Strawberry "Kama": a description of the variety and agricultural technology
Each gardener analyzes a variety of varieties when choosing a cultivation variety. Before growing it is necessary to weigh all the pros and cons, as well as get acquainted with the individual characteristics of each species. Experienced gardeners recommend to pay attention to the strawberries "Kama" due to the many positive qualities and simple farming techniques.
Introduction
This type of strawberry was bred by breeders from Poland. The species was developed using the Cavalier and Zenga Zengana varieties. The result was a fruit crop, combining the positive qualities of the two plants. The fruits obtained are of universal use. The main feature in the description of the strawberry "Kama" is that technically mature fruits have a characteristic color, while sourness is present in taste, and the flesh is dense. In this state, the berries are best transported. This characteristic is especially important for those gardeners who grow strawberries for sale.
If the berries are grown for personal consumption, you must wait for full maturity and only then harvest.
Characteristic
The features of this variety are as follows:
- low growth of bushes;
- compactness;
- foliage color - dark green, it is lowered at the bottom of the shrub;
- strong root system;
- peduncle large size, below the leaves;
- the average weight of a berry varies from 20 to 30 grams, the first harvest is already distinguished by large fruits;
- the shape of the berries is cone-shaped, ribbed texture, with a glossy finish;
- fruit color can be different, from red to rich burgundy;
- meaty pulp;
- sweet taste;
- a small number of antennae, they are large and long;
- pleasant and pronounced smell;
- seed color - yellow, planted shallowly.
Flowering and harvesting
Experts note the early flowering of strawberries of this variety. On the fruiting plants will take from 4 to 5 weeks. This period falls on the end of spring - the beginning of summer. With proper care, the yield is good. About one kilogram of berries is collected from one bush. At the same time there is a decline in the size of the fruit. In the first wave of the largest berries. The fruits are used for such purposes:
- eating fresh;
- preparation of juices, jams, jam;
- preparations for desserts;
- preservation for the winter;
- freezing for long term storage.
Advantages and disadvantages of the form
Like each representatives of fruit crops, the variety “Kama” has its own advantages and disadvantages. The following list was compiled based on feedback from professional agronomists and novices in the field of horticulture. Advantages of the variety:
- due to the long period of fruiting, it is possible to collect the maximum yield;
- berries are sown early, the first harvest can be harvested before the onset of summer;
- fruits are large, fleshy and juicy with excellent taste;
- number of antennae small;
- the plant shows excellent resistance to drought, but only if the soil around the shrubs is covered with mulch;
- high yield;
- berries can be transported without fear of loss of commercial appearance;
- thanks to the repair, the bushes give fruit several times a season.
additional information
Also as a significant advantage, summer residents note the possibility of growing the species on the basis of greenhouses and greenhouses. Thanks to this, you can get a harvest much earlier than the standard terms and feast on fresh, tasty and healthy strawberries before the onset of spring heat. If you cultivate strawberries in greenhouses, the first berries can be harvested around mid-April. Particular attention to this characteristic should be paid to those summer residents who intend to grow strawberries for the purpose of implementation.
Strawberry selling is a profitable business both in Russia and far beyond its borders.
Minuses
As the shortcomings of the variety are the following:
- inflorescences are located below foliage;
- due to the sprawling structure of the bush is difficult to care;
- for the cultivation of this species, it is necessary to select a large-sized plot, as the shrubs need a large area of food;
- the Kama variety is not immune to brown and white spots;
- shrubs die off even with a slight sub-zero temperature, therefore, if there is a threat of return of spring frosts, it is necessary to cover the plants.
Correct fit
Referring to the opinions and reviews of experienced gardeners, the main thing in the process of growing a variety is to wait for full ripening year. If you harvest before the appointed time, the fruits do not have time to fully collect the sweetness, expressive taste and aroma. In general, gardeners call a variety of unpretentious, the cultivation of which there are no particular problems. If you adhere to agricultural technology, to achieve high-quality and rich harvest is easy. This fact plays an important role in the popularity and prevalence of the variety in Russia.
