Elf grape is an early-maturing table variety bred by Ukrainian breeder V. V. Zagorulko through crossing the Podarok Zaporyzhya and Kuban varieties. The ripening period lasts 110-115 days, allowing harvest in the first half of August. Bushes are vigorous, forming strong canes 2-2.5 meters long, and the vine ripens well. Flowers are perfect, which promotes good pollination and stable fruiting, starting on the 2nd-3rd year after planting.
Elf grape berries have a nipple shape with a sharp tip and white or greenish-white color with a beautiful pruina bloom. They are large, seedless, with fleshy and juicy pulp possessing a pleasant varietal taste with a slight muscat nuance. Bunches are large, medium density, weighing 1 to 1.5 kg, making this variety attractive for table use. The berry taste is harmonious, sweet, with crunchy and slightly watery pulp.
The variety is characterized by increased resistance to diseases such as oidium and downy mildew, confirmed by stability in complex weather conditions, for example, in 2016, when most varieties suffered from downy mildew, the Elf grape preserved the harvest. Frost resistance of the variety reaches -22 °C, while short-term drops in temperature to -25 °C do not lead to harvest loss. Care recommends pruning to 8-10 buds and breaking canes through one, which promotes good development and fruiting.
