updated on May 2, 2024
For the season of 2024
All my products are in forms of cuttings (grapes, black currants) and seeds (peppers) available for trials with the future of commercial use. Price for all cuttings is $1.00 per cutting (minimal order is 5 cuttings of same variety, because they come in a bundle of 5) and a price for seeds is 10 seeds for $2.00. Plus handling, shipping and for Minnesota residents MN taxes (6.875%). Shipping only within the USA , except CA state. Products are not refundable and not replaceable, because their propagation is under customer's responsibility and because of extremely small quantity of available produce due to my extended research in a different areas of Minnesota. First apply - first serve. I do not charge any royalty fee for my products , but any possible contribution (financial or physical helping in a project of installation different types of trellising and posts) to cover my research will be greatly appreciated. From thousands of my crosses which I made in almost 20 years I selected some varieties that may present specific commercial interest (I believe) to the Northern Viticulture. Some of them I named, and some of them are still under number of selected variety, and other 99% of seedlings are still without the number, because did not show to me any special character. None of my varieties are absolutely immune to diseases (which is normal for our climate, and tell you, sincerely, I do not know any existing grape hybrids without any diseases) , but they were selected as the most healthy and hardy plants with a manageable sugar- acid balance. Besides that some varieties were also selected after consistent resistance to drift of 2.4-D herbicide by farmers next to my property land in Litchfield. Some of the varieties were selected after good diseases resistance in wooded area in Bradford, and some of them showed good vigor on alkaline soils which are abundant in Litchfield area. I would like to say about my crosses the same way as Elmer Swenson said about his crosses "They 're all my kids. They all have their faults and their good points, there's no such thing as a perfect grape".
Different instructions of propagating grape vines from cuttings you can find through Google search. I love Lon Rombough's webpage (click here) how to do it. Black currants propagation from cuttings even easier than grapevines propagation. There are two ways. First way - branches of black currants cut on 5-10 inches pieces and place them into a jar with water. Keep them there until they will create at least 2-3 inches long tiny roots. Water should be periodically refreshed to prevent spoiling and creating algae. Transplant them by the end of August into the well prepared soil. Second way - transplant cuttings without the roots directly into the well prepared ground . Preferable time for planting them is the end of August.
Important note: - during the first year all grape and black currant cuttings require consistent regular water supply for creating better root system before the winter and for better survival after the first winter. How to take care of grapes and black currants well described on different websites of Internet.
All my grapes passed the test on hardiness in Twin Cities Area, and some of them I already tested in western and central parts of Minnesota. Black currants passed the test on hardiness and diseases resistance, especially on white pine blister rust in all three areas of my research. All peppers passed the test on ripeness and disease resistance. More detailed descriptions for all my products look also in my Breeding Projects page.
Grape products:
- St.Anna - hardy red Labrusca type variety with a high amount of Vinifera genes in it, female, capable to produce dark red (somewhat pomegranate color) wine with a flavor and taste of black currant. Recommended to plant next to Polar Isaura grape vine for pollination or next to other hermaphrodite varieties blooming at the same time. As common for all Labrusca's type varieties is preferable planting on soils with the pH less than 7.4.
- Polar Isaura - high quality hardy red Labrusca type cultivar, with similar growth habit characteristics to St.Anna grapes, but having perfect hermaphrodite flowers and a little lighter red color in wine. (see Breeding projects page).
- Mystic Eyes - hardy red, almost Vitis Vinifera hybrid capable to produce by itself red wine of Vinifera quality, productive female variety with the high level of pollination from other hermaphrodite varieties. Because of the possible lower acid contents at the end of ripening period , pH of these grapes should be carefully watched during harvesting period. Also good for blending with acidic varieties to diminish their acids and improve their quality in wine. Promising feature - kind of late buds breaking , but early ripening (end of August - beginning of September).
- Minnesota Emerald- having greenish or lightly reddish skin on berries. Looks like color of skin for this variety depends on day-night temperature gradients and length of exposure to sun during ripening period. Variety is capable to produce neutral white wine of Chardonnay style. Good production from secondary buds, Brix - up to 20-21%. N/A for 2024.
- Clondike - one of my best white grape variety capable to produce two identical clusters coming from one stem, texture and quality of grapes very similar to St.Pepin grapes, but it has perfect flowers than its mother (St.Pepin has female flowers), Brix - 21%. Clusters are nice and long. Producing high quality of the wine. Available for the distribution in 2024.
- St.Paul - red variety , medium to big loosen clusters, which capable to produce a nice Pinot Noir type of wine, grapes are very healthy and productive for our climate, Brix up to 23%. Limited cuttings will be available for the distribution in 2024.
- Francis - hardy table seeded red grape variety with the taste of dark cherry, medium sized berries on small clusters. Crunchiness of skin very similar to Swenson Red variety, has perfect flowers, Brix up to 20%. Wine is also having a mild flavor of cherry. Limited cuttings will be available for distribution in 2024.