The choice of location and soil
The ideal plot for growing berries - sunny location. Growing strawberries in the shade is strongly discouraged. Sunlight is essential for sweetness and rich taste. The best predecessors in the garden are the following plants - onions, legumes, green crops, garlic, cruciferous plants. Plant strawberries after cucumbers or tomatoes is undesirable. Also, large plants such as Jerusalem artichoke and sunflower drain the land. Without nutrients in the composition of the soil to achieve the expected result will be difficult.
For a variety of soil ideal low acid content. Also, the soil must be nutritious, light and loose, so that the root system can be fed with oxygen. Before planting the seedlings, the soil is dug up and fertilized, bringing ashes or humus. It is advisable to handle the root system. For this plant is immersed in a solution of manganese 1%. After disinfection, seedlings are planted in the holes, following the scheme 40-50 centimeters between the bushes and 60-80 centimeters between the rows.
Reducing the distance between the shrubs is not recommended, it will adversely affect the quality of the berries.
Care features
Watering
Strawberry of this variety loves plentiful watering. Young shrubs in the rooting process must be watered every day or every other day, depending on the growing region and microclimate. As soon as the plant takes root, it is necessary to reduce the volume. Due to the resistance to dry and hot weather, the plant will feel great even in the hot summer, but it is still necessary to mulch and regularly moisten the soil. A layer of mulch will help maintain the required level of soil moisture.
If there is no additional layer, it is necessary to ensure that no crust forms on the surface of the earth and to water in a timely manner.
Fertilizer
In the process of development, strawberry bushes of the Kama variety need feeding. Large plants will not be able to bear fruit abundantly without additional nutrients. To saturate the soil and berries with potassium, it is recommended to use wood ash and humus. You can also use ready-made mixtures based on this component. They are sold in garden stores and hypermarkets. The first time the plants are fertilized before the flowering period.
Substances mixed with water and watered plantings. At the same time, experts advise to carry out insecticide prevention against such pests as the strawberry mite, weevil. To fight against spotting fungicides are used.
Fruit picking
Do not rush to pick berries as they are painted in a bright color. Only in ripe fruits is the taste fully revealed. Gather garden strawberries as it ripens. After the berries have turned dark and thick red, you need to wait a couple of days and then pick them off. Remember that the flowers in this variety are low. To prevent the process of rotting berries, especially in rainy weather, lay boards, roofing and finishing materials, as well as other panels under the bushes. On top of them carefully lay out the branches with fruits.
Tips
To protect the plant from attacks from the side of slugs, the ground around the bushes is sprinkled with conifer needles. To protect the bushes during the winter frosts, strawberries are covered. To do this, use dry grass, straw, synthetic fabrics, fallen leaves and lapnik. With the onset of spring heat protection is removed.
Periodically change the landing site. Every 3-4 years, choose a new site.
Strawberry propagation
To get a stable rich harvest of berries, it is necessary to periodically change the old seedlings to new ones. This is done every 4-5 years. If the shrubs are on the garden more, the quality of the harvest is significantly reduced. Berries become small, losing excellent taste. The easiest and most common way to propagate a plant is to use the antennae. For this purpose, uterine bushes are left on the site, which grow for seedlings, and not fruits.
Uterine shrubs must be young. The best age is 1 year, the maximum rate is 2 years. For breeding, use the largest mustache.
Reviews gardeners and gardeners
After reviewing the themed web page you can find a huge number of responses regarding this variety of strawberries. Having reviewed the most popular sites, it is safe to conclude that Kama strawberries are in demand. About 80% of all reviews are positive. Among the main advantages of summer residents note the gastronomic qualities of the berries and the rich harvest. Also noted the ease of care. This characteristic is very important for gardeners who do not have much experience in the field of growing strawberries and other fruit crops.
Negative feedback can also be found, but their number is insignificant. Even with deficiencies, agronomists recommend this variety for personal or commercial cultivation.
Description of the strawberry variety "Kama" see the next video.