Super Extra Grapes

Super-extra grapes are considered one of the most successful forms of crossing several types of berry crops of this type. It can be found on the plots of almost all amateur gardeners and experienced breeders. Super-extra is undemanding to care for, resistant to temperature extremes, and most importantly - has a rich taste. Further on the variety will be discussed in more detail.

The Super-extra variety was bred back in the 90s of the last century by the Russian winegrower from the Rostov region, Evgeny Pavlovsky, together with Ivan Kostrikin, a scientist from the All-Russian Research Institute of Viticulture and Winemaking named after Ya. I. Potapenko, and a number of other specialists. Super extra (synonym - Citrine) appeared as a result of crossing of two grape varieties called Talisman and Cardinal (+ pollen mixture). 13 years after breeding, this variety was registered in the State Register of Breeding Achievements and patented by its creators.

Due to the fact that this grape variety is one of the most unpretentious and does not require special care, it is grown practically throughout Russia, even in areas with a harsh climate. It bears fruit even during the cooler season. As a result of the fact that its berries tend to ripen quickly enough, Super-Extra is suitable for cultivation even in regions where freezing temperatures last for a short period of time.

This grape variety has strong bushes covered with a dense reddish bark. Shoots are characterized by light shades of green and brown. The appearance of the Super-extra leaves has practically no distinctive features from the leaves of other grape varieties - smooth, medium-sized, dark green in color. No pronounced dissection.

The first test crop of Super Extra can be expected in the second or third year after planting. The culture begins to bear fruit in the fourth year. Super-extra grapes have a short ripening period, which is only 90-105 days after the budding of the plant. At the same time, the bunches can hang on the bushes for a long time without falling off and without losing their taste.

They are larger in Super-Extra than in other grape varieties. They have a cylindrical or conical shape. Characterized by increased looseness. The average weight of one bunch varies between 500-1000 g. But with a favorable climate and proper care it can exceed 1500 g.

The berries are weakly ovoid and white in color, then turn green, and when ripe they take on a yellowish tint. The skin is of medium density throughout the entire growth cycle of the grapes.

This variety has large fruits with an even texture. One berry reaches a mass of 8-12 grams. Ripe fruits are yellow and appear transparent in good light.

Ripe Super-extra has a sweetish harmonious taste. It reaches its optimal taste characteristics in late July and early August. The berries do not stick in the mouth, and also do not have a pronounced aftertaste and pungent odor. The pulp is fleshy, juicy and sugary. If unripe fruits are eaten, they will have a sour taste, and the dense skin can make it difficult to chew and swallow the berries.

Super extra is characterized by high yield.In one season, a bush of this variety can bring up to 10 kilograms of berries. In the southern regions, it is not uncommon for the yield level to exceed 30 kilograms per bush.

Super extra does not require special care and is rightfully recognized as one of the most resistant grape varieties. Like most types of berries, it is best to grow it on the south side of the site. It is extremely important to prune fruit arrows in a timely manner, since this is what affects the growth and yield of the crop, as well as the quality and taste of the berries.

The crop can grow in almost any soil, however, for best results, it is optimal to use light, crumbly soil. To give it a similar characteristic, you can mix peat with a little sand or add humus. It is important that the soil is free of pests, since at the initial stages of the growth of grapes, they can cause irreparable damage to it.

Together with Super-extra, planting of additional crops for pollination is not required, since this variety tends to self-pollinate. Best of all, stepchild shoots, which are formed after the first harvest, are pollinated. At the same time, the berries can be of a more compact size, but have a rich taste.

One of the most important steps in caring for Super Extra is pruning fruit arrows. It is recommended to do this in the spring months before the first harvest, and subsequently trim individual arrows as needed. It is best to carry out this event in such a way that, as a result, the load on one bush is no more than 30 eyes. Clipping length can range from short to medium, but in any case should not exceed 6-8 eyes. It also makes sense to break off weak shoots - this will facilitate the vegetative characteristics of the crop and improve the quality of the crop.

Super-extra is characterized by increased frost resistance.He feels well at temperatures down to -24 degrees, which allows you not to take measures to shelter him in the cold season for residents of the southern regions and the central part of the country. Gardeners living in northern regions with a harsh climate will have to take care of protecting the plant from frost using mulching or a frame structure covered with film and fiber.

This grape variety is resistant to most diseases. It also tolerates attacks from various pests well. The main danger that can cause significant damage to the plant is gray rot and powdery mildew. These unpleasant diseases are typical for crops growing in the northern regions, since the southern climate adversely affects their livelihoods. In order to prevent the defeat of the Super-extra oidium, it is necessary to spray the culture during the growth period with special solutions, a wide range of which is presented in any gardening store. Drying with ash helps well against gray rot.

The Super-extra grape variety is distinguished by its high characteristics related to its storage and transportation. The medium density peel reliably protects the berries from mechanical damage and softening, due to which the variety can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months.