Early grape varieties: characteristics and descriptions, reviews

Early ripening is one of the most important characteristics of grapes. Early ripening allows this heat-loving plant to be grown in virtually any climate zone.Having familiarized yourself with the characteristics of the crop, you can choose a suitable variety from old, time-tested ones, or from new selections.

Factors Affecting the Rate of Ripening

Early grapes are those whose berries reach full maturity in 120 days or less. This means that no more than four months pass from bud swelling to harvest. The rate of ripening depends not only on the varietal characteristics but also on external factors. These include:

• growing method (greenhouse or open ground);
• weather conditions;
• growing region (daylight hours, humidity, soil);
• plant care.

Benefits of growing early-ripening varieties

There are several compelling reasons why gardeners choose early grapes. Here are the main ones:

• the berries have time to ripen before the cold weather sets in;
• Early harvesting helps avoid damage from fungal diseases and most pests;
• The first berries are in great demand and cost more.

Moreover, early-ripening grapes quickly gain green mass at the beginning of the summer season and decorate any garden plot first with their vines and then with clusters of berries.

Description of varieties

There are a large number of grape varieties with short growing seasons. Each has its own varietal characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.

The Beauty of Nikopol

The pink-fruited subspecies appeared in 1950 in Nikopol, Ukraine. The parents of "Krasa" were "Zhemchug Saba" and "Rish Bab Cherny."

Brief description:

• ripening period 105 days;
• the tree is vigorous;
• the berries are small, elongated, weighing 4-5 grams;
• the bunches are small (400-600 g);
• the taste of grapes is sweet with muscat notes;
• self-pollinating;
• low disease resistance;
• good frost resistance (under snow up to -22 C°).

Its distinctive feature is its excellent taste. The sweet, juicy, dense flesh is encased in a thin yet firm skin that is comfortable to eat. It transports well without losing its flavor.

Violet

The table-wine hybrid was developed in 1947 by breeders by crossing “Muscat of Hamburg” and “Severny”.

Brief description:

• ripening speed 115-120 days;
• average yield (5-6 kg per 1 m²);
• tall plant with strong shoot formation;
• self-pollinating;
• tolerates frosts down to -27 C°;
• has immunity to the most dangerous diseases;
• The berries are round, with 2-3 seeds. In areas with insufficient moisture, they are small, weighing 2-3 grams; in irrigated areas, 5-6 grams.
• the bunches are small (150-200 g).

Experienced winegrowers prize this variety for its rich sugar content (22%) and unique Muscat aroma with rose notes. Its low-maintenance nature makes it suitable for beginning winegrowers.

Julian

"Yulian" is the result of amateur selection, obtained by cross-pollination of the "Rizamat" and "Kesha" varieties.

Brief description:

• maximum ripening period is 100 days;
• the plant is vigorous and powerful;
• self-pollinated;
• withstands frosts down to -23 C° without shelter;
• transportable, easy to store;
• easy to care for;
• high-yielding (8-10 kg per 1 m²);
• The berries are large (up to 20 g) and sweet (20% sugar) with 2-3 seeds.

The berries are gathered in massive, exceptionally beautiful clusters (0.8 to 1.5 kg). The flavor is not overly sweet, with pleasant notes of nutmeg and wild strawberry. The skin is firm, but not uncomfortable to eat.

Super Extra

This variety is a new product of folk breeding. Its progenitors are "Talisman" and "Cardinal." It was developed by amateur cultivator E. G. Pavlovsky.

Brief description:

• the bush is medium-sized, with a large number of stepsons;
• harvest in 95-100 days;
• begins to bear fruit at two years of age;
• pollinates itself;
• bears fruit regularly and abundantly (20 kg per bush);
• resistant to frosts down to -24 C°;
• not affected by mildew, oidium;
• afraid of phylloxera.

The pride of "Super-Extra" are its sweet berries with a delicate fruity aftertaste. Clusters weigh from 400 to 800 grams. Within a single cluster, berries weigh between 6 and 10 grams. The berries are golden-amber in color.

