Variety Velyka

Velyka (Velika) is a table variety of Bulgarian breeding by I. Todorov (Bolgar × Alphonse Lavallée), bred in 1987. It ripens early-to-mid, in 125–135 days: in Bulgaria at the end of August. The cluster is medium or large, 500–1000 g. The berries are elongated, dark blue with a violet or burgundy tint, 14–20 g (up to 40 mm long). The flesh is firm and crisp, the taste harmonious, with an aftertaste of plum or sweet cherry; sugar content 17–19%, acidity 4–6 g/l. The skin is thick but edible; the berries do not crack, hang on the bush for a long time and tolerate transport well.

The bush is very vigorous, the flower is hermaphroditic, and the crop is up to 10 kg per bush. Some sources advise thinning the clusters for larger berries, others consider regulating optional; the bush must be formed already in the first year. Disease resistance is medium, and several preventive treatments per season are needed. Frost resistance is −21…−24 °C in different descriptions, so the vine is covered for winter.