Sweet, Crunchy, and Seedless: Introducing the Table Grapes 'Centennial Seedless', 'Lilla', and 'Kodrianka'

Growing your own table grapes is the dream of many gardeners. While wine grape varieties are all about sugar content and acids for wine, table grapes are defined by texture, berry size, and the absence of seeds. For the 2026 season, we have included three exceptional varieties in our offer that will turn your pergola into a source of irresistible summer desserts.

We present an American seedless classic, a Hungarian crunchy specialty, and a Moldovan dark gem that ripens among the first.

“Modern table varieties are bred for fresh consumption. They have a thin skin that is barely noticeable when eaten, meaty flesh, and seeds are either completely suppressed or so soft you won't even notice them.”

1. 'Centennial Seedless': The American Seedless Pearl

From California breeding comes the 'Centennial Seedless' variety (registered 1980). As the name suggests, it is a fully seedless variety that, thanks to its vigorous growth, is absolutely ideal for covering pergolas and large trellises.

For Muscat Lovers

The bunches are large (averaging 400 g) and bear yellow-green, oval berries. The flesh is crunchy, the skin fully edible, and the taste is complemented by a very pleasant muscat aroma. It is an early variety that needs to be harvested on time (at a sugar content of approx. 16%), because the berries tend to drop when overripe.

Growing Tip: Long Pruning and Sun

This variety has lower fertility on the first (basal) buds, so it absolutely requires long pruning (canes). For a beautiful golden coloration of the berries, it is important to thin out the leaves in the bunch zone so the sun hits them.

2. 'Lilla': The Hungarian Crunchy Specialty

The 'Lilla' variety is a great choice for those looking for an undemanding white grape for the home garden. Bred in 1970 in Hungary, this variety stands out mainly for its texture.

Ideal for Homemade Raisins

The berries are yellow-white, with a thin skin and distinctly crunchy ("ropogós") flesh. The seeds are so-called "mini-magos" – very small and almost imperceptible when eating. Thanks to this texture and high sugar content, 'Lilla' is premium not only for eating but also for homemade raisin production and drying.

Endurance on the Vine

Unlike other varieties, the ripe bunches of 'Lilla' (which can weigh over 300 g) hold excellently on the bush. They do not crack or drop, so you can gradually "snack" on the harvest right from the pergola.

Cultivation: The vine forms few lateral shoots, which means airy foliage and a minimum of work during summer pruning. Withstands frosts down to -19 °C.

3. 'Kodrianka' (Black Magic): The Dark Moldovan Gem

If you prefer dark grapes, 'Kodrianka' (also known commercially as Black Magic) will amaze you. This very early Moldovan variety is a hit among gardeners and small commercial growers alike.

Gigantic Bunches Already in Summer

It ripens extremely fast (110 - 118 days from bud break). The special feature is that thanks to the rapid breakdown of acids, the grapes are sweet and edible even at lower sugar levels (12 - 14%). The bunches are huge (commonly 400 - 600 g, but record holders reach up to 1.5 kg) and the berries are beautifully dark purple, meaty, with a minimum of seeds.

Increased Resistance

'Kodrianka' has vigorous growth and shows increased resistance to fungal diseases, especially downy mildew. It tolerates frosts well (down to -22 °C), but in bad years it can suffer from "millerandage" (the formation of small, undeveloped berries). Ripe bunches last very long on the bush without losing quality.

Quick Comparison: Which Variety to Choose?

Feature Centennial Seedless Lilla Kodrianka (Black Magic)
Color Yellow-green Yellow-white Dark purple
Seeds Fully seedless Almost unnoticeable Few, easily separated
Ripening Early Mid-early (from mid-Aug) Very early
Specifics Muscat flavor, vigorous growth Crunchy, ideal for drying Huge bunches, resistance

Conclusion

The choice of table grapes depends on your preferences. For lovers of true muscat flavor and fully seedless berries, the American 'Centennial Seedless' is ideal. If you are looking for crunchy, undemanding grapes from which you can also make homemade raisins, choose 'Lilla'. And if you want to impress your neighbors with huge dark bunches right in the middle of summer, the Moldovan 'Kodrianka' is unbeatable.

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