Researched grape varieties adapted to Siberian conditions: photographs and information

Growing crops in risky farming zones is becoming increasingly popular. Various plantings are now available: apricots, peaches, watermelons, and melons. Grapes top the list. Previously, such plantings were unheard of in Siberia, either for private or commercial use. But thanks to advances in breeding, it's now possible to develop plants with greater resilience and fruits with a unique flavor.

The history of grape cultivation in Siberia

Grapes began to be cultivated in northern latitudes about 70 years ago. In the 1940s and 1950s, enthusiasts and professionals actively promoted the crop in these regions. The berry possesses medicinal properties, and the ability to achieve abundant harvests even in difficult conditions and the potential for winemaking development became the basis for active research in the field of breeding. Projects to develop frost-resistant varieties were launched under Stalin.
The next step in development was the expansion of plantings to experimental and commercial areas outside the Urals, as well as efforts by local breeders and hobbyists. The Sharov and Levchenko clubs and schools made a significant contribution to this development.

Modern farming

Today, the emphasis is shifting toward regional varieties and hybrids. However, the primary focus in many schools is agricultural technology. Altai has become one of the centers of active development in this field. The vineyards that once existed there were known for their many varieties, which even yielded several batches of wine. After mass deforestation, the vineyards and wineries remained abandoned; they are now being actively revived.

Early and very early varieties have found their application. Their growing season is only 120 days. Thanks to early awakening according to established rules, the harvest can be obtained long before the first frost. The last decade has seen significant progress in grape breeding in the Altai and Amur regions.

Uncovered varieties for Siberia

Potapenko was one of the first to try uncovered cultivation techniques. In addition to saving time and effort, this growing method allows for increased yields without additional costs. What's especially valuable is that these berries are not only healthy but also rich in flavor. These varieties can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees Celsius. In harsher climates, it's recommended to use covered hybrids.

Advantages of Amur grapes

Amur grape is a classic variety, successfully grown in Siberia for over half a century. Unlike many other varieties, it is classified as mid-early, ripening in mid-September. Medium-sized plants can reach a height of up to 30 meters and a length of about two meters.

The main advantages of this variety include:

• Amur grapes also have some disadvantages:
• low yield;
• long period of fruit ripening;
• some varieties may have a sour taste;
• Unsuitable growing conditions can negatively affect the quality of the crop.

Amur grapes still remain attractive due to their main advantages:

• requirement for support due to great height;
• the impossibility of harvesting the entire crop due to the large size of the plant;
• Regular pruning is necessary.

In addition to frost resistance, Amursky maintains its drought tolerance. Providing a mature plant with sufficient water in the spring allows it to survive extended periods without rainfall without losing its yield. The flavor can be improved by adding mineral fertilizers. Amursky can be used as a rootstock for other varieties less tolerant of temperature fluctuations.

Amethyst variety

The Amethyst variety has much in common with the Amursky variety. However, its main characteristic is its ability to regenerate crops even from frozen and damaged buds and shoots. The main characteristics of this variety are:

• resistant to frosts down to -35 degrees without covering;
• does not require frequent treatments, except for preventive ones;
• has large fruits with juicy pulp;
• characterized by large clusters weighing up to 800 grams.

The fruits can be eaten fresh or used to make dry wines. The sugar content of the berries averages 21 percent, sometimes reaching 23 percent, but this is rare. A tasting score is an important indicator for any grape variety. For this variety, it averages 8.1 points, which is quite high for a Siberian variety. The best way to propagate this variety is from cuttings.

Grape Varieties from the USA: Guests from Overseas

Not all amateurs and professionals are fans of American grapevines. However, they do possess some enduring advantages. Most modern varieties were bred from Vitis labrusca, which is known in its native land as foxberry. The most important difference is that these grapes have a subtle strawberry aroma, are rich in juice, and have excellent sugar accumulation properties. In this last respect, these grapes surpass many local varieties.