Harold

The hybrid variety "Harold" is a white table grape. It was developed at the Potapenko Research Institute by crossing "Arcadia" and "Vostorg."

Brief description:

• tall bushes;
• the shoots are flexible and powerful;
• berries reach maturity in 90-100 days;
• flowers are bisexual;
• ripens at 90% of the shoot length, hence the yield is 15 kg per bush;
• immunity to mildew and oidium is average;
• without shelter it survives winters down to -25 C°;
• The berries have a harmonious sweet and sour muscat flavor. Average weight is 6-7 grams. The pulp is juicy, fleshy, with 1-3 seeds.

A special feature of this variety is that in the southern regions it is possible to obtain two waves of harvest.

Sofia

The hybrid variety "Sofia" is the result of crossing the well-known "Arcadia" and "Kishmish Radiant." It inherited all the best qualities from its parents and has virtually no flaws.

Brief description:

• the grape tree is distinguished by its tall and powerful shoots;
• the growing season is 110-115 days;
• roots and vines can withstand temperatures down to -21 C°;
• yield 6-8 kg per 1 m²;
• pollinator plants are required;
• resistant to the main fungal diseases of the crop;
• suitable for any climate zone;
• the berries are dark pink in color, weigh 15-17 g;
• the pulp of the fruit is juicy, with 1-2 seeds;
• The taste is nutmeg, pleasantly sweet.

Libya

This variety is often called "candy" by winegrowers. Sugar content in the juice reaches 25%. "Livia" is a recognized leader among V.V. Zagorulko's table grape hybrids.

Brief description:

• Parent varieties: 'Flamingo' and 'Arcadia';
• vigorous, powerful;
• the berries are ready for picking in 100-110 days;
• withstands frosts down to -21 C°;
• flowers are bisexual;
• moderately resistant to fungal diseases;
• yield rates are very high;
• stored without loss of quality for 30 days;
• berries are oval, average weight 10-15 g, pink color;
• the pulp is of medium density, with 1-2 rudiments.

The distinctive feature of "Livia" is the persistent aroma of Muscat from the grapes, which can be felt even from a distance.

Galahad

A new addition to the Galahad selection is a hybrid table grape variety. Winemakers consider this variety practically ideal, as it combines all the positive characteristics of "Vostorg," "Talisman," and "Vostok Muscat."

Brief description:

• the plant is vigorous;
• resistant to all fungal diseases;
• the yield is stable and high (10-11 kg per 1 m²);
• medium-sized bunches (500-600 g);
• the berries are small, no more than 10 grams each;
• Ripe fruits are amber in color and have a sweet and sour taste.

Galahad takes less than 100 days to fully mature, and less than 90 days in southern regions. It is suitable for growing in Siberia and the Urals.

Elegant Super Early

A domestically bred hybrid based on two varieties, "Frumoase Albe" and "Vostorg." Its short ripening period, drought resistance, and excellent immunity have won the hearts of many gardeners.

Brief description:

• bushes are compact;
• the yield is average (4-5 kg ​​per 1 m²), but stable;
• the first harvest is produced at the age of 3 years;
• increased resistance to diseases and pests;
• frost-resistant (up to -26 C°);
• medium-sized berries (up to 6 g) of amber color with seeds inside;
• The taste is sweet and sour, nutmeg.

Low-growing bushes produce fruit quickly (up to 95 days). The vines mature to their full length. The plant's slow growth eliminates the need for pinching or regulating the number of clusters.

F-14-75

"Augustovsky Large" is another name for this Hungarian hybrid. "A stable, trouble-free variety that requires minimal attention" is what gardeners call "F-14-75."

Brief description:

• the tree is medium-sized;
• high immunity to diseases;
• average yield;
• withstands frosts down to -26 C°;
• not self-pollinating;
• bunches of 200-300 grams, not dense;
• berries weighing 3-5 grams, sweet with a strong muscat aroma.

In terms of ripening time, "F-14-75" is considered a record-breaker. Even in northern regions, it ripens in less than 90 days. This explains its widespread popularity in cold climates.

