Description and characteristics of the early purple grape variety, history and rules of cultivation
Violet early grape has been a leader in viticulture since the middle of the last century. It is characterized by increased resistance to cold weather and causative agents of major diseases. The harvest is actively used to produce the highest quality wine called Steppe Rose Muscat. Growing this type of vine is extremely simple, it does not require much attention to itself.
Hybrid breeding history
The cultivar was bred by re-pollination of mother plants. It was decided to take the Muscat of Hamburg and the North as a basis. Scientists from VNII im. Ya. I. Potapenko, located in Novocherkassk. The grapes were bred in 1947, and the application for inclusion in the State Register was submitted only 10 years later. After almost the same period of time, he got to the variety trials and was ranked among the breeding cultivars. Recommended for cultivation in the Lower Volga and North Caucasus regions. The Kiev climate, as well as other areas, are suitable for cultivation, but the hybrid can no longer boast of early maturity 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. Slight pubescence is observed on the lower part.
Depending on the cultivation conditions, the leaves can be deformed and slightly modified.
Violet early berries are small in size, 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 waxy bloom of a bluish color. 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 early violet fruit is sweet, very pleasant. The acidity of this grape is low, and the calorie content is about 65 kcal per 100 grams of product.
Taste qualities
Due to the good balance of sugars and acids in this variety, tasters rated its taste highly and assigned a rating of 8.9 out of 10 possible points.
Bush, vine and leaves
An old vine of Violet early grapes is colored brown. It is quite powerful, and the bush itself is tall. Leaves are small, five-lobed, rounded. It is extremely rare to find solid sheets, the edges of which are slightly bent downwards. The flowers of the grapes are bisexual, so there is no need to plant pollinating varieties nearby.
Technological parameters
Technological characteristics of Violet early set it apart from the crowd and give an idea of the main advantages and disadvantages of the variety.
Low temperature resistance
Early purple is able to withstand a drop in temperatures in winter to -27 ° C, however, experienced growers still recommend growing it in a covering form to prevent icing of the branches.
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 the leaf roll and to gray rot. Also, the crop is not damaged by wasps, but the birds can spoil it, therefore, the obligatory installation of deterrent mechanisms is required.
In what areas can it grow
The best indicators of productivity and quality of fruits are obtained when growing Violet Early in the Lower Volga and North Caucasus regions, however, 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 heat of the south.
Breeding methods
This variety can be propagated by all known and available methods, but experienced growers prefer to do this by layering or by rooting petioles. At the same time, the characteristics of the mother plant are best transferred to the daughter bushes. A scion is also often made, which takes root quickly and well.
Features of planting and care
Even such an unpretentious variety as Early Violet needs care and proper care. Otherwise, the quality and quantity of the crop is markedly reduced.
Terms and rules for planting seedlings
The planting of a young vine of early purple grapes is carried out from May to October. Timing may vary depending on the region and climatic conditions. The distance between the bushes is at least 1.5 meters. The depth of the planting hole is made about 35 cm. There should be no tall trees, buildings and other structures near the vineyards that significantly shade the site.
Watering mode
Watering the grapes Purple early is carried out as needed if the weather is hot and dry. The plant does not like excess moisture in the soil. It is recommended to add no more than 70 liters of water under each bush. Irrigation is completely stopped when the fruits begin to ripen and color.
What and when to feed grapes
In the first 2-3 years after planting the vine on the site, it is not required to feed it. In the subsequent period, in the fall, compost or humus is introduced under the bush, as well as 250 g of wood ash. At the moment of ovary formation, grape bushes are poured with fermented mullein solution. During the growing season, it is advisable to carry out several foliar dressings by spraying the vineyard with liquid fertilizer.
Formation
Bushes of Violet early begin to form from the second year of life. At first, the vine is cut into 2 buds, the next season already by 4. If the plant is planned to be covered, then forming 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 bunches are left on one shoot.
Garter to the posts
In the first year after planting, it is necessary to tie a young vine to high posts, and in the future, build it for garter grapes trellis or install T-shaped posts on which sleeves with shoots hanging down will be attached.
Seasonal prevention and treatment
Despite the fact that 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, use copper-containing drugs or Bordeaux mixture.
Preparing for winter
Early purple demonstrates record frost resistance, but experienced gardeners recommend covering it for the winter, especially when grown in a southern climate. This is to prevent icing on the vine. In extreme cases, it must at least be removed from the trellises, 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 of weeks.
Harvesting and using the crop
For harvesting grapes, dry and sunny weather is chosen. Work is carried out during the day when there is no dew. The fruit should ripen well and be loaded with sugar. The berries are used mainly for winemaking, but you can eat them fresh, process them and make preparations.
Possible growing problems
Violet early grapes are resistant and immune to the effects of pests, but gardeners during the ripening of the crop are often annoyed by birds who are trying to enjoy delicious fruits. You have to take care of installing additional protective equipment and scaring away birds in advance.