Alpha

The American variety Alpha is widely used in professional landscaping and by amateur growers, but is not recommended for commercial winemaking. It is especially popular in Kharkiv, where it is grown in large quantities, but about 15 years ago, it was also in demand in Siberia for private cultivation.

Key benefits of Alpha:

• poor adaptation to drought;
• tendency to diseases;
• insufficient resistance to fungal infections;
• low yield compared to other varieties;
• demanding of certain growing conditions.

• vigorous growth and significant thickening;
• small size of berries, light weight of bunch;
• high acid content in berries.

Seedlings and cuttings take root well. The main goal at the beginning of cultivation is to avoid excessive vine crowding, as this will reduce yield. In Siberian conditions, plants that have been pre-hardened at low temperatures and low humidity perform best. Despite the vigorous growth of the bush, its length is not excessive, allowing for maximum yield. The variety has a long growing season, from 130 to 145 days, but its frost resistance makes it suitable for regions with risky farming.

Landau Noir grape variety

Unlike the Alpha variety, this grape is recommended for the production of red wines, especially fruity semi-dry and semi-sweet varieties. It has minimal acidity and a high sugar concentration, resulting in excellent flavor characteristics.

The berries of this variety are smooth, round, and medium-sized. They are approximately uniform in weight, making them easy to handle and process. Lando Noir belongs to the group of French-American hybrid varieties. Its advantages include:

• short growing season;
• frost resistance down to -30 degrees;
• late opening of the kidneys;
• resistance to fungal diseases.

Despite the fact that Lando Noir is an early variety, the buds open very late, which protects them from May frosts in Siberia.

Somerset variety

This variety, native to the United States, is one of the most frost-hardy. Although the official description only states that it can survive at -35 degrees Celsius, the plants themselves can tolerate lower temperatures with proper preparation and proper awakening. The variety is attractive due to the following characteristics:

• soft pink color;
• high yield;
• low bushiness;
• absence of bones;

Among the disadvantages, it's worth noting: This grape variety is characterized by low sugar content, an abundance of small berries, and small clusters. The harvest ripens as early as late August, which is a record-breaking early harvest for this variety. Although the clusters are numerous, large berry yields are rare. A single bunch of fruit weighs between 200 and 250 grams. The berries are seedless, making them much easier to process. Another characteristic of this variety is its resistance to a common disease, downy mildew. — Taken from "https://growwise-en.techinfus.com/vinograd-bez-kostochek.html."

Early varieties for harsh climates

Early-ripening grape varieties are especially beneficial when grown in Siberia. Proper initiation of the vines is essential to ensure a good harvest of berries. Furthermore, careful pruning and timely fertilization will also help stimulate shoot growth and focus the plant's energy on vine formation and, ultimately, cluster formation.

Red Muscat

This grape variety produces fruit in as little as 90 or 100 days after vine growth. It's ideal for regions with very short summers. The delicious berries will be ready by the end of July. It's important to note that the flavor of this variety is characterized by a slightly bitter note, along with acidity and sugar.

The berries of this grape are dense and fleshy, and their skins are quite thick. This facilitates storage, but it is not recommended for winemaking. The finished product develops an excessive bitterness that cannot be compensated for by the low sugar content. One of the distinctive aspects of this variety is the color change of the skin and pulp over time. It goes from a soft pink to a rich burgundy, and then to a deep purple. Ripe berries can be left on the vine for several weeks without any problems.

It's important to note that this grape variety cannot withstand temperatures below -23°C and requires winter protection. It is particularly vulnerable to fungal diseases.

Early Bashkir

One of the varieties recommended for the Ural region, however, it may not survive in harsher climates. The variety is characterized by:

• unreliability of crops at low humidity levels;
• sensitivity to fungal diseases;
• high acidity.

The following disadvantages can be highlighted:

• Small-fruited berries weighing up to 1 gram;
• Small bunches weighing up to 30 grams;
• High acidity.

