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

Varieties of garden strawberries with an extended fruiting period are in demand not only among those who sell berries, but also among ordinary owners of household plots. Remontant varieties that have passed the test of time delight with rich harvests throughout the summer season. Such popular varieties include strawberries called Geneva, which were bred by American breeders.

Variety description

Garden Strawberry Geneva was bred in the 90s of the last century by American breeders and belongs to remontant and large-fruited varieties.The first berries are ripe in early June. The second wave of fruiting begins a month later, after which the plant throws out a mustache, on which gardeners root rosettes.

After they have 7 leaves, they also begin to bloom and provide a delicious berry until the first drops in autumn temperatures. This is what is considered a characteristic feature of the variety - the formation of a crop not only on mother plants, but also on young plants.

Strawberry overview Geneva

The description from breeders indicates the following characteristics of the variety:

1. Garden strawberry bushes are squat, powerful and slightly spreading, so it is recommended to avoid thickening when planting. Since there are not many whiskers (about 5-7), they do not need to be removed.
2. Medium-sized leaf plates are painted in light green. Peduncles are long and inclined to the ground, so when planting seedlings, you need to take this moment into account and place the bushes so that the berries do not touch the ground.
3. The largest berries are formed on the crop in the first wave of fruiting - their weight reaches 50 grams. In the next waves, the fruits become smaller, and in autumn they are almost 2 times less than in June. However, this does not affect the aroma that the berries exude - their smell is sweetish, with an admixture of strawberry notes and very rich.
4. The berries themselves are characterized by a truncated cone shape and bright red color. There is no sourness in the taste, however, there is no cloying.
5. The yield is stable, regardless of weather conditions.
6. The genetic characteristics of the Geneva variety allow gardeners not to worry that the plant will be affected by diseases and pests. The only thing that needs to be taken into account is the tendency of strawberries to develop gray rot in case of violation of agricultural cultivation practices.

Considering the positive aspects of the Geneva variety, it is worth noting:

• long fruiting period and high yield;
• tradeable berries and good transportability, which makes it possible to grow garden strawberries for sale on the market;
• possibility of independent propagation of the variety;
• strong immunity against major crop diseases and resistance to insect pests.

As for the cons, these are:

• relatively low frost resistance;
• the need to replace bushes after 3 years of cultivation in one place;
• competent agrotechnical care for multiple crops.

Landing

You can plant young bushes both at the end of spring and during August-September, the gardener chooses the dates that suit him best. Geneve needs a sunny and level area to grow, in the shade the berries will grow sour. Sandy and loamy soils are an ideal composition for garden strawberries. Good predecessors for strawberries are parsley, radishes, legumes.

Geneva Planting Algorithm:

1. Preliminary, they dig a place for planting on a spade bayonet and select all weeds with the root.
2. Fertilize the bed using 5 kg of peat and wood ash and 1 kg of humus per square meter.
3. Seedlings are also prepared by soaking their roots in a saline solution for 10 minutes (3 tablespoons per 10 liters, you can also add a spoonful of copper sulfate). After that, the roots are taken out and washed under running water.
4. Strawberry planting is carried out on a cloudy day, so that young seedlings take root better in a new place. Two copies are placed in a small hole at once, trying to straighten the roots so that they do not bend.
5. After planting, be sure to water the bushes and mulch the soil around them and in the aisles.

Rules of care

With proper agrotechnical care, American-grade strawberries will bear fruit all season with short breaks.

Irrigation

In order for the berries to ripen juicy and fragrant, garden strawberry bushes must be constantly irrigated. After landing on the beds, this is done every day, after one irrigation per week is enough. With severe dryness and heat and the absence of natural precipitation, humidification is carried out every 3 days.

Loosening, weed control

Loosening the soil around the bushes is necessary after each watering or rain, otherwise a crust will form that does not allow air to pass through, which the root system needs for full development.They do this at a shallow depth so as not to damage the roots, immediately choosing weeds along with the root.

To reduce labor costs for weeding and loosening, you can use a mulching layer for which organic materials are used - rotted sawdust, straw, hay.

Moustache removal

Mustache variety Geneva does not grow much, so they can not be removed, but used for reproduction.

Feeding

Garden strawberries, which bear fruit all summer, need a constant supply of nutrients. Otherwise, the fruits will be tied small and sour, and the plant itself may die from excessive exhaustion. They use both store-bought preparations and folk remedies to feed strawberries.It is important to introduce a mineral composition with a high nitrogen content at the beginning of spring. In the future, it is enough to breed mullein or bird droppings and water the beds with this liquid, trying not to get on the leaves.

Disease and pest control

The main danger for strawberries of this variety is gray rot, which develops in conditions of dense plantings. Such specimens are thrown away, since there is no cure. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to use "Fitosporin" or Bordeaux liquid.

Preparing for winter

The Geneva variety does not tolerate cold well, therefore it needs a full-fledged shelter, which is used as organic and agrotextile materials.

Features of reproduction

Geneva is grown not only with a mustache, but also with a seed method. The last option is time-consuming, so it is not often used.

Collection and storage

The berries of the variety are harvested throughout the season with short breaks. Fresh strawberries are stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, and also frozen, boiled jam and make a liqueur.

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