Description and characteristics of the Fleur strawberry variety, the subtleties of growing
The cultivation of garden strawberries is gaining popularity every year. One of the varieties is the Fleur strawberry variety. Combines high taste and ease of care.
Description and characteristics of the Fleur variety
The variety is considered early maturing, as it is 7-10 days ahead of other early varieties. Active fruiting is characterized by a short period. Full ripening of the berries occurs in a month.
Berries of a classical shape in the form of an elongated cone. Tall flower stalks form on the bushes, and an average number of leaves appears on the shoots. The berries are easy to pick as they are visible all the time.
The weight of one berry reaches 30 g, these are the largest specimens. The pulp is tender and dense at the same time. Has good taste.
Varietal pros and cons of strawberries
The virtues of culture:
- characteristic strawberry flavor and aroma;
- earlier onset of flowering;
- short ripening period for berries;
- dense pulp guarantees long-distance transportation, stored for a long time;
- on an open bush, a large number of long and strong peduncles appear.
Fleur is only disliked if the grower does not follow the growing steps. Poor planting material also shows a negative result. The disadvantages include:
- In late spring, the growing season begins early. As a result, strawberries have low productivity.
- Fleur does not tolerate heat well. At the peak of high temperatures, the leaves droop. If this is combined with poor watering and lack of partial shade, the results are very poor.
- Gardeners who grow strawberries in the Moscow region and central Russia note the lack of versatility in taste.
In the latter case, one speaks of unsuccessful adaptation to the climate. Also, the taste depends on agricultural techniques, which were not carried out according to the rules.
Features of growing garden strawberries
For successful growth, Fleur requires a certain suitable growing area. The choice of location affects the development of culture and the quality of the crop. Incorrectly carried out agricultural technology leads not only to a poor harvest, but also affects the appearance of the variety.
Boarding times and seat selection
The type of planting material affects the choice of a site for growing strawberries. Seedlings are planted in May. For Fleur, soil with any composition is suitable. If it is light soil with normal acidity, the yield will be large.
Fleur loves an open space with direct sunlight. Winter cultivation in greenhouses also produces high yields. The place for strawberries should be away from drafts, in the sun and well lit throughout the day.
Preparation of planting material
For planting, healthy bushes are selected that are free from damage and have a good appearance. Despite this, before planting, the seedlings are treated with special compounds. This will help prevent the development of diseases.
Moreover, not only the root system is processed, but also the green part of the plant.
Landing rules
For Fleur, both a one-line and two-line landing pattern are suitable. This is due to the fact that the bushes are small. 20 to 30 cm of free space is left between the shoots. Up to 40 cm of free space is maintained between the rows.
Strawberry Care Tips
Fleur needs watering and feeding, since the growth and development of culture depends on it. Fertilization and frequent watering accelerate the growth rate. Particular attention is paid to loosening and mulching strawberry beds. It will not be superfluous to shelter the variety for the winter.
Watering and feeding
Strawberry plantings are saturated with moisture as the soil dries. Fleur is poured with warm, settled water. To do this, the containers are filled in the morning, and throughout the day the water is heated under the sun's rays.
Water is poured under the root, making sure that drops of moisture do not fall on shoots, flowers, berries and leaves. In the rainy season, watering is suspended, as precipitation saturates the soil well. Simultaneously with watering, strawberries are fed.
For Fleur, complex fertilizers containing potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen and other useful substances are suitable. Specialized drugs are bought in stores. The powder is diluted with water, after which the plants are watered with liquid.
Mulching and loosening
After watering, a crust forms on the surface of the earth. It does not allow the soil to breathe, so that air masses do not penetrate the root system. If after watering the soil is dry, the beds are loosened, each time repeating the procedure.
Exercise makes the soil lighter and more airy. As a result, strawberries grow faster. In addition, fertilizers reach the roots faster.
A layer of mulch protects against the appearance of weeds. A special layer on the soil surface prevents weeds from growing. As a result, strawberry care is reduced. Mulching has the ability to retain moisture. The liquid does not evaporate so quickly, and the regularity in watering disappears.
Preparing for winter
Strawberry bushes endure the cold season under cover or in tunnels. If Fleur is grown in garden beds, plant-based mulch is used. It doesn't have to be water-absorbing. Therefore, options such as spruce branches and corn disappear immediately.
Agrofibre is well suited for this purpose. Despite the fineness of the material, all conditions are created for a successful wintering. Agrofibre allows the culture to breathe. Remaining in the garden until the onset of spring, it prevents insect pests from penetrating the green mass.
The agrofiber is removed when warm weather sets in. In case of late frosts, strawberries are covered with the same agrofibre.
Disease and pest control measures
Microorganisms and insects cause a wide variety of diseases. It is not only the appearance of the plants that deteriorates, but also the taste of the berries and the size. The most unpleasant thing is that the variety can disappear under the influence of a pest attack.
To combat diseases, folk methods are suitable, as well as funds purchased in specialized stores. In the first case, use is possible in any growing season. Chemicals are not used at the time of berry formation and ripening.
Breeding methods
Fleur is one of the few strawberry varieties that develops in two ways. New shoots are obtained by sowing seeds collected from the mother culture. Also in the case of Fleur, a vegetative method of reproduction is used.
Collection and storage of garden strawberries
Plucking berries from the branches occurs every day at the time of their ripening. The fruits are suitable for long-term storage in a cold room. They do not weather and at the same time retain their shine. The crop is transported over long distances, it does not lose its attractive appearance.
Ripe berries should not stay on the branches for a long time. The fact that they are overripe is evidenced by the maroon color of the strawberries. Such berries, even if they have already been picked, will not stand for a long time and will completely deteriorate within 4-5 hours.
