Strawberry "Tuscany": description of the variety and characteristics of cultivation
Each variety of strawberry has individual characteristics; however, among the variety of ampelous remontant species, Tuscany F1 strawberry stands out. The plant combines many positive qualities, such as decoration, sweetness of berries, benefits and much more.
This variety is grown not only in the gardens and on the land adjoining plots, but also on balconies and terraces.
general characteristics
Hybrid variety "Tuscany" combines two characteristics: remontant and ampelnoe. These properties indicate that the plant blooms and bears fruit throughout the season, delighting with a quality crop. This period starts from the first summer month and lasts until mid-October. If desired, the process of formation of berries can be extended until December, if you move the pots with plants into the house.
Shrubs are characterized by small size, but gardeners have a high growth, even in comparison with varieties such as Honey or Elizabeth. In the process of growth, the shrub is actively branching out to the sides. Its dimensions can be up to 50 centimeters wide. The plants are decorated with bright color and long whiskers, giving the variety expressiveness.
The average yield is about a kilogram of a bush. If you follow the farming practices and carefully take care of the bushes, a rich harvest will delight from season to season.
Variety description
The leaves are painted in dark green, have a smooth glossy surface. The main external difference of this species are flowers in a rich bright crimson color. During flowering shrub covered with bright buds. Due to this characteristic, the variety has acquired high decorative qualities.
The fruits have a conical shape, slightly elongated. The average weight of a berry is approximately 40 grams, but only with proper care. Ripe berries have a pronounced sweet taste and juicy, dense flesh. Berries are remarkably stored for a long time and transfer transportation without any problems. The processes of flowering and ripening of berries proceed almost without interruption.
Advantages and disadvantages
Garden strawberry varieties "Tuscany" won the trust and honor of Russian gardeners in just a couple of years. Given the large selection of species that are cultivated in the country, This indicator indicates a lot of positive qualities.
- Stable and rich yield, with an average size of the fruit.
- The quality of the fruit. Berries have an attractive presentation and great taste.
- Amazing aroma that will add special charm to strawberry dishes.
- Strong growth combined with compact size.
- Due to the excellent decorative qualities of the plant is often used to decorate homes, balconies and loggias. Also the variety is suitable for creating landscape design.
- The variety is resistant to various weather conditions. As for the winter cold and summer heat.
- If the species is cultivated within the temperate latitudes, it is not necessary to cover the bushes for the winter.
- It is easy to care for a plant, so even beginners can handle growing.
- Strawberry "Tuscany" is resistant to various fungal infections and bacterial diseases.
Cons in this class are also available, however, they are insignificant. Experienced gardeners note that the size of the berries is inferior to some varieties. Long whiskers complicate the process of caring for a plant, which includes mulching, watering, loosening the soil, removing weeds and other processes.
Awards and nominations
The most popular and common varieties of fruit crops take part in various thematic competitions and contests. Garden strawberries "Tuscany" - is no exception. In 2012, a year after the official launch on the market, this variety became the absolute winner of the global exhibition called FleuroStar.
Growing from seed
Growing this variety from seeds is quite easy, you just have to take into account a few rules.
Step-by-step instruction:
- the earth is poured into a previously prepared container;
- the seed is laid out on the ground surface; it is not necessary to deepen it;
- seeds gently sprinkled with a small amount of earth;
- soil moistened with a spray;
- To create a greenhouse effect, containers are covered with a thick film or glass;
- the container with the earth is put in the warm room for germination;
- once a day the soil needs to be moistened and aired;
- as soon as the emergence of shoots is noticed, the shelter is removed;
- transfer containers to the lighted place, continuing to periodically moisten the ground;
- diving is carried out in the formation of two leaves;
- The grown seedlings are transplanted into separate containers for further germination.
Landing
Experts note that you can plant a variety at any convenient time and place, however, if you buy seedlings on the market or order them by mail, it is preferable to carry out the work in the spring. In this case, the chances that the plant will take root grow. After planting a plant on a plot in springtime, you can enjoy tasty and healthy berries as soon as summer comes.
