Grape 'Monarch'

Obtained from: Talisman x (Cardinal x pollen mixture). Amateur selection. Author – E.G. Pavlovkiy, Russia.

Grape 'Monarch' is a complex hybrid table grape of early to mid-season ripening (130 days). The variety is vigorous, shoots reach a length of 120-135 cm. The cane ripens on 2/3 or more of its length.

Usually flowers in the first days of June. Flowers are hermaphroditic. Pollinates well. Clusters medium and very large, weighing 500-600 (900) g, conical or cylindro-conical, of medium density, attractive, without millerandage. Berries large, 15-20 g, 36 x 26 mm, oval, yellow, on the sunny side with a reddish sunburn. Skin of medium thickness but readily eaten. Flesh dense, of harmonious flavor with a light muscat aroma, melting in the mouth, with one or two small seeds. Ripens in the second half of August. Berries remain on the vine for a long time without loss of marketability or flavor. The variety is high-yielding; with good care it can produce more than 7 kg of fruit per vine. Not affected by wasps. Berries do not crack.

Winter hardiness zone: 6a (buds in the eyes withstand down to -25 °C)

Site: undemanding as to soil, but grows better on light, sufficiently moist ground. The plant is drought-tolerant. Recommended for cultivation in the northern regions of Ukraine.

Planting: similar to that of cultivated grapes.

Care: responds well to timely irrigation, as well as to increased doses of mineral and organic fertilizers and feedings.

Pruning: vines are vigorous. Pruning moderate – to 6-8 buds. Plant load is 30-35 buds per vine. Shoot load – 22-24.

Diseases and pests: Resistance to downy mildew and gray rot – high, to powdery mildew – medium. Weakly resistant to anthracnose.

Propagation: cuttings root well. Vines are vigorous and occur both grafted and own-rooted.

Use: Fruits are consumed fresh, have good transportability and excellent market appearance. Recommended for cultivation in an uncovered culture with a small risk of light damage to vines during the winter period.