Grape 'Elf'

Obtained from: Podarok Zaporozh'yu x Kuban. Amateur selection. Author – V.V. Zagorulko, Ukraine.

Grape 'Elf' – a hybrid seedless table grape form of very early ripening. From the beginning of budbreak to full ripeness it takes 110-115 days. Ripens in early August.

Shoots vigorous, 1.5-2 m, the cane ripens almost completely. Flower hermaphrodite.

Clusters large, weighing 1-1.5 kg, medium density, without berry loosening. Berries seedless, large, greenish-white with a beautiful powdery bloom, nipple-shaped with a sharp tip. Flavor harmonious, sweet, distinctive. Flesh crisp, slightly watery. Skin thin, edible. Berries remain on the vine for a long time.

Sugar content 17-19%, with acidity 6-7 g/l.

Yield high and stable.

Winter hardiness zone: 6a (buds in the eyes withstand down to -22°C).

Location: not demanding with respect to soil, but grows and fruits better on heavy soil.

Planting: same as for cultivated grape.

Care: responds well to phosphorus-potassium fertilizers

Pruning: prune canes to 8-10 buds with subsequent thinning by removing every other shoot in the following year after budbreak. Optimal load 20-25 buds.

Diseases and pests: Resistance to downy mildew – 4.0 points, to powdery mildew – 3.0 points

Propagation: cuttings root very well.

Use: Fruits are consumed fresh and for processing; transportability average.