-Sandy Moon- hardy white wine variety , perfect flowers, capable to produce Riesling type of wine, able to grow on alkaline soil, small - medium sized ball shaped clusters, high in Brix up to 28%. Available for the season of 2024.
-Jubilee of Swenson - same cross and having similar characteristics as its sister Sandy Moon, but it has a slightly different shape - nice conical shaped small to medium sized clusters, Brix is up to 26%. One of my best white wine very productive selection for the last 20 years of my breeding experience. Quality of the wine is very high.
Available for the distribution in 2024.
Black currant products:
- Black Beauty of Minnesota - big size berries (almost blueberry size) with a firm skin, which is good for transportation. Carrying twice smaller size of seeds than red currants do. Capable to produce high quality, rich in vit.C (4 times more than orange) preserves, juice and liquor. The most sweetest berries among my selections.
- Black Oval currants - having even bigger, most of the time oval or egg shaped berries than Black Beauty of Minnesota, but skin is thinner and softer. Also carrying small seeds, which is good for fresh eating, preserves, juice, and liquor. In my opinion, Black Oval berries are not perfect for transportation in a fresh condition, but perfect for a local farming because of its productivity. It is nice for transportation in frozen condition. It was selected for its unusual shape, big size and multiple usage. N/A in 2024.
Some general notes - Both varieties are the good source of vitamins and can boost humans immunity system to a higher level same way as other black currant varieties do. Important also that both varieties have less acids (especially Black Beauty of Minnesota) than regular currant varieties. They require annual fertilization for better production as all other traditional currant (black, red, pearl) varieties have. I did not observe on them any specific diseases, especially white pine blister rust, and seems for me they are very healthy varieties. Usual harvesting time is end of June - middle of July, but depends on the variations of growing season.
Red Peppers products
- Flat Red - selected from an open pollination cross of a hot flat red pepper made in 2004. It is a sweet red pepper having thicker walls than regular red bell pepper has, especially good for stir frying, kabobs, grilling and marinating.
N/A in 2024.
- Mini Bell - selected from a cross of Sweet Flat red pepper and Bulgarian long red pepper made in 2008. May be used fresh for salads, also good for stir fry or soups.
Not available for distribution in 2024.
- Minnesota Heart - also was selected from a cross of Sweet Flat red pepper and Bulgarian long red pepper made in 2008. Multiple usage - fresh salads, roasting, fry, stir fry, and especially good for stuffing.
Limited seeds are available for distribution in 2024.
All my products are in forms of cuttings (grapes, black currants) and seeds (peppers) available for trials with the future of commercial use. Price for all cuttings is $1.00 per cutting (minimal order is 5 cuttings of same variety, because they come in a bundle of 5) and a price for seeds is 10 seeds for $2.00. Plus handling, shipping and for Minnesota residents MN taxes (6.875%). Shipping only within the USA , except CA state. Products are not refundable and not replaceable, because their propagation is under customer's responsibility and because of extremely small quantity of available produce due to my extended research in a different areas of Minnesota. First apply - first serve. I do not charge any royalty fee for my products , but any possible contribution (financial or physical helping in a project of installation different types of trellising and posts) to cover my research will be greatly appreciated. From thousands of my crosses which I made in almost 20 years I selected some varieties that may present specific commercial interest (I believe) to the Northern Viticulture. Some of them I named, and some of them are still under number of selected variety, and other 99% of seedlings are still without the number, because did not show to me any special character. None of my varieties are absolutely immune to diseases (which is normal for our climate, and tell you, sincerely, I do not know any existing grape hybrids without any diseases) , but they were selected as the most healthy and hardy plants with a manageable sugar- acid balance. Besides that some varieties were also selected after consistent resistance to drift of 2.4-D herbicide by farmers next to my property land in Litchfield. Some of the varieties were selected after good diseases resistance in wooded area in Bradford, and some of them showed good vigor on alkaline soils which are abundant in Litchfield area. I would like to say about my crosses the same way as Elmer Swenson said about his crosses "They 're all my kids. They all have their faults and their good points, there's no such thing as a perfect grape".
Different instructions of propagating grape vines from cuttings you can find through Google search. I love Lon Rombough's webpage (click here) how to do it. Black currants propagation from cuttings even easier than grapevines propagation. There are two ways. First way - branches of black currants cut on 5-10 inches pieces and place them into a jar with water. Keep them there until they will create at least 2-3 inches long tiny roots. Water should be periodically refreshed to prevent spoiling and creating algae. Transplant them by the end of August into the well prepared soil. Second way - transplant cuttings without the roots directly into the well prepared ground . Preferable time for planting them is the end of August.
Important note: - during the first year all grape and black currant cuttings require consistent regular water supply for creating better root system before the winter and for better survival after the first winter. How to take care of grapes and black currants well described on different websites of Internet.
