Grapes of Fairly Recent Introduction 
All of the grapes listed under this heading were introduced 
to the public at some time during the 1940’s, or not later than the 
year 1950. We list them in approximately what we consider to 
be the order of their importance from a commercial standpoint. 
CARDINAL: This now well-known early red 
table grape got off to a fast start in popularity shortly 
after its introduction in 1946. The fabulous prices paid 
in the Eastern markets for the early fruit shipments 
gained for it wide-spread and valuable publicity; so 
much so that the rush for cuttings and grafting scions, 
by growers and would-be growers, can be compared 
to the gold rush in the early days of California. Almost 
everyone in the table grape growing business—or fancy- 
ing it—rushed to “‘stake their claim,” and prices as 
“high as $1.00 each were paid for unrooted cuttings or 
grafting scions. By 1950 approximately 1500 acres were 
growing in California and about 1200 acres in Arizona. 
Many were planted in areas where the soil and climate 
were not conducive to early ripening and high quality. 
Because of its newness some growers did not know the 
proper methods for growing it, and their results were 
disappointing. As a result, some of this early acreage 
has been taken out or grafted over, and for a while it 
lost in popularity. However, once its requirements as 
to soil, climate and proper cultural methods were 
understood, fruit of beautiful appearance, exceptional 
high quality and early maturity was produced, (as it 
had been produced by some from the beginning), and 
the consuming public continues to pay fancy prices to 
enjoy its early goodness. 
It originated in Fresno as a hybrid between Ribier 
and Tokay, both of which mature in mid-season; but 
for some reason, nature endowed it with the quality 
of early ripening. It ripens from 7 to 10 days ahead 
of Thompson Seedless in the earliest districts, and as 
much as three weeks ahead of this variety in the Fresno 
district. 
It is vigorous and productive, and as three or four 
clusters are often produced on each growing shoot, it 
is advisable to thin some off when the shoots are 12 to 
18 inches long, pre-blossom state, in order to produce 
fruit of superior size and quality. The fruit color is a 
rich, dark red with grayish bloom. Although they vary 
somewhat in size, the berries are large—an inch or more 
in diameter—and nearly round. The sturdy clusters 
weigh about 114 pounds. They ship well, and the ber- 
ries adhere well to the stems and have a medium tough 
skin and firm flesh. The eating quality is excellent, 
with a slight Muscat flavor noticeable when fully ma- 
ture. 
This variety has definitely established an important 
place in the table grape growing picture, and the pro- 
duction is increasing steadily each year. It is most valu- 
able grown in the early maturing districts. It has been 
planted in soils ranging from light sandy loams to 
heavy sandy loams. While earlier maturity has been 
obtained on the light sandy loams, a better set of fruit 
appears to occur on the heavier sandy loams. 
‘PERLETTE: This very early seedless variety is a 
cross between two little known European varieties and 
originated at Davis, California. The name PERLETTE 
is French and means “‘little pearl,”’ indicating the trans- 
lucent appearance of the mature fruit. The fruit is 
almost round, similar in color to Thompson Seedless, 
and is the earliest seedless grape to ripen—about two 
weeks earlier than Thompson Seedless. The berries are 
about one-third larger than Thompson and adhere bet- 
ter, with less shattering. The skin is very thin and 
tender; flesh firm, crisp and juicy with unique flavor. 
Does not discolor from bruises on handling and keeps 
very well. Largest plantings are in Coachella Valley, 
and it brought the highest prices of any variety shipped 
during the 1953 season, Cardinal being second. How- 
ever, it requires special cultural methods to produce 
good quality fruit, making it more expensive to grow 
than most other varieties. It is estimated there were 
about 300 acres in bearing in 1953, with some additional 
plantings being made each year. Being at present the 
earliest commercially grown table grape to ripen, it 
has definitely established its place. Plantings will neces- 
sarily be limited, due to the fact that the palatability 
of even the best fruit is inferior to the mature Thomp- 
son Seedless, Therefore, it could not compete with this 
better known variety if both were available at the same 
season. 
It is also recommended for planting in the home 
garden in the cooler coastal areas, where Thompson 
Seedless seldom reaches maturity and the berries remain 
very small. In these areas both Perlette and Delight 
produce fruit of good quality and normal berry size. 
\ DELIGHT: This is a sister seedling of Perlette, 
developed at the same time. It is about a week later in 
maturing than Perlette and is not as vigorous or pro- 
ductive, but it has other advantages which make it 
superior, in some respects, to its sister variety. Perlette 
is neutral in flavor and not as palatable as Thompson; 
whereas Delight has a low acidity that enables it to 
reach a palatable stage sooner than Thompson. Unlike 
Perlette, the fruit sweetens almost as well as Thompson 
Seedless, and many people prefer its flavor at prime 
maturity, to Thompson. Delight has a mild Muscat 
flavor when mature, but unfortunately this is very 
variable. Perlette can never be profitable for raisins 
because of its overly compact clusters and low sugar 
content; whereas Delight rates superior, or at least 
equal, to Thompson as a raisin and is hard to distinguish 
from that variety. Both Delight and Perlette appear to 
be superior to. Thompson as a canning grape. Delight 
is somewhat less heavily planted than Perlette, perhaps 
mainly because it is later in ripening and not as pro- 
ductive. 
