Strawberry Portola: variety description and characteristics, planting and cultivation

Growing sweet and juicy berries is done by many homeowners. Breeding novelties always attract the attention of gardeners. The cultivation of Portola strawberries in Russia has recently begun. The variety is only being tested in different farms of the country. It is important to know the features of plant care, the advantages and disadvantages of the crop in order to get a good harvest.

Description and characteristics of the Portola variety

Portola is the result of the efforts of American breeders. A new variety of strawberries is bred in the state of California. Remontant culture is characterized by long fruiting periods.The first berries are harvested at the beginning of summer, the main harvest is in autumn. The ovary is formed on the bushes every one and a half months.

The average weight of ripe strawberries reaches 30 and sometimes 40 grams. The shape of the fruit is conical, the color is rich red. The taste is dominated by sour notes. The first berries are larger, as the season ends Portola becomes smaller.

From one bush, gardeners harvest from 330 grams to 1 kilogram of crop. The result depends on care. The variety requires constant attention and effort on the part of gardeners.

The main advantages and disadvantages of strawberries

Pros and consDense structure of berries, no crunch when eatingLow temperature resistanceFruit ripening for a long timeAbility to grow in different conditions, including greenhousesHigh rates of transportabilityPreservation of the presentation for a long timeRequires frequent fertilizationWeak fragranceThe need for preventive measures to protect against pestsDeterioration of taste characteristics with prolonged heatBad mustache rootingBerries spoil when in contact with the ground, mulching is required

Portola is a rather capricious plant that requires constant care.

The subtleties of growing a plant

Neutral or slightly acidic soil is suitable for cultivation. If the land on the site does not meet the requirements, other soil is imported or the mixture is prepared on their own.

Soil preparation

The place for planting strawberries is prepared in advance:

1. Dig up the site and remove debris, weeds and remnants of the root system of grass and other vegetation.
2. Add organic type fertilizers and ash to the soil. For 1 square meter of land, 5 kilograms of top dressing is enough.
3. 30 days before the placement of seedlings, the soil is enriched with "Kaliyphos" or preparations of a similar effect.

The bushes are planted in autumn or spring.

Planting scheme

For placement of seedlings adhere to a certain order. 40 centimeters are left between bushes, and up to 80 between rows. Portola strawberries love space. The plant is planted only in cloudy weather. Shoots are placed in pre-watered soil. The roots are carefully distributed inside the hole. The soil is slightly pressed to prevent the formation of voids. The surface of the beds is covered with a protective layer of sawdust.

The flowers that appear before the end of the season are cut off. This has a positive effect on the future harvest.

Rules for crop care

Agronomists advise to strictly follow the rules for plant care. If the recommendations are ignored, the fruits grow small, and the sugar content of the berries also decreases.

Irrigation and fertilization

Strawberry Portola equally badly tolerates drought and abundance of water. In summer, the soil is moistened every 3 days, in rainy weather they take breaks. The best option is to install a drip irrigation system.

Feeding the plant:

1. In early spring and late May, the culture is maintained with ammonium nitrate.
2. Potassium fertilizers are applied during fruit set.
3. Before wintering, they switch to complex preparations.

Useful for strawberries Portola and wood ash, which is added to the soil at the stage of placing seedlings.

Loosening, weeding and mustache removal

The loosening procedure is usually carried out the next day after the irrigation of the soil. Act carefully, trying not to hurt the root system. Along the way, weeds are removed. The beds should always be clean. To protect the berries from decay, the surface of the earth is covered with mulch. Agrofibre protects the soil from drying out and the appearance of unwanted shoots. The whiskers of Portola strawberries appear in small numbers. It is better to remove the shoots so that the shoots do not waste energy on the additional development of new outlets.

Wintering

The variety does not require special preparation for cold weather. In the south, Portola is not even sheltered for the winter. In regions with harsh winters and infrequent snowfalls, bushes are insulated with straw or spruce branches.

How to deal with diseases and pests?

To prevent the disease of a culture, a set of preventive measures is required:

1. Non-woven materials are used as mulch. Polyethylene causes root rot.
2. After planting, the bushes are treated with Bordeaux mixture.
3. Before flowering, strawberries are sprayed with a low concentration of iodine. Add 10 drops of the drug to a bucket of water.
4. Do not thicken the planting to ensure ventilation of the beds.

Plants with a strong odor are used as folk pest control methods. Marigolds are placed around the beds, and garlic is placed between the bushes.

Reproduction methods

The most promising agronomists consider the reproduction of Portola strawberries with the help of tendrils. For these purposes, the strongest bushes are planned during the period of fruit ripening. For the next season, they make sure that a lot of ovaries do not form on the shoots.

In order for the shoots to take root, small plastic cups with a nutrient substrate are placed under the sockets. In August, the seedlings are moved to another place in the garden or in the greenhouse. Such seedlings quickly adapt to new conditions.

Collection and storage

The berries are well transported. The dense pulp of the fruit does not lose its taste and juiciness for several days in a cool and dark place. The optimum temperature for storage is 0-3 °C.

Strawberry Portola, subject to all recommendations for care, will please you with a good harvest. Failure to follow the rules of cultivation, irregular irrigation and weeds in the beds will lead to crushed fruits and a decrease in sugar content.

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