Grapevine 'Carmen'

Origin: FVC-94-3 x Nadezhda AZOS. Amateur selection. Breeder – E.G. Pavlovky, Russia.

Grapevine 'Carmen' – a hybrid form of table grape with an early ripening period (100-115 days). The variety is vigorous; shoots reach lengths of 200-250 cm. The cane ripens along almost its entire length.

It usually flowers in the first days of June. Flowers are hermaphroditic. Pollination is good. Bunches are medium to very large, weighing 600-800 (up to 2000) g, conical or cylindro-conical, of medium density, attractive, without millerandage. Berries are large, 10-12 g, 36 x 21 mm, oval. As they ripen the berries become lilac-red and after full ripening turn dark purple. The skin is medium-thick but well edible. The flesh is firm, crunchy, with a harmonious flavor. Sugar content 18-20%, with acidity 6-8 g/l. In the conditions of the Donetsk region it ripens on August 20. Berries remain on the vines for a long time without loss of commercial and taste qualities. The variety is high-yielding; with good care it can produce 4-6 kg of fruit per bush. Not affected by wasps. Berries do not crack.

Cold hardiness zone: 6a (buds in the eyes withstand down to -23 °C)

Location / Site: Not demanding regarding soil, but grows better on light, sufficiently moist soil. The plant is drought-tolerant. Recommended for cultivation in the northern regions of Ukraine.

Planting and care: Similar to that for cultivated grapevines.

Pruning: Bushes are vigorous. Pruning is moderate – to 6-8 buds. The load per plant is 30-35 buds per bush. Shoot load – 22-24 with a feeding area of 6-8 sq.m.

Diseases and pests: Resistance to downy mildew and gray mold is high, to powdery mildew is medium. Resistance to phylloxera has not been studied.

Propagation: Cuttings root well. Both grafted and own-rooted bushes display strong vigor.

Uses: Fruits are consumed fresh, have good transportability and an excellent commercial appearance.