Grapevine (Vitis spp.) VELDZE

Grapevine (Vitis spp.) 'Veldze'

A unique Latvian variety with a natural "seedless effect"—when picked, the seeds stay attached to the stem!

The 'Veldze' variety is one of the most interesting and popular Latvian grape cultivars created by legendary breeder Pauls Sukatnieks. It brings the convenience of seedless eating, usually typical of sensitive southern varieties, to cooler gardens. Its absolute rarity is the specific separation of the berries from the stem, giving you clean, delicious pulp without seeds. It is a vigorous and highly productive vine, ideal for pergolas and gazebos.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Natural Seedless Effect: At full maturity, the berry detaches while the seeds remain attached to the stem.
• Early Ripening: Ripens as early as late August (growing season of only 95 – 105 days).
• Sweet and Aromatic Flavor: Distinct, captivating strawberry-fruit aroma (typical of V. labrusca hybrids).
• Strong Vigor: Extremely vital variety, ideal for pergolas, gazebos, and wall greening.
• Self-fertility, stable yields, and good frost hardiness.

Origin and Breeding

• Origin: Latvia. Breeder: Pauls Sukatnieks. Officially registered in Latvia and Sweden in 2000, protected until 2029.
• Lineage: Developed from the cross of the European variety 'Madeleine Angevine' (V. vinifera) and the Latvian 'Dvietes Zilā' (seedling of V. labrusca).

Variety Characteristics

Vine / Shrub

• Vigor and Habit: Very strong, energetic, and vigorous growth. Quickly covers pergolas or gazebos. One-year-old wood ripens excellently.
• Flowers and Pollination: Flowers tolerate spring frosts well. The variety is fully self-fertile and bears reliably without external pollen.

Bunches and Berries

• Bunches: Medium-sized (100 – 200 g), moderately loose, and conical.
• Berries: Medium-sized (approx. 3 g), round, with a firmer skin and juicy flesh.
• Color and Taste: Greenish-yellow color shifts into amber and slightly translucent tones at full maturity. The flavor is sweet (sugar 17.6 – 19%) with a strong strawberry-like aroma.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Good frost hardiness (-20 to -25 °C / -4 to -13 °F). Winter protection is recommended for young plants; older vines overwinter well without coverage.
• Diseases: Shows increased susceptibility to powdery and downy mildew. Therefore, it requires preventive ecological or chemical protection.
• Soil and Location: Requires the sunniest and warmest spot (ideally a south-facing wall) with light, well-draining, slightly acidic, and humus-rich soil.

Cultivation Recommendations (Pruning)

• Summer Care: Due to very vigorous growth, regular summer pruning is essential (removing lateral shoots and tipping canes).
• Autumn Pruning: Requires thorough pruning in autumn (short pruning to 4 – 6 buds); otherwise, the vine quickly becomes dense, increasing mildew risks.

Harvest and Yield

• Harvest Time: Early variety. Ripens in late August to early September (at south walls as early as August 20).
• Yield: Highly productive and consistent (yielding 8 – 10 kg per vine).