In that case, if you decide to grow strawberries from seeds on your own, you should start planting them in the last winter month so that by the end of spring you will have full seedlings. Then the first fruits will appear only in a year.
In order for the plant to fully develop and give a rich harvest, it is necessary to leave the correct distance between the seedlings. The minimum figure is 1 meter. Otherwise, overgrown shrubs will interfere with each other.
How to prepare the soil?
Agrotechnical cultivation of the species consists of certain aspects, one of which is the preparation of the soil. The "Tuscany" variety is unpretentious, however, it feels best of all in areas with fertile soil. Maximum yield can be achieved on light and loose soil that allows oxygen to pass through.
Experienced gardeners when growing the species, use the following soil composition: 3 parts of compost, 6 parts of peat, 2 parts of sod and one part of sand.
For greater efficiency, humus can be added to the mixture, as well as vermiculite.
How to water?
In the process of watering, it is necessary to preserve the golden mean between the overmoistening of the soil and the required level of moisture. Only in this case, the berries will be juicy and sweet. During the growing season, as well as during the formation of the ovary, it is necessary to moisten the soil regularly. If the cultivation takes place in a hot climate or the weather is dry, the strawberries are watered twice a day: in the morning and in the evening.
Use the method of watering under the root. This will prevent the development of diseases and the reproduction of the fungus.
Feeding
Every agriculturist knows that the secret of juicy and ripe fruits is in timely feeding and using the right mixtures. Due to the almost continuous fruiting of the variety, the plant needs a lot of micronutrients.
Experts suggest the following proportions: the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium - 1: 3: 6. Actively use mixtures based on potassium. This component increases the number of buds and makes the color of flowering more saturated, bright and attractive. Also for large and juicy fruits, potassium is needed.
Shrubs fertilize once every 2 weeks. Used as a ready-made mixture, sold in specialized stores, and compositions, prepared by himself.
Preventive measures
Prevention is necessary to protect the variety from diseases and attacks from pests. During the rainy season, the risk of developing fungal infections increases significantly. Even the most resistant types of strawberries can suffer from it. In this case, summer residents are recommended to use time-tested fungicides.
How to save the bushes for the winter?
Despite the fact that the plant is resistant to cold snaps, in regions with severe frosty winters, the culture must be protected from sub-zero temperatures.
Some gardeners grow strawberries in pots, and with the onset of cold weather they simply put them in the room. A heated balcony or loggia can be used as a storage space. Also need cardboard boxes.
Regardless of the size of the pot in which the shrub is grown, it is necessary to pick up 2 drawers. One of them must fit the size of the pot, and the second must be larger.
In a container put a container with a smaller one. The bottom of the second box is covered with foam (the thickness of the layer should be about 5 centimeters). A smaller box is placed inside a larger container and at the edges is also enclosed with pieces of foam. For additional protection, the plant is closed with newspapers or sawdust. Do not forget to moisten the ground from time to time.
As soon as the weather outside the window begins to change to a warmer one, it is necessary to begin the procedure of airing the plants, otherwise the ground may fade.
At zero temperature, the pots with shrubs can safely get out of the shelter.
On a note
Garden strawberries varieties "Tuscany" can be used as a ground cover plant due to the tendency to tillering. The plant will decorate the alpine hill or the edges of the walkway in the garden. Also, the variety is appropriate to use as the main element of the flower bed or a live composition. Bright flowers in combination with dark leaves will not go unheeded.
After the flowering period, bright flowers will be replaced by colorful fruits. Many gardeners use special vertical tools for growing varieties to fully unleash the beauty of the berries.
Due to the fact that the variety "Tuscany" is considered a hybrid, to grow strawberries, collecting the seeds with his own hands, will not work. If you decide to choose this breeding method, you will have to purchase seeds in a trusted store.
Gardeners reviews
Summing up the article opinions of agronomists about the above grade. Most of the reviews are laudatory messages that mark many advantages: the taste of fruits, the enchanting beauty during the flowering period, resistance to the vagaries of the weather and other characteristics. In the minor negative responses indicated that the size of the berries is not large enough.
Review of strawberries varieties "Tuscany", see below.