This variety is used for making dry wines. Sugar content It contains only 14 percent alcohol. The dense, thick skin has a distinct aroma and a slightly bitter taste, which is imparted to the finished drink. It is an early variety, as the harvest can be completed as early as mid-August.

Russian Early Grapes

Harvesting of the Russkiy Ranniy grapes begins in late July, when they acquire a crimson color. Gradually, they darken and soften, absorbing juice. This grape variety is not intended for long-term storage; it is intended for fresh consumption. Russkiy Ranniy is a table grape variety popular throughout Siberia. The growing season for this variety typically lasts about 115 days in temperate climates and the same in cooler climates.

This variety is not very tall, but grows primarily in width and can reach up to five meters. The choice of this variety was determined by the following factors: Variety Description:
— Has berries weighing up to 7 grams;
— It has a bright caramel taste and aroma;
— Withstands transportation and storage well.

The berries of this variety are fleshy and juicy, but require adequate moisture. If the plant is kept too dry, the fruit may begin to crack.

Tukay

Tukay was obtained as a result of long-term crossing of a simpler, but resistant, medium Asian variety with a dessert type with a muscat taste. As a result, ultra-early plants were obtained, which are classified as dessert.

On tall bushes, up to 3 meters each, very large clusters weighing up to 800 grams are formed. Even in Siberian conditions, it is possible to obtain a yield of one kilogram from each formation. The bushes are vigorous and actively produce greenery throughout the vegetative period, so they can be used as partially decorative plantings. The strong sides of this variety are: The plant has the following characteristics:
- dense skin that preserves the fleshy berries;
- bright nutmeg taste and aroma;
- a dense bunch that does not crumble.

It requires no additional pollination and is wasp-resistant. Full ripening requires temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) during the summer. This occurs in 90-95 days, without the need for consistently high temperatures. The first bunches can be harvested as early as late July. With proper storage, these bunches will retain their quality for over four months.

Codryanka grape variety

This grape variety is a classic southern variety, but its hybrid properties are highly prized in regions with challenging agricultural conditions. Its growing season is only 110 days, making it suitable for growing in Siberian conditions. The berries have a rich black color and a slightly viscous, tart flavor. The main advantage of this variety is its versatility. It is suitable for fresh consumption, freezing, use in homemade preserves, and as a base for wine. Codryanka is appropriate everywhere.

The Kodryanka variety requires considerable care. Its properties are highly dependent on agricultural practices. Since the vines are not very thick, they can become overloaded with clusters, so it's necessary to limit the number of fertilized buds. Fewer fertilized buds result in larger clusters, but this increases the risk of pollination problems, which negatively impacts yield. The optimal number of buds in each bunch, which ensures good pollination and sufficiently large fruit, is two, as recommended by growers.

One of the main advantages of Kodryanka is its resistance to spring frost. If there is insufficient snow cover during the winter, covering is necessary, as the average survival rate is around -22 degrees Celsius.

Sharov's Riddle

Sharova grapes are among the famous Amur varieties, as they were first cultivated and described in Biysk in the 1970s. The small plants with moderate foliage are ideal for growing even in small plots. The almost black berries have firm skin, equally juicy flesh, and an excellent balance of acidity and sugar, giving them a unique flavor. Both amateur and professional gardeners remark on the unique taste of this variety, with notes of strawberry and raspberry.

Sharova grapes are easy to grow. Even in cold, dry summers, they don't suffer from pea mold, and yields remain high. This variety's advantages include:

• The grape vine ripens within 5 years after planting and produces a yield of 10 kg per bush;
• The berries of this grape variety are suitable for making compotes, jams, wine, liqueurs and cordials and have an excellent taste;
• Berries do not fall from the bushes;
• This grape variety can withstand temperatures down to -34 degrees, making it frost-resistant.

This vine variety thrives best when temperatures are above 12 degrees Celsius during the growing season. The berries can remain on the vines indefinitely thanks to their tough skin. It's important to avoid over-fertilizing the soil to prevent the plant from dying in marshy areas.

