Strawberry "Florence": characteristics, planting and care

Strawberry variety "Florence" for Russia is quite new.He was bred by English breeders about 20 years ago by crossing known varieties "Vicoda" and "Wim-Tarda". For its excellent taste, this strawberry managed to catch the fancy of domestic gardeners and they increasingly began to grow it.

This variety of strawberry was bred in 1997 by a team of breeders from the UK. Initially, the berry was intended for cultivation in closed and open grounds. In addition, it can be grown for industrial purposes on a huge scale, and on home garden plots.

Strawberry bushes "Florence" grow powerful and spreading, with a lot of horns. The foliage is colored dark green with a slight beautiful gloss. Bright fruit peeking out from under the leaves. Above them, in turn, you can see a lot of flower stalks. During the flowering period, this variety produces a lot of antennae, which are necessary for further reproduction, however, this figure is not as high as that of other home-grown strawberry varieties.

The British variety is perfectly adapted to adverse weather conditions, and it also has an increased resistance to some plant diseases and insect pests.

The main feature of the British strawberry variety is late ripening. Fruiting "Florence" begins by the time when the early varieties of berries have finished to bear fruit.

Not much time has passed since the cultivation of the variety, but Russian gardeners have fallen in love with the “British woman” and are happy to grow them on house plots. The important point is the high yield. It is possible to cultivate this culture practically in each region of our country. All this is due to low temperature resistance. The wet and cool climate of England, familiar to her, gave her the ability to develop even at -20 degrees.

Since "Florence" refers to the late varieties, the young plant is not at all afraid of temperature changes, which are characteristic of the Russian climate. In the winter season, frost-resistant strawberries do not need shelter from snow and cold. All this saves manpower and money during garden work.

One medium bush can produce about 1.5 kg of ripe fruit. The average weight of a ripened berry is 50 g. Often there are fruits weighing 20-40 g. A medium-sized strawberry resembles a cone shape, some are slightly rounded. At the initial stage of ripening, the fruits are colored in pink tones, while the ripe berry becomes saturated red with a beautiful glow. The berry has a thin skin, under which is hidden a rather dense structure, soft and juicy flesh. There is a pleasant sweet taste and aroma of wild strawberry.

Of course, Florence demonstrates the basic taste qualities in fresh form. But it can also be canned and frozen. Here one more important advantage is shown - after defrosting the form, taste and smell are completely preserved.

The English variety is adapted for long-distance transport, which gives it additional quality - transportability and keeping quality. By the way, in such conditions, the berry does not lose its presentation.

In addition to taste and aroma, Florence has useful properties. Its pulp contains many valuable substances. First of all, these are vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C and E, as well as minerals important for the body - sodium, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium and sulfur.

Shrubs "Florence" grow not very large. In height, they reach an average of 25 cm. But this does not prevent the leaves from expanding widely, thereby covering the young fruits from the influence of the sun. The leaf of strawberry is slightly wrinkled, light green. With the advent of cold weather, they may darken slightly.

Berry culture every year pleases gardeners with a large number of flower stalks. This confirms her. high productivitywhich is an important factor for the fruit plant.Each peduncle in its structure is thin, located at the bottom, under the leaves. That it is a good material for the breeding process. When the first berries appear, the peduncles huddle to the ground.

The positive characteristics of the Florence variety:

• high yield;
• large fruit size;
• adaptation to long distance transport;
• long shelf life;
• resistance to cold and wet weather periods;
• low susceptibility to root and deciduous diseases;
• undemanding to the type of soil;
• prolonged fruiting.

Disadvantages:

• exposed to diseases such as rot and brown spot;
• demanding frequent watering;
• on hot days, yields may fall.

Growing a British variety of garden strawberries requires a competent approach from gardeners, means and efforts. Compliance with all the rules for planting and the subsequent care of the plant will provide a healthy shrub and tasty fruits.

First of all, it is important to choose quality seedlings. Unsuitable for this material can significantly reduce productivity, as well as affect the taste of ripe berries. You should buy it in specialized stores or from gardeners who grow this crop.

Before purchasing, pay attention to the appearance of the plant. There should be no damage or stains on the leaflets. Young roots must be healthy. Choose those bushes on which there are 2-3 leaves. This is necessary so that the planted plant does not waste excess energy and moisture on the nutrition of large foliage, otherwise development and growth will slow down.

An important point in the selection is good lighting. Avoid drafts if possible. Experts in the cultivation of English berries choose areas closer to the south-west side. Ground water lying nearby should be located at a certain distance from the landing area. It is necessary that they pass far below the surface. Such subtleties will save young plants from devastating damage to the root system as a result of a large accumulation of moisture.

The chosen place will not be superfluous to feed with mineral or organic composition. This is done in order to increase the fertility of the land, on which the growth of the berry bush depends. This procedure is recommended absolutely for all varieties of strawberries, regardless of the time of ripening. This is especially true of Florence. Failure to follow this rule will lead to negative consequences - the seedlings will not be able to settle down or the ripe fruits will be tasteless.