Very early red muscat

This grape belongs to the noble Muscat family and was developed by Moldovan breeders. The super-early harvest is ready for picking as early as the second ten days of July. Ripe berries remain perfectly preserved on the vine for another 50-60 days.

• bushes are medium-sized or tall;
• moderately resistant to fungal infections;
• resistant to grey mould;
• cold resistance up to -26 C°;
• transportable and easy to carry;
• yield 15-20 kg per bush.

The berries are round and small (5-7 grams), with a sweet and sour taste. The sugar content is 15%. Ripe fruits turn purple and become covered with a waxy coating. Suitable for commercial cultivation.

Super early seedless

This table variety was obtained by cross-pollinating "Magarach 417" and "Magarach 653." The variety's name speaks for itself. Ripening time is record-breaking—80-85 days. The fruit flesh is firm, juicy, and seedless. Its flavor is ideal for raisins.

Brief description:

• reaches 1.5 meters in height;
• average winter hardiness (up to -21 C°);
• yield 4 kg from 1 m²;
• self-pollinating;
• small berries, 3-4 grams;
• bunches of 300-400 grams;
• demanding of moisture;
• vulnerable to fungal diseases.

The plant requires a low active temperature range of just 18°C ​​to mature. Therefore, the variety is suitable for cultivation in most regions of the country.

Tsiravas Agraa

This table variety originates from Latvia. It was developed through multi-stage crossbreeding. It takes 95 days for the berries to fully ripen.

Brief description:

• the plant is medium-sized;
• self-pollinating;
• yield 7-8 kg per 1 m²);
• withstands frosts down to -23 °C;
• average resistance to mildew;
• easy to care for;
• berries weighing 4-5 grams;
• The taste is sweet with a subtle hint of nutmeg.

Excellent for making white wine, juice and drinking straight from the bush.

Diamond

"Rhombik" is a relatively new hybrid variety developed by Pavlovsky. The name refers to the unusual shape of the berries, which resemble a geometric figure.

Brief description:

• bushes are massive;
• ripening period 80-85 days;
• self-pollinated;
• high-yielding;
• frost resistance up to -23 °C;
• high resistance to diseases and pests;
• berries of coal shades, weighing 15-20 g;
• the clusters are massive;
• the taste is moderately sweet, harmonious.

The fruits retain their shape for a long time and become raisins on the bush. Suitable for growing in temperate and northern latitudes.

Olympics

An ultra-early table grape variety. Developed by Russian breeders at the Potapenko All-Russian Research Institute. The parent varieties are 'Yakdona' and 'Zhemchug Saba'.

• the grape tree is vigorous;
• average yield;
• self-pollinating;
• afraid of frosts below -22 °C;
• immunity to diseases is average;
• demanding of soil fertility and moisture;
• The fruits are light yellow, small. The taste is sweet and sour, nutmeg.
• bunches weighing 200-400 g.

A time-tested, reliable variety. Shows best results in southern regions.

Eva

Table grapes from the collection of amateur breeder V.U. Kapelyushny. A hybrid form of two varieties: "Red Delight" and "Denal."

Brief description:

• the tree is distinguished by its vigorous growth;
• early maturing (95-100 days);
• flowers are bisexual;
• susceptible to disease;
• yield 8-10 kg per 1 m²;
• good cold resistance (up to -24 °C).

The berries are a perfect oval shape and pink in color. They taste sweet with a slight tartness. The clusters are large and uniform, weighing 1-1.3 kg. An easy-to-grow and reliable variety.

Anniversary of the Kherson summer resident

It was developed in 2001 by E. A. Klyuchnikov, an employee of the Zaporizhzhya Research Institute of Vaccines. It is often referred to simply as "YUKhD."

Brief description:

• shoots reach three meters in height;
• vegetation period 100 days;
• resistant to fungi;
• tolerates frosts down to -26 C°;
• pollinator plants are required;
• the yield is high every year;
• berries weighing 7-9 g;
• cone-shaped bunches, weight 500-600 g;
• the taste is harmonious, sweet.

