Velika grape

Obtained from: Bolgar x Alphonse Lavallée. Obtained by Ivan Todorov in 1987, Bulgaria

Velika grape (Vitis vinifera L.) – a hybrid table-grape form of early or early-mid ripening; from bud burst to full ripeness it takes 132 days. Ripens in late August.

Vines vigorous (transgressive effect), therefore plant training is necessary in the first year after planting. Leaf medium-sized, rounded, 5–7-lobed, upper surface smooth, lower surface finely wrinkled. Upper sinuses very deep, closed, with a rounded base. Lower sinuses deep, closed. Petiole sinus from open lyre-shaped to closed elliptic, with a sharp base. Upper teeth medium-sized, triangular. Lateral teeth medium, from triangular to dome-shaped. Veins moderately developed, glabrous, reddish-brown in the upper part and at the base below. Petiole of medium length, with closely spaced longitudinal reddish-brown stripes on the upper side. Autumn leaf color fiery red. Flower hermaphrodite.

Clusters large (18 x 13 cm), weighing 595 g, from conical to cylindrical-conical, loose. Berries very large, weighing 13–14 g (38.2 x 23 mm), elongated, slightly tapered to the apex, color from dark red to dark purple. Skin thick, sturdy, edible. Flesh crunchy, harmonious flavor. Seeds medium-sized, rounded-pyriform, with a short beak, dark brown. Chalaza rounded, almost flat, located centrally. In Velika there occur soft-seeded smaller berries (up to 5–6 g). Berries do not crack. Sugar content 17.0%, with acidity 5.04 g/l. Average yield 9.8 kg per vine, 350 c/ha.

Frost hardiness zone: -22°C

Site: not demanding to soil type, but grows better on light, sufficiently moist, well-warmed and well-drained soils.

Planting and care: similar to those for cultivated grape.

Training system: two-plane trellis.

Pruning: Plant load up to 30–35 buds. Shoot load 22–24 with a feeding area of 4–6 sq. m. Prune fruiting canes to 8–10 or to 3–4 buds.

Diseases and pests: Moderate disease resistance.

Propagation: cuttings root very well. Compatible with rootstocks SO4, 41B, Monticola. However, rootstocks that restrain strong scion vigor are recommended: Chasselas x Berlandieri 41B, SO4, etc.

Use: a highly profitable cultivar. Distinguished by high and stable yields, large decorative clusters, large berries, and high resistance to diseases. Stores well in the refrigerator.