New products for Siberia

Not only the well-known varieties developed in the Amur Region thrive in Siberia. Even later-ripening grape varieties thrive here. One of the most famous is the Slovyeva-58. This light-colored, medium-sized table grape variety grows on airy clusters. It is generally considered a late-ripening variety, as the harvest ripens by the end of September. The skin is very thin and soft, making the berries especially tasty fresh, but not suitable for long-term storage.

Another northern table grape variety is Olga, also known as Krasa Severa. This hybrid was created by crossing the well-known Zarya Severa and Taifi varieties. The resulting variety is early ripening and tolerates temperatures down to -27°C (-27°F). Its main characteristic is its classic, simple flavor.

Krasa Severa is a unique variety that deserves its place in the garden. It contains a large amount of folate, making it useful as a complementary herbal remedy. It also has very low acidity: 4 to 5 units.

https://youtu.be/bdanHjxeh-A

Some of the popular varieties used for cultivation in Siberia:

• Muscat;
• Rusven;
• Muromets.

Muscat is the sweetest variety in this group. It contains up to 25 percent sugars, while its competitors have up to 19 percent. However, they are approximately equally frost-resistant, down to -26-27 degrees Celsius. The flavors of Rusven and Muscat are very similar: the former has a hint of sage in the aftertaste, while the latter has a light citrus aroma. Muromets is a darker variety with a dense skin, well suited for wine production. If you prefer medium-sized berries and medium-sized bushes, Rusven is an ideal choice, and those seeking record harvests should choose Muromets with its huge fruits and large, dense bunches.

Exotic late-season grape varieties in Siberia

In Siberia, a growing season lasting 140-150 days is rare, as the warm and sunny season is significantly shorter throughout the region. However, despite this, it is still possible to successfully grow late-ripening grape varieties in Siberia, although this is more of an exception.

Dubinushka variety

This grape variety is often classified as mid-late, or less commonly as late. It was specifically bred for the conditions of Southern Siberia and can survive even in the harsh climate. However, its successful cultivation requires careful winter protection, proper awakening, and fairly complex care. Some of its advantages include:

• excellent taste characteristics;
• intense color and deep aroma;
• large berries;
• high yield.

This grape variety can be improved by grafting it onto varieties with higher frost resistance.

Katyr variety

Katyr-2, the most common variety, was created by crossing and grafting frost-hardy and more demanding dessert varieties. This late-ripening variety requires no earth cover, and under favorable conditions, the berries can remain on the vine until mid-October. However, they don't fully ripen until late September. The main distinguishing feature of this variety from similar ones is its complex, sweet-tart, and rich flavor, which receives high marks from expert tasters. Both the first and second generations of this variety are considered low-yielding. Although large berries are easy to pick, the vines are quite fragile, and large clusters rarely form.

Reviews

Victor, Amur Oblast

Growing grapes in the Amur Region is a pleasure if you choose the right varieties. We successfully grow: Sharov's riddle and Early Russian, and then we decided to try planting Dubinushka. I cover all varieties, even those that don't require it, so there haven't been any losses yet. Particular attention should be paid to spring fertilizing and careful pruning, especially in the low sunlight conditions in our latitudes.

Margarita, Khakassia

I prefer Muscat grapes for their tart flavor. The very early Muscat grows well even in southern Khakassia. We start eating it as early as the end of July, and for preserves, wine, and liqueurs, we let it ripen further, which gives it a richer, sweeter flavor. He is not afraid of diseases, but wasps are attracted to it during the summer months, so it needs to be either treated or protected.

Growing various grape varieties in Siberia is possible with proper agricultural practices and the right selection of cultivars. Industrial grapes, which require no shelter, will appeal to lovers of bold, acidic flavors, while table and dessert varieties will impress with their juicy, sweet finish. Even in challenging climates, berries can be grown for seasonal harvesting, winemaking, and winter storage.