Russian Purple Early Grape: Characteristics and Description of the Variety

The "Violet Early" grape is one of the most popular varieties. This hybrid is among the top ten most frost-hardy and easy-to-grow varieties. With proper care, it produces a consistently high yield of berries with a rich, distinct muscat aroma. It adapts well to various geographic regions and is not affected by temperature fluctuations.

General description of the variety

"Early Purple" - development result Potapenko Institute of Viticulture. The hybrid form was created over seventy years ago by cross-pollinating two varieties, "Muscat Gambursky" and "Severny." The breeders' goal was to create a variety with good frost resistance and excellent flavor. The project was successful, and "Violetovy Ranny" combined the best qualities of its parents.

Regional affiliation

The variety is suitable for cultivation in open culture. for central Russia and further south. In northern regions and similar climate zones, the vines and roots must be protected for the winter. It performs best in warm subtropical climates.

Biological description of the tree

Brief description of the grape bushes of the hybrid "Violet Early":

• grafted bushes reach 2-2.5 meters in height;
• The ripening period is very short. In the temperate zone, the harvest is ready for harvesting in late July;
• the signal bunch is small in size and is formed in the second year of planting;
• vine ripening is excellent (90%);
• shoots are red brick-colored and become lighter in autumn as they mature;
• the leaves are large in shape, often dissected, less often round;
• flowers are bisexual;
• bunches of medium size (100-150 grams), conical shape of medium density;
• The plant is frost-resistant and is not afraid of frosts down to -27 C.

Distinctive features of berries and their uses

The berries of the "Violet" variety are perfectly rounded. The average weight of a single grape is 5-6 grams. The berries' color changes from green to dark purple during ripening. Fully ripened grapes are jet black. The hybrid's flavor is rated as good. The flesh is white across the surface, with a large amount of colorless juice. There are 1-2 seeds per berry. The flavor is characterized as a bright, rich, and balanced Muscat, with a high sugar content in the juice (up to 23%).

The variety has a universal purpose, but most often the berries are used for making wine.

On an industrial scale, the "Violet Early" grape is used to produce the vintage dessert wine "Muscat Steppe Rose." At home, it produces successful juices and wines with a light floral aroma.

Productivity

"Violet Early" is a high-yielding hybrid. In addition to its main crop, the vine actively forms small clusters on side shoots. During the fruiting season, the vine is literally covered with clusters of fruit. A single vine yields 8-10 kg of finished grapes.

Advantages and disadvantages

According to numerous reviews from winegrowers, this variety has a number of advantages and some disadvantages. The main ones are summarized in the table.

Features of agricultural technology

The hybrid variety is completely unpretentious, so even inexperienced gardeners can grow it. A harvest can be achieved as early as the third year after planting. the harvests were pleasing In terms of quality and quantity, it is necessary to adhere to certain rules of agricultural technology.

Selecting a seedling

The quality of the seedlings determines the growth of the grape bushes and, most importantly, the future harvest. When choosing young plants, experienced winegrowers recommend following these tips:

• buy seedlings in the autumn;
• choose large retail outlets or nurseries;
• refuse to buy grapes from random sellers;
• a healthy seedling has at least 3-4 thick roots;
• all roots should be moist, flexible and light when cut;
• the tree trunk and vines should not have any damage or symptoms of disease;
• a strong shoot has at least 3-5 buds;
• live buds do not fall off or peel.

Landing

The undemanding "Violet Early" grows well on flat areas and on slopes of varying orientations. It is one of the few varieties capable of producing fruit in heavy soils and even in slightly saline soils.

Planting times depend on the growing region. In the central part of the country, this time falls in October. In the north of the country, winter comes earlier, so plant grapes It's best to plant it in September. This way, it will have time to take root and easily survive the winter frosts.

When choosing a specific planting site, it's best to select a sunny spot protected from cold winds. "Purple" grapes can grow in partial shade, but the berries won't produce the desired amount of sugar, and overall yields will be lower.

Care instructions

Vineyard care is essential from early spring to late fall. Watering, fertilizing, staking, treating for diseases and pests, pruning—all the necessary agricultural practices are essential for achieving successful results. a decent harvest.

Watering and fertilizing

Regular watering of grapevines is crucial during the first year of planting. The weakened, small root system is not yet able to extract water from the soil. Beginning in the second year of planting, watering is carried out as needed. If the summer is not unusually hot and rainy, watering can be discontinued. In dry years, grapevines need adequate moisture before flowering and during fruit ripening.

Fertilizing the vineyard begins in the third year of planting. By this time, the plant has extracted all the micronutrients from the soil. Fertilizing twice a year is sufficient:

• early spring, before the buds open;
• in late autumn.

Agronomists recommend apply fertilizers In trenches dug 70-90 cm from the bushes. The rate per plant in early spring is as follows:

• 50 g of nitrogen fertilizers;
• 30 g potassium;
• 40 g phosphorus.

In anticipation of the winter season, the proportions are maintained, with the exception of nitrogen fertilizers.

Formation of the bush and garter

It is necessary to begin shaping the bush immediately after the buds open:

• cut off all excess above-ground growth;
• remove unnecessary buds from perennial shoots.

After leaf fall, pruning is performed. The recommended pruning pattern for "Violet Early" is five branches. Two-year-old shoots are shortened by 2-3 buds, and three-year-old shoots by 4-5 buds.

Protection from diseases and pests

The variety has good immunity to major diseases. However, preventative treatments, especially in rainy years, are a good idea. In the spring, as soon as the air temperature reaches 4-6°C, spray the bushes for the first time with a 3% copper sulfate solution. Repeat the treatment in the fall, after the leaves have fallen. This will help protect grapes for diseases and pests.

Conclusion

The mature variety "Violet Early" has held a leading position for several decades. Experienced winegrowers consider it one of the best wine grapes. Unpretentious, easy to care for, and easy to propagate, it is suitable for both experienced and novice winegrowers.

Reviews

Anastasia, Belgorod region

A good, productive variety. We harvest over 10 kg of berries per bush. Once ripe, we don't pick the berries right away; we leave them on the vine for a month. These fruits have higher sugar content. I treat them twice a year with copper sulfate for disease. I lay a thick layer of straw under the vines, so my vineyard is weed-free and moisture is retained well.

Valery, Kirov

The first own-rooted "Violet Early" seedling I planted didn't take root and dried out. I think I didn't water it enough during the dry summer. The second one went well. I planted it to make homemade wine. I'm very happy; I've been harvesting for two years now.