How do you recognize the grape variety 'Kishmish Luchistji'? And how does it taste? We will introduce you to the Kischmisch grape and explain what needs to be considered when growing and caring for the grape.
The name 'Kishmish Lutschistji' is quite a tongue twister, but there is a real insider tip hidden under the table grapes behind it. The table grape variety, which is well-known in Ukraine, is not only a visual highlight, but also tastes good. We will show you what the special features of this grape variety are and how you can cultivate them in your garden.
'Kishmish Lutschistji': Wanted Poster
| Fruit | Table Grape; small; pink |
| Flavour | sweet, aromatic, nutmeg |
| Harvest time | medium early |
| Growth | medium strong |
| Climate | sunny, warm |
| Diseases and Pests | susceptible to fungal diseases |
| Sensitivity to Frost | low |
Flavour and properties of the ‘Kishmish Luchistji’ variety
The 'Kishmish Lutschistji' was bred in Moldova from the varieties 'Kardinal' and 'Kishmish Rosowi'. Due to their good fertility, high yields are possible. The seedless table grape ripens mid-early and appears in autumn with pink, small and oval berries. These form large, loose clusters that are an eye-catcher in any fruit bowl. With a sugar content of around 210 g/L, 'Kischmisch Lutschistji' offers very sweet, aromatic berries with a note of nutmeg.
The plant itself is a splash of color in your garden even after the harvest thanks to the red autumn leaves. The vine has medium growth and is frost hardy to around -20 °C. However, it has only a low resistance to fungal diseases.
Special features of cultivation and care of table grapes
Which location is suitable for table grapes such as 'Kishmish Lutschistji'? A sunny, warm location with good ventilation is optimal for the ‘KischmischLutschistji’. We have put together detailed information on planting grapevines in our special article.
The 'Kishmish Lutschistji' has good frost hardiness, but at temperatures below about -20 °C we recommend protecting the plant with a fleece. If you want to plant the vine in a very calcareous soil with a high pH value, you should definitely pay attention to a lime-tolerant rootstock. How well the vine grows, especially in difficult locations, is primarily determined by the rootstock.
Tip: If you buy table grapes, they are usually grafted. But what does refined mean and is it even necessary? Grafting involves cutting off a vine and grafting it onto another vine. The result is a graft with the actual variety, in this case the 'Kishmish Lutschistji', sitting on top. Grape vines are grafted so that the roots of the rootstock are tolerant to phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) introduced from North America. This is the only way to ensure safe cultivation in Europe. The growth depends not only on the variety sitting on top, but also on the rootstock underneath. There are rootstocks that are adapted to specific locations, such as drought stress tolerant or lime tolerant varieties.
In order to be able to use the vine well over many years, the plants need a climbing aid and an annual pruning. There are very different forms of education. A common form is overhead training as a pergola or green roof. The grapes are well protected from sunburn and can be used as an edible decoration.
Spring is the best time to cut the 'Kishmish Lutschistji'. To prevent large wounds, we recommend avoiding cutting back into the old wood.
When caring for the 'Kischmish Lutschistji', it is also important to combat harmful fungi such as powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator ) and downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) are very important, especially if the plant is growing in a non-optimal location. In our special article on powdery mildew on wine, we show you how to identify, prevent and combat powdery mildew.
Like all vines, 'Kischmisch Lutschistji' has a rather low nutrient requirement, which is why annual fertilization in April is sufficient. This is important in order to avoid a magnesium deficiency, for example. We recommend that you use a fertilizer that has a goodHas a long-term effect and is composed of predominantly organic components. On the other hand, you should definitely avoid fertilizers containing chloride, as the vine does not tolerate them. Our Plantura organic universal fertilizer is a predominantly organic fertilizer with a natural long-term effect, which is ideal for your vines. Check out our special article for more exciting tips on fertilizing grapevines.
Harvesting and Using Kischmisch Grapes
The 'Kishmish Lutschistji' is ready for harvest from the beginning of September, depending on the location. The seedless grapes are very suitable for direct consumption. The berries can also be juiced and processed into a delicious jelly.
Table grapes come in a wide variety of shades. The grape variety 'Muscat Bleu', which we present to you in our article, offers intensely blue and very tasty grapes.