Easily adapts to any climatic conditions.

Kishmish

A well-known dessert grape variety. Its sweet, juicy berries are loved not only by children but also by adults.

Brief description:

• ripening period 110 days;
• the plant is vigorous;
• yield 20-25 kg per bush;
• withstands frosts down to -26 C°;
• disease resistant;
• the berries are golden-green, small, up to 3 g, seedless;
• loose bunches weighing 500-600 grams;

A reliable, unpretentious variety capable of producing crops in any climate zone of the country.

Laura

An easy-to-grow table white grape variety. Listed in the national register as "Flora," it's among the top five most productive and delicious.

• bushes are medium-sized;
• fruiting begins in 2-3 years;
• ripening period no more than 120 days;
• does not freeze at temperatures down to -26 °C;
• good resistance to fungal diseases;
• yield 13-16 kg per tree;
• The fruits are light green in color, weighing 6-12 grams, with a simple, sweet taste.
• Large bunches, from 1 to 2.5 kg.

Arcadia

The most popular early variety among Russian winegrowers. Also known as "Nastya."

Brief description:

• tree height 2-2.5 m;
• the growing season lasts 120 days;
• flowers of male and female types;
• yield from one bush – 20 kg;
• temperatures down to -23°C do not damage the vine;
• the berries are round, average weight 15 g;
• bunches from 700 g to 2 kg;
• the taste is moderately sweet.

Grapes are flexible and adapt easily to any climate.

Delight

A reliable white table grape variety. The name reflects the variety's many virtues.

Brief description:

• bushes are vigorous;
• It takes 110 days for the fruits to ripen;
• high yield (6-8 kg per 1 m²);
• tolerates low temperatures down to -26 C°;
• moderately resistant to fungal pathogens;
• the berries are round, large, amber-colored, weighing 7-9 grams;
• brushes gain weight from 400 to 800 grams;
• the taste is sweet with nutmeg notes.

Thinning of fruit clusters is required to avoid breaking the vine.

Veles

One of the most favorite varieties Confectioners and restaurateurs. The seedless pulp and excellent flavor have repeatedly earned the hybrid prizes in various international competitions.

Brief description:

• source material – varieties ‘Rusbol’, ‘Sofia’;
• the plant is medium-sized;
• vegetation period – 110 days;
• self-pollinating;
• frost resistance threshold -23 C°;
• average level of resistance to fungi;
• berries are oval, weighing up to 5 grams, pink in color;
• the bunches are dense, average weight from 600 g to 1.5 kg;

Suitable for both business and family consumption.

Anniversary

A large-fruited, high-yielding table grape variety. Productivity is good in both warmer climates and temperate continental climates.

Brief description:

• tall and strong;
• vegetation period 115-120 days;
• flowers are bisexual;
• moderately resistant to diseases and pests;
• in the central regions it winters without shelter;
• berries are elongated-oval in shape and creamy-pink in color;
• fruit clusters are small, 500-700 g;
• the taste is sweet, with a barely perceptible sourness;

A special feature of this variety is that unripe berries can be eaten; they taste very sweet.

Novocherkassk Anniversary

Abundant yields and a presentable appearance are the variety's main advantages. It requires careful cultivation practices.

Brief description:

• vegetation period 110-120 days;
• the grape tree is tall and strong;
• not afraid of frosts down to -23 °C;
• may be affected by mildew;
• the berries are elongated, pink-yellow in color;
• average weight of berries is 12-18 g;
• The bunches are not loose, average weight is 1-1.2 kg.

Sweet in taste, "Yubiley Novocherkasska" is ideal for eating "from the bush" or for sale.

Augustine

High-yielding table grape Bulgarian selection. Often found under the names: "Pleven Resistant," "V25/20," or "Phenomenon."