The plot on which the berry is grown should be well hydrated. The presence of sand and clay impurities is allowed. Soil acidity should not exceed 6.5 units.

To affect the maturation and growth of the bush can be organic and mineral supplements at the root. Chicken droppings or humus are excellent as mixtures. To do this, place the organic matter in water in a ratio of 1:20. If you chose a manure as a top dressing, infuse it and add it to the liquid.

The first dressings are made in the spring or immediately before landing on a new place. Beneficial effect on the root system of strawberries is influenced by complex mineral-based compounds (potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen). Additional feed saturate the plant with essential substances for full development, as well as affect its taste.

Planting seedlings produced in early September. Here it is necessary to take into account the climatic conditions. In the northern regions of Russia, it is necessary to start planting the berry much earlier. Before the onset of winter, the roots will have time to firmly settle in the ground, which will further affect the rapid growth and release of peduncles.

"Florence" can also be planted in the spring, but the first fruits will appear only next year. Most gardeners in the spring from autumn bushes pluck flowers. This procedure affects the increase in yield, as the main food focuses on strengthening the roots. If you made a spring landing, take care of protective shelters from the first frost.

For planting seedlings need warmed to 15 degrees soil. Rainy weather will be suitable for planting - this will sufficiently moisten the soil.

First, you need to clear the beds of weeds. For about a month, humus is introduced, after which the plot is immediately dug up.

Landing features:

• in the garden make holes with a diameter of 10 cm;
• the distance between the grooves should not be less than 50 cm (possible collision with neighboring bushes);
• slightly moisten the soil with warm water;
• dip the seedling in the hole so that the root is not too deep;
• sprinkle a place near the root of the earth and slightly press;
• make another watering;
• To preserve moisture, cover the plant around with a mulched layer (rotted compost, straw, or sawdust).

Like other strawberry varieties, Florence needs the same care procedures — watering, loosening, fertilizing, protecting from pests and cleaning the beds from other plants.

Watering should be timely and abundant, as this variety depends on the level of humidity. Watering the bushes should only be warm water. Low temperatures can harm young roots. For this procedure, it is better to allocate the morning hours. The absorption of the required amount of moisture occurs precisely under the influence of the sun.

Autumn watering needs to be reduced. Due to an overabundance of moisture in the soil, the risk of diseases of the root system increases - rot and other fungal lesions appear.

Garden strawberries - quite stable culture. The risk of infection by plant diseases and pest attacks in Florence is reduced to a minimum.

Common diseases.

• Fusarium It is a fungal disease. Shows the greatest activity in hot and dry days. You can recognize the infection by the presence of brown spots on the leaves, brown color on the shoots and cuttings. Spraying with Chorus and Benorad chemicals will help to cope with it.

• Gray rot. A gray bloom appears on the fruit - this is how a fungal infection appears. It captures the entire surface of the root and berries. Gradually, their drying out and death. The affected fetus should be removed immediately in order to stop the further spread of the disease. The fungicides "Switch" and "Alirin-B" are used as remedies.

• Mealy dew. One of the most dangerous and common diseases of berry crops. Initially, the leaves curl, then begin to darken. Further, the infection goes to the stems.The process of decay begins to progress, moving on to fruit - they darken. To save the plant will help solutions from selfamida. As a preventive measure, spray the bushes with a soap-and-copper solution.

• Strawberry tick. This insect leaves black dots on the leaves. Later, all the foliage begins to darken. All this is fraught with the fact that the bushes become weak and no longer bear fruit. Reducing the risk of beetle attacks can be done by treating the bush with tobacco dust.

• Ants Berries, leaves and roots are excellent food for these pests. They are able to settle right in the rhizomes. Means "Aktara", "Iskra" and "Fitoverm" will help to exterminate a harmful insect.

• White and brown spot. These diseases can stop the whole process of development and growth of garden strawberries. Because of this, strawberries are not filled with nutrients. As a result, the fruits ripen small, watery and tasteless. Anti-staining against stains will be spraying the leaves with soapy water. Gardeners are advised to do this until the complete disappearance of the spots.

Experienced gardeners in the first place noted the high fees of large, fragrant fruit. It should be noted sweet taste with a barely noticeable sour. Juicy and fragrant berries are great for wide sales. Red color, glossy shine, pleasant aroma of wild strawberry - all this attracts buyers.

Among the disadvantages can be identified only whimsical care and weak resistance to berry diseases. But here, gardeners and gardeners have found a way out. Proper cultivation and careful care can reduce the risk of infection. Of course, it will take a lot of money and effort to grow a healthy and fertile plant on your plot.

In the regions of Russia, Florence is grown very successfully. Many gardeners are engaged in its cultivation for industrial purposes. High yields, preservation of shape and taste after long shipments, as well as long shelf life are necessary qualities for market products, the demand for which is growing every year.

Video review of strawberries "Florence", see the following video.