Violet early grapes: description and characteristics of the variety, cultivation and care

Violet early grape variety has been a leader in viticulture since the middle of the last century. It is characterized by increased resistance to cold and pathogens of major diseases. The harvest is actively used to produce the highest quality wine called Muscat Steppe Rose. Growing this type of vine is extremely simple, it does not require much attention.

History of hybrid breeding

The variety was bred by cross-pollination of mother plants. It was decided to take Hamburg and North Muscat as a basis. Scientists from the VNII im.Ya. I. Potapenko, located in Novocherkassk. The grape was bred in 1947, and the application for its inclusion in the State Register was filed only 10 years later. After almost the same period of time, he got to variety trials and was ranked among the breeding variety achievements. Recommended for cultivation in the Lower Volga and North Caucasus region. Suitable for cultivation in the Kyiv climate, as well as other areas, but the hybrid can no longer boast of precocity and productivity.

External characteristics of the variety

The description of the variety indicates that Violet early has original distinctive features by which it can be distinguished from other similar species.

Berries and leaves

The leaves of this grape are cut, have a rounded shape and a rich green color. There is slight pubescence on the lower part.

Depending on the cultivation conditions, the leaves may be deformed and slightly modified.

Violet early small berries, the weight of one of them ranges from 2 to 6 grams. At the stage of technical ripeness, they acquire a dark purple, almost black color with a slight bluish waxy coating. The pulp inside the fruit is colorless. The mass of the brush reaches 200 grams, and its length is about 17 cm. Each berry contains 2-3 seeds.

Acidity and calorie content of fruits

The taste of Violet early fruits is sweet, very pleasant. The acidity of this grape is reduced, and the calorie content is about 65 kcal per 100 grams of product.

Taste

Due to the good balance of sugars and acids in this variety, tasters highly appreciated its taste and assigned a score of 8.9 out of 10 possible points.

Bush, vine and leaves

Old vine Purple early grapes dyed brown.It is quite powerful, and the bush itself is tall. The leaves are small, five-lobed, rounded. It is extremely rare to find solid sheets, the edges of which are slightly bent down. The flowers of the grapes are bisexual, so planting nearby pollinating varieties is not required.

Technological parameters

Technological characteristics of Violet early distinguish it from the general mass and give an idea of the main advantages and disadvantages of the variety.

Resistant to low temperatures

Early purple can withstand temperatures as low as -27 °C in winter, but experienced growers still recommend growing it in a covering form to prevent twigs from freezing.

Immunity to fungal infections and diseases

This variety demonstrates increased resistance to the main types of diseases and the negative effects of pests, in particular to leafworm and gray rot.Also, the crop is not damaged by wasps, but birds can spoil it, therefore, the mandatory installation of scaring mechanisms is required.

In what areas can grow

The best indicators of yield and fruit quality are obtained when growing Purple early in the Lower Volga and North Caucasus regions, but the grapes are successfully cultivated throughout the country and even far beyond its borders. It adapts to the harsh climate of the north and the southern heat.

Reproduction methods

This variety can be propagated by all known and available methods, but experienced growers prefer to do this by layering or rooting petioles. At the same time, the characteristics of the mother plant are best transferred to the daughter bushes. They also often make a graft, which takes root quickly and well.

Features of planting and care

Even such an unpretentious variety as Purple Early needs care and proper care. Otherwise, the quality and quantity of the crop is noticeably reduced.

Terms and rules for planting seedlings

Planting of young vines of Purple early grapes is carried out from May to October. Dates may vary depending on the region and climatic conditions. The distance between the bushes is left at least 1.5 meters. The depth of the planting hole is made about 35 cm. There should not be tall trees, buildings and other structures near the vineyards that significantly shade the site.

Irrigation mode

Early Purple grapes are watered as needed if the weather is hot and dry. The plant does not like excess moisture in the soil. Under each bush it is recommended to bring no more than 70 liters of water.Irrigation is completely stopped when the fruits begin to ripen and color.

What and when to feed the grapes

In the first 2-3 years after planting the vines on the site, it is not required to feed it. In the subsequent period, in the fall, compost or humus is added under the bush, as well as 250 g of wood ash. At the time of the formation of the ovaries, the grape bushes are poured with a fermented solution of mullein. During the growing season, it is advisable to carry out several foliar top dressings by spraying the vineyard with liquid fertilizer.

Shaping

The early Violet bushes begin to form from the second year of life. At first, the vine is cut into 2 buds, for the next season already by 4. If the plant is planned to be covered, then the molding is carried out in 4 sleeves, and when grown in a non-covering way, in 2 sleeves. The stem is left 1.2 meters high. Each sleeve should contain no more than 7 eyes, and no more than a couple of clusters are left on one shoot.

Tie to posts

In the first year after planting, it is necessary to tie the young vine to high posts, and later build trellises for tying grapes or install T-shaped posts on which sleeves with shoots hanging down will be attached.

Seasonal prevention and treatment

Although Violet early shows very good resistance to common diseases, preventive treatments are necessary. They are made only a couple of times during the entire growing season: in spring and autumn. For these purposes, copper-containing preparations or Bordeaux mixture are used.

Preparing for winter

Early purple shows record frost resistance, but experienced gardeners recommend covering it for the winter, especially when grown in southern climates. This is done to prevent icing of the vine.In extreme cases, it should at least be removed from the trellis, bent to the ground and sprinkled with loose soil.

Berry ripening period

Violet early grapes ripen on average 130 days after flowering, but this period is highly dependent on weather conditions. The fruits ripen around the beginning of September, but for the production of wine they are allowed to stand on the bushes for a couple more weeks.

Harvest and use of crops

Dry and sunny weather is chosen for harvesting grapes. Work is carried out during the day when there is no dew. The fruits should ripen well and gain sugar. Berries are mainly used for winemaking, but they can be eaten fresh, processed and harvested.

Possible growing problems

Violet early grape variety is resistant and immune to pests, but gardeners during the ripening of the crop are often annoyed by birds that try to feast on delicious fruits.We have to take care in advance to install additional protective equipment and scare away birds.

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