Brief description:

• bush height 2-2.5 m;
• vegetation period 117 days;
• record yield, up to 60 kg per bush;
• tolerates frosts down to -24 °C;
• immunity to fungal pathogens;
• pollinates itself;
• the berries are round, medium-sized, yellow-green in color;
• the taste of the fruit is very sweet (20% sugars);
• average bunch weight is 500-800 g.

Vigorous bushes are often used as an arbor plant.

Alyoshkin

"Aleshenkin Dar," "Alyosha," and "No. 328" are names for this same table grape variety. It was developed over 50 years ago by Soviet breeders. Recognized as one of the best varieties domestic selection.

Brief description:

• the tree is vigorous and powerful;
• yield – 25 kg per plant;
• ripening period - 110 days;
• average frost resistance;
• afraid of powdery mildew;
• fruits are larger than average, straw-colored, with white wax;
• the taste is good, sweet. The pulp has 1-2 rudiments;
• The weight of fruit clusters ranges from 700 g to 1500 g.

Unpretentious in care and weather conditions, it is suitable for beginners in viticulture.

Adler

A new variety bred in Russia. The original varieties are "Augustin" and "Talisman." A promising variety for garden plots in the temperate zone.

Brief description:

• the bushes have a vigorous growth habit;
• vegetation period 110-115 days;
• the yield is average but stable;
• withstands frosts down to -24 °C;
• vulnerable to fungal pathogens;
• the taste of the berries is sweet, dessert-like;
• the berries are attractive in appearance, large, oval, and colored a warm amber;
• The bunches are dense, of average size, 0.5-0.8 kg.

A versatile variety that transports and stores well.

Transfiguration

This table hybrid is distinguished by high yields and excellent taste.

Brief description:

• vigorous;
• medium-sized;
• flowers are bisexual;
• withstands frosts down to -20 °C;
• resistant to diseases and pests;
• The berries are narrow oval and honey-colored. Sugar and acid are harmoniously combined;
• The bunches are very large, from 1.7 to 3 kg.

The bush produces a large number of side shoots. In the south of the country, this allows for two harvests.

Victor

The variety was obtained by V.N. Kraynov by crossing two varieties: “Talisman” and “Kishmish Radiant”. Classified as an early variety, although the ripening period is four full months.

Brief description:

• vigorous;
• yield 5-6 kg per bush;
• in the middle zone it winters without shelter;
• not susceptible to diseases;
• susceptible to attack by wasps;
• sweet berries with a floral bouquet;
• The clusters are large and light purple in color.

Good for commercial cultivation. The berries transport and store well.

Monarch

The result of the work of breeder Pavlovsky. The parent varieties are "Talisman" and "Cardinal." This white table grape variety is renowned for its large, sweet berries.

Brief description:

• tall;
• the yield from one bush is on average 7-9 kg;
• the fruits are ready for harvesting in 120 days;
• Pear-shaped berries, light green in color. Weight 10-30 g.
• large bunches (1-1.2 kg);
• the taste is sweet with a nutmeg aftertaste;
• disease resistant;
• cold-resistant (up to -25 °C).

Among the disadvantages, winegrowers note a tendency for ovaries to fall off.

Jupiter

Among the top five seedless table varieties A dark grape variety native to the US state of Arkansas. It was brought to Russia in the 2000s and quickly spread.

Brief description:

• bushes are compact;
• ripening period 110-115 days;
• excellent frost resistance (-27 °C);
• self-pollinating;
• small fruit clusters are formed from round berries weighing 4-5 grams;
• the berries are dark blue in color and have no seeds;
• the taste is sweet with notes of Isabella and exquisite Muscat;
• transports well.

Among the disadvantages, one can note the average resistance of Jupiter to fungal diseases and the tendency for fully ripe berries to fall off.

Julian

It is among the earliest hybrid varieties, maturing in no more than 95 days.

Brief description:

• Parent varieties "Rizamat", "Kesha".
• the plant is vigorous;
• self-pollinating;
• frost resistance up to -23 °C;
• drought-resistant;
• good disease resistance;
• average weight of bunches is 1-1.2 kg;
• the berries are large, finger-shaped, pinkish or yellowish in color;
• the taste is fruity, sweet.