All my grapes passed the test on hardiness in Twin Cities Area, and some of them I already tested in western and central parts of Minnesota. Black currants passed the test on hardiness and diseases resistance, especially on white pine blister rust in all three areas of my research. All peppers passed the test on ripeness and disease resistance. More detailed descriptions for all my products look also in my Breeding Projects page.
Grape products:
- St.Anna - hardy red Labrusca type variety with a high amount of Vinifera genes in it, female, capable to produce dark red (somewhat pomegranate color) wine with a flavor and taste of black currant. Recommended to plant next to Polar Isaura grape vine for pollination or next to other hermaphrodite varieties blooming at the same time. As common for all Labrusca's type varieties is preferable planting on soils with the pH less than 7.4.
- Polar Isaura - high quality hardy red Labrusca type cultivar, with similar growth habit characteristics to St.Anna grapes, but having perfect hermaphrodite flowers and a little lighter red color in wine. (see Breeding projects page).
- Mystic Eyes - hardy red, almost Vitis Vinifera hybrid capable to produce by itself red wine of Vinifera quality, productive female variety with the high level of pollination from other hermaphrodite varieties. Because of the possible lower acid contents at the end of ripening period , pH of these grapes should be carefully watched during harvesting period. Also good for blending with acidic varieties to diminish their acids and improve their quality in wine. Promising feature - kind of late buds breaking , but early ripening (end of August - beginning of September).
- Minnesota Emerald- having greenish or lightly reddish skin on berries. Looks like color of skin for this variety depends on day-night temperature gradients and length of exposure to sun during ripening period. Variety is capable to produce neutral white wine of Chardonnay style. Good production from secondary buds, Brix - up to 20-21%. N/A for 2024.
- Clondike - one of my best white grape variety capable to produce two identical clusters coming from one stem, texture and quality of grapes very similar to St.Pepin grapes, but it has perfect flowers than its mother (St.Pepin has female flowers), Brix - 21%. Clusters are nice and long. Producing high quality of the wine. Available for the distribution in 2024.
- St.Paul - red variety , medium to big loosen clusters, which capable to produce a nice Pinot Noir type of wine, grapes are very healthy and productive for our climate, Brix up to 23%. Limited cuttings will be available for the distribution in 2024.
- Francis - hardy table seeded red grape variety with the taste of dark cherry, medium sized berries on small clusters. Crunchiness of skin very similar to Swenson Red variety, has perfect flowers, Brix up to 20%. Wine is also having a mild flavor of cherry. Limited cuttings will be available for distribution in 2024.
-Sandy Moon- hardy white wine variety , perfect flowers, capable to produce Riesling type of wine, able to grow on alkaline soil, small - medium sized ball shaped clusters, high in Brix up to 28%. Available for the season of 2024.
-Jubilee of Swenson - same cross and having similar characteristics as its sister Sandy Moon, but it has a slightly different shape - nice conical shaped small to medium sized clusters, Brix is up to 26%. One of my best white wine very productive selection for the last 20 years of my breeding experience. Quality of the wine is very high.
Available for the distribution in 2024.
Black currant products:
- Black Beauty of Minnesota - big size berries (almost blueberry size) with a firm skin, which is good for transportation. Carrying twice smaller size of seeds than red currants do. Capable to produce high quality, rich in vit.C (4 times more than orange) preserves, juice and liquor. The most sweetest berries among my selections.
- Black Oval currants - having even bigger, most of the time oval or egg shaped berries than Black Beauty of Minnesota, but skin is thinner and softer. Also carrying small seeds, which is good for fresh eating, preserves, juice, and liquor. In my opinion, Black Oval berries are not perfect for transportation in a fresh condition, but perfect for a local farming because of its productivity. It is nice for transportation in frozen condition. It was selected for its unusual shape, big size and multiple usage. N/A in 2024.
Some general notes - Both varieties are the good source of vitamins and can boost humans immunity system to a higher level same way as other black currant varieties do. Important also that both varieties have less acids (especially Black Beauty of Minnesota) than regular currant varieties. They require annual fertilization for better production as all other traditional currant (black, red, pearl) varieties have. I did not observe on them any specific diseases, especially white pine blister rust, and seems for me they are very healthy varieties. Usual harvesting time is end of June - middle of July, but depends on the variations of growing season.
Red Peppers products
- Flat Red - selected from an open pollination cross of a hot flat red pepper made in 2004. It is a sweet red pepper having thicker walls than regular red bell pepper has, especially good for stir frying, kabobs, grilling and marinating.
N/A in 2024.
- Mini Bell - selected from a cross of Sweet Flat red pepper and Bulgarian long red pepper made in 2008. May be used fresh for salads, also good for stir fry or soups.
Not available for distribution in 2024.
- Minnesota Heart - also was selected from a cross of Sweet Flat red pepper and Bulgarian long red pepper made in 2008. Multiple usage - fresh salads, roasting, fry, stir fry, and especially good for stuffing.
Limited seeds are available for distribution in 2024.