Strawberry Olvia: variety description and characteristics, planting and care rules

In the 90s of the XX century, one of the most profitable varieties of early ripe and high-yielding berries was obtained in Ukraine. The popularity of Olvia strawberries among gardeners in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus has been constantly at a high level since that time. Plants tolerate a lack of moisture in the soil and frosty winters. The taste of strawberries, the presentation of berries are superior to many early varieties.

Origin story

Olvia's strawberries are the result of the work of Kyiv breeders. In 1987, a new variety was bred as a result of crossing the Prisvyata variety and the Festivalnaya hybrid with Fragaria Virginiana.It was entered into the register in 2001. Zoned for the middle belt, forest-steppe and steppe zones.

Brief characteristics and description of the variety

The variety is early ripe, drought- and frost-resistant, high-yielding, non-transportable. Recommended for fresh consumption. Flowering begins in mid-April (for the southern regions of Ukraine and Russia). The first ripe berries are harvested in mid-late May. Fruiting duration - 1 month.

From one bush per season, from 1 to 1.5 kilograms of fragrant, bright red, rich dessert taste of strawberries are removed. The size of the berries ranges from 40 to 25 grams. The pulp of the fruit is dense, juicy, tender. The height of the bush is up to 25 centimeters. Strong flower stalks are located below the level of the leaves. On each peduncle ripens from 4 to 10 berries. The total number of berries is 50-70 pieces. The leaves are ovate, toothed, dark green in color.

Growing rules and further care for Olvia strawberries

The variety is unpretentious to agricultural technology. However, it is required to follow certain rules when breeding in order to obtain sustainable strawberry yields.

Site selection and soil preparation

Optimal growing areas - areas oriented to the southwest, with a slight slope (up to 3 degrees), well lit by the sun.

Plants grow well and give high yields on fertile, loose, slightly acidic soils:

• chernozem;
• podzolic soil;
• light sandstones.

Ground water depth must be at least 60 centimeters.

When planting strawberries, crop rotation predecessors are taken into account. The most favorable - all kinds of cruciferous:

• beans;
• radish;
• peas;
• parsley;
• garlic.

Conditions unfavorable for growing Olbia strawberries:

• peatlands;
• loam;
• sandy loam;
• wetland;
• shading;
• growing under the roots of large trees;
• northeast orientation of the site;
• neighborhood nightshade, pepper.

Preparation of unfavorable soils for planting Olbia begins 2-3 years in advance:

• organic fertilizers are applied to clay soils;
• siderites are sown on sandy soils;
• peat soils are deoxidized by potash and phosphate fertilizers.

The soil structure should be loose, but dense enough for good root development.

Pollination

Strawberries are pollinated by bees. To attract insects, you can spray the plantations with a honey solution: dilute a few tablespoons of honey in 5-10 liters of water, depending on the size of the plot.

Feeding

Strawberries are responsive to fertilizers. To increase productivity and disease resistance, plant nutrition is recommended 3-4-5 times during the growing season, depending on climatic conditions and soil conditions:

1. The first top dressing is done when the soil begins to thaw (end of March-beginning of April). To stimulate growth, fertilizers rich in nitrogen are applied: rotted mullein, urea, bird droppings. Application of potassium fertilizers in the leaf phase improves budding.
2. During flowering make root and foliar top dressing. Superphosphate is added to the soil. Plantings are sprayed with a solution of boric acid.
3. During the formation of ovaries, plants are supported by adding substances containing calcium, nitrogen, and sulfur to the soil. It can be wood ash, mullein infusion, complex fertilizers.
4. At the end of the growing season, strawberries are fed with nitroammophos.

Feeding is carried out in the morning, in pre-moistened soil, under the root, without affecting the leaves, flowers and fruits.

Frost resistance and the need for shelter

1-3 year old plants have a strong root system that can withstand long frosts. In central Russia and more northern regions, it is recommended to cover strawberry seedlings planted this year for the winter.

Diseases and pests

The variety is resistant to fungal attack (gray rot and spotting) and strawberry mites. Gray rot develops on berries during a long period of wet weather, resulting in reduced yields. Spotting (brown, white, brown) affects leaves in late summer / early autumn. The loss of foliage weakens the plants, which is reflected in the next year's harvest.

Measures against gray rot and spotting - removal of affected berries and leaves from the bushes.

Preventive measures against fungal infection:

1. From gray rot, the berries are treated before flowering and after harvesting with the Chorus preparation.
2. From spotting, strawberries are sprayed in early spring with Falcon, Zuparen, Metaxil fungicides.

Strawberry mite infects the ground part of the plant, which leads to drying of the leaves, weakening the strawberry bush.In the strawberries affected by the mite, the berries become smaller, the plants freeze slightly in winter. To combat the pest, from early spring to autumn, the leaves are sprayed 5 times with preparations containing sulfur.

Reproduction

On the 4th year, the fruiting of Olbia sharply decreases. Rejuvenation of plantings is required. To obtain strawberry seedlings, a mother liquor is created on the site.

On 1-2-year-old bushes, flower stalks are removed so that the bush gives strong shoots (whiskers) and strong rosettes. Between the bushes there should be a distance of 25-30 centimeters, between rows - 70-90 centimeters. The best planting material is rosettes from the first 2-3 whiskers.

Collection and storage features

Harvesting lasts, on average, 2 weeks. The berry is not transportable. To preserve the presentation, it is recommended to collect it immediately in containers for sale.

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