancient times. On our planet, there are several hundred varieties of this product. There are table and raisin, as well as wine grape varieties. In addition, it is good to preserve grapes for the winter, to make compote from it. Due to the huge amount of minerals and organic substances, grapes are very useful for humans. In this article, we will analyze a variety of grape varieties and determine what their features and differences are.
Peculiarities
For some reason, not every lover goes out to grow grapes on his own plot, so that at the same time he does not disappear in the winter, does not rot in the summer season and brings a rich harvest. The cultivation of this crop must be started responsibly and thoroughly.
First of all, it is necessary to choose the optimal grape variety that will grow well in each particular region. For example, the cultivation of a vineyard in central Russia brings excellent results, but only if cold-resistant species with early ripening are planted. Among the newest varieties, one can find fairly good varieties that are stable to fungal diseases, pests and extreme cold, with significant yields and the ability to keep up even in cloudy summers.
Early grape varieties differ from common varieties in that they:
- more resistant to temperature changes;
- have good resistance to frost;
- tolerate heat and drought well;
- more resistant to diseases;
- unpretentious in care.
Early varieties of this plant need about four months for the ripening of sweet berries. At the same time, the bunch is formed and quite manages to ripen in such a short period. Early ripe grape varieties already in August delight summer residents with a tasty and plentiful harvest.
Varieties
Ultra-early varieties have a good description and characteristics, for example, such as Novocherkassky Red, Rubtsovoy, Pineapple, Rainbow, Firstborn, TSKhA, etc. Their planting is not very difficult.
Among the early ripening species, the following varieties can also be distinguished.
Sort "Russian"
It was bred from two varieties called "Michurinets" and "Shasly Severnaya". It is a dessert table grape with an early ripening period. The variety is high-yielding, although the berries have small and compact clusters.
The Russian variety is ideal for the center of Russia, it bears fruit well in the Urals and in the cool climate of Siberia. Differs in unpretentious care, which includes autumn pruning and regular watering.
On the shoots, 2-3 inflorescences are usually tied, and one vine can produce up to 25 kg of crop.
Characteristics:
- frost resistance up to - 23 degrees;
- sugar content - up to 21%;
- acid indicators - up to 6-7 g / l;
- bunch weight - from 300 to 500 g.
The variety has dark pink small berries, with a white wax coating, slightly sour in taste, but with a sweet caramel flavor.
According to amateur gardeners, the grapes of this variety are very unpretentious and tasty, have good keeping quality, which is important when storing the crop for a long period of time.
"Pink Early"
Kishmish seedless grape variety. It is distinguished by large clusters that have a slightly winged shape. The usual weight of one bunch is from 250 to 380 g, but in the harvest year it is possible to get a bunch weighing up to 500 g.
Variety characteristics:
- the color of the berries is white, with a golden barrel;
- the mass of one berry is about 1.3-1.4 g;
- dense juicy pulp;
- sweet taste;
- high level of sugar content (13-15%);
- low acidity, not more than 5-6 g/l.
The vine has a chic openwork crown, which can become an ornament to landscape design. Reviews about this variety are only positive. Summer residents consider it the best option for growing on their plots.
"Purple Early"
This is a versatile variety, with enhanced resistance to various infections and low temperatures. Medium-sized berries, clusters weighing 80-150 g.
Variety characteristics:
- the color of the berries is purple;
- the mass of one berry is about 1.3-1.5 g;
- berry size 1.3-1.6 cm;
- clusters of conical shape;
- dense juicy pulp, taste of nutmeg;
- sweet taste;
- high level of sugar content (13-15%);
- low acidity, not more than 5-6 g/l.
The vegetation period until full ripening of the crop is 130 days. It can be eaten as early as September. And for winemaking, the collection is carried out at the end of the month. This variety has a high yield.
The purple cultivar has good resistance to infection, grape leafworm and bacterial canker.
The variety has increased resistance to frost - up to -25 degrees.
The winegrowers' reviews are only good, because the variety, with an early ripening period and unpretentiousness in care, has such a large crop volume.
"Gourmet"
An excellent hybrid species with a nutmeg flavor.It has unpretentiousness in care, so it is often grown in ordinary cottages and household plots.
Tall table grapes, characterized by ultra-early ripening. The grapes look quite appetizing on the outside, and have an excellent taste.
Characteristics:
- the color of the berries is pink, closer to lilac;
- weight of one berry up to 10 g;
- dense, sweet and juicy pulp;
- seedless berries;
- thin skin;
- sweet taste;
- high sugar content up to 14%;
- extended bunch;
- bunch weight up to 1.5 kg;
- low acidity, not more than 5-6 g/l.
