Grape 'Karmen'

Obtained from: Nadezhda AZOS x FVC-94-3. Amateur selection. Author – E.G. Pavlovsky, Russia.

Grape 'Karmen' is a hybrid form of table grape with an early ripening period. From budbreak to full ripening takes 115-125 days. Ripening occurs in the first half of August.

The vine is vigorous, producing shoots up to 120-135 m in length. The wood ripens early, on two-thirds of the shoot length.

The flower is hermaphroditic, pollination proceeds well. It flowers in early June.

Clusters are very large, 600-800 (2000) g, conical or cylindro-conical in shape, of medium density. Millerandage is not observed. Berries are very large, weighing 10-12 g, measuring 36x21 mm, elongated-oval-ovoid. Skin of medium thickness, not noticeable when eaten. As they ripen the berries become red-lilac and at full ripeness – dark purple. Flesh of medium density, crunchy, very juicy. Flavor simple, harmonious, with a slight astringent aftertaste. Berries do not crack. May be attacked by wasps.

Sugar content 18-22%, with acidity 6-8 g/l.

Yield 4-6 kg per plant.

Hardiness zone: 5a (buds in the eyes withstand down to -30 °C).

Location: not demanding of soil, but grows better on light, sufficiently moist ground. The plant is drought-tolerant.

Planting and care: the same as for cultivated grape.

Pruning: vines are vigorous. Prone to overcropping. Recommended load 33-35 buds. Prune fruiting canes to 6-8 buds. Shoot load 22-24 with a planting area of 4-6 sq.m.

Diseases and pests: Resistance to downy mildew – 7.0 points, to gray rot – 5-7 points, to powdery mildew – 5 points, resistance to phylloxera has not been studied.

Propagation: cuttings root well.

Uses: Fruits are consumed fresh and for processing, have good transportability and excellent marketable appearance. A promising form for amateur viticulture.