Unpretentious "Julian" It doesn't require complex agricultural techniques. Suitable for beginners who want to grow grapes on their own plot.

Viking

Large-fruited black grapes From the collection of V. V. Zagorulko. The hybrid form was obtained by cross-pollinating 'Red Delight' with 'Codryanka'.

Brief description:

• ripens in 110-115 days;
• the vine is powerful and tall;
• fruit clusters weighing 0.8-0.9 kg;
• berries are narrow-oval, blueberry-colored;
• Ripe berries are sweet with a caramel aftertaste. Some consumers note hints of cherry or prune;
• prone to "pea-like" appearance;
• disease resistant;
• frost resistance is low.

The 'Viking' variety, which is sensitive to growing conditions, produces sour berries in low heat conditions, and is prone to cracking in rainy summers. In the hands of experienced winegrowers, it produces excellent results.

Timur

“Undemanding, early ripening, producing large and tasty fruits” – this is how experienced winegrowers characterize the variety. Timur – the result of the work of domestic breeders. The parent varieties are "Frumoasa Albă" and "Vostorg."

Brief description:

• the bushes are low-growing and compact;
• self-pollinating;
• harvest in 105-110 days;
• strong immunity to diseases;
• affected by grape mites;
• forms large clusters of 600-800 grams;
• the color of the berries is white with a hint of amber;
• the berries are large (6-7 g), sweet with tart notes and a muscat aroma;
• frost resistance of roots up to -25 C°.

In heavy, wet soils, the berries have a predominantly sour and astringent taste.

Codryanka

Large-fruited hybrid of black table grapes bred by Moldovan breeders by crossing "Moldova" and "Marshal".

Brief description:

• tall bushes;
• vegetation period 110-115 days;
• fruiting is abundant;
• endowed with complex resistance to major diseases;
• frost resistance up to -23 C°;
• blueberry-colored fruits with a barely noticeable wax coating on the skin, average weight 6-8 g;
• bunches of 400-500 g, individual ones up to 1.5 kg;
• the taste is noble, sweet;
• the pulp is fleshy with 1-2 seeds;

A distinctive feature is the ability to produce abundant harvests on rocky and sandy areas.

Somerset Seedless

A hybrid with rare frost resistance. Without cover, the bushes easily tolerate temperatures down to -34°C. One of the best varieties for vineyards in the northern part of the country.

Brief description:

• medium-sized;
• vegetation period 110-115 days;
• self-pollinating;
• resistant to fungal pathogens;
• the fruits are pink in color, small (up to 2 g);
• the pulp is dense, sugary with a thin skin;
• the taste of berries is dessert-like with the aroma of wild strawberries;
• average transportability;

Compact bushes produce small-sized bunches (up to 200 g), hence the average yield.

Victoria

A hybrid form of the table subspecies. Unpretentious "Victoria" a good option for beginning gardeners and winegrowers.

Brief description:

• the period from bud swelling to maturity is 115-120 days;
• the bush growth is moderate;
• female flowers predominate;
• high-yielding;
• not susceptible to diseases;
• winters well without cover;
• the color of the fruits is red with a raspberry tint, weight 6-7 g, dense bunches of 500-700 g;
• when consumed, the pulp of the berries is crispy and juicy;
• The taste is simple, and as it matures it acquires nutmeg notes.

Disadvantages include a tendency for the thin skin of the berries to crack and “pea-like” berries (without load regulation).

Conclusion

When choosing grapes, it's best to choose varieties suited to your region's climate. This way, the plants will quickly establish themselves, grow stronger, and begin producing a full harvest.

Reviews

Margarita, Kirov Oblast

Of the early varieties, my time-tested "workhorse" is "Arcadia." It's easy to grow and produces consistent yields every year. With limited clusters, the bunches weigh over one kilogram. The vineyard requires minimal maintenance. I cover the soil under the vines with straw. In the fall, I fertilize them with chicken manure mixed with the same straw. I don't use chemical fertilizers on principle.