The variety has excellent reviews from gardeners and hobbyists, because the berries are very sweet, the yield is high, and it is very easy to cultivate it.
"Gourmet"
The maturity of this variety is the earliest, compared with other varieties. Berries become edible after 3.5 months.
Variety characteristics:
- the color of the berries is reddish;
- the mass of one berry is about 7-9 g;
- dense juicy pulp without stones;
- sweet taste;
- high level of sugar content (13-15%);
- thick skin;
- clusters of conical shape, weighing 900-1200 g;
- low acidity, no more than 4-6 g/l.
It has good frost resistance, can withstand temperatures down to -25 degrees, which allows it to be cultivated in the central zones of Russia, which have hot summers and rather harsh winters. But be sure to cover the plants with special material.
"Lakomka" has an average level of resistance to diseases, especially to fungal ones. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out regular preventive treatment of plants.
The ripening of the bunch occurs by the end of July. The clusters form a conical or cylindrical shape. According to the numerous reviews of those who grow this type of grapes, one can judge the high yield of the variety.
"Express"
The bushes of this variety are vigorous, the leaves are dark green in color, curved. The plant has a bisexual flower.
Variety characteristics:
- the color of the berries is dark blue, closer to black;
- the mass of one berry is about 3 g;
- dense juicy pulp without stones;
- sweet taste;
- high level of sugar content (27%);
- thick skin;
- clusters of conical shape, weighing 200-300 g;
- low acidity, not more than 6-9 g/l.
From this variety, excellent dark in color and sweet in taste homemade wine or cognac is obtained. The berry gives the drink a pleasant spicy taste and exquisite aroma.
Express fruits are used to make raisins and juice, which is very beneficial for human health, as it removes cholesterol well and has an antioxidant effect at the cellular level.
"Express" adapts well to any climatic conditions, has high frost resistance. Gardeners say that the yield is quite high. The size of the fruit is very small, but the taste is sweet.
Growing advice
The method of planting grapes is chosen depending on the type of land. Various options are likely, but usually on sandy soil types, early-ripening grape varieties are recommended to be planted in a trench way, and on poorly warmed loam or clay soil, and in regions with a close location of soil water, planting in ridges is recommended.
It is not advised to make autumn pruning earlier than natural leaf fall, which occurs in November. Also, pruning in the spring should not be done, as this weakens the vine, especially the young.
Winter cover for the initial few years is necessary for all seedlings. At first, the berry is grown in the form tied to trellises.In autumn, the shoots must be removed, and the plant is covered with a two- or three-layer dry coating. Pine branches or any planks are usually placed under each vine as a bottom bedding, and a layer of corrugated cardboard or spunbond is laid on top of the seedlings, and then a film.
Be sure to keep small slits from the ends of the homemade shelter for natural ventilation of the vine, which makes it possible to save the plant, preparing it for fruiting.
Summer residents need to know that it is not worth it in the spring to immediately and completely remove the cover. And if removed, then keep it close so that in case of frost you can quickly hide the plant, preventing hypothermia.
Diseases and pests
The vine is susceptible to multiple viral diseases and pests, as well as enterobacterial or fungal diseases. Plants often suffer damage from adverse agro-soil and atmospheric conditions. The annual loss of harvest of table grapes is approximately 25%, and if the protection measures are not carried out correctly, losses reach 40%.
To save the entire crop from damage by harmful organisms, chemical or agrotechnical protection measures should be used in a timely manner to help cope with any problem.
Grapevine diseases are divided into infectious and non-infectious. The most harmful are: oidium, mildew, anthracnose, as well as gray or white rot.
Fighting methods
Among the preventive methods of pest control in the vineyard, the most effective is the loosening of the earth under the bushes.
A good result is given by the timely and regular introduction of potassium-phosphorus supplements.The elimination of stepchildren perfectly strengthens the vine and its resistance to the effects of harmful microorganisms, and measures for preventive treatment with fungicides help to cope with any problem.
The following special preparations can be used for processing vines: Acrobat and Antrakol, Bordeaux composition and Kuprosat, as well as Ridomil, Thanos or Horus.
It is important to know that when spraying your vineyard against diseases, it is possible to add substances from pests to the active composition against infectious diseases of the vine, mixing them in one container.
Often amateur gardeners are afraid to plant a vine, thinking that it needs a lot of care. But modern agrotechnical means of protection help to quickly and timely cope with any disease, and progressive covering materials keep plants well from low winter temperatures. To please relatives and friends with early grapes, ultra-early varieties that ripen by the end of the summer period make it possible.
You will learn more about the varieties of early grapes from the following video.