Strawberry Vityaz: description and characteristics of the variety, cultivation, propagation methods

Strawberries are used to make a variety of desserts, jam, jam and compote for the winter, as well as for fresh consumption. Therefore, many gardeners plant such a useful and tasty crop in their summer cottages. To get a good harvest, you need to choose the right variety so that it matches the climatic conditions of the growing area, as well as know all the rules and nuances for caring for it. Having opted for the Vityaz strawberry, you should definitely familiarize yourself with its features and immediately start growing.

Historical background

For the first time, the variety was bred at the Institute of Horticulture and Nursery, which is located in the Kokinsky stronghold, by a group of scientists led by Doctor of Science Aitzhanova SD, who is a professor at the Bryansk Agricultural Academy. Strawberry varieties such as Festival Chamomile and Surprise Olympiade became the material for selection.

The Vityaz strawberry was tested in 1998, and already in 1999 it was included in the State Register as a variety for cultivation in the central regions of the Russian Federation.

Characteristic

Vityaz Strawberry belongs to crops of medium fruiting period, so you can harvest as early as the end of June. Culture is not remontant, universal purpose in use.

Appearance of bushes and berries

Vityaz strawberry bush of medium height, semi-spreading shape. Branches of a plant with a large number of concave leaves of a bright green hue with a slightly pronounced translucency. Small flowers are collected in compact inflorescences. Their number is about 9 pieces per bush.

The weight of fruits can vary from 9 to 40 g. Berries have a round-conical shape, red-orange color. The seeds on the surface of the fruit are slightly depressed and have a yellow color.

Taste

The sugar content of strawberries is 9%, which is quite in line with the average value. Acidity - 1.2%, which is proof that the fruit is rich in vitamin C (60 mg). The taste of the fruit is sweet with a characteristic sourness. The product is used fresh and for harvesting for the winter.

The main advantages and disadvantages of the Vityaz variety

The advantages of the Vityaz strawberry variety, for which it is recommended for cultivation, are:

• high productivity, with 1 m^{2 you can harvest more than 1 kg of berries;}
• excellent fruit flavor characteristics;
• resistance to various fungal and infectious diseases;
• opposition to such a dangerous pest as the strawberry mite;
• good winter hardiness;
• excellent transportability, the crop does not lose its presentation due to the strength of the berries;
• a source of nutrients needed for good he alth and vitality.

Among the shortcomings of the Vityaz strawberry variety, it is important to note that due to the small number of mustaches, the plant is practically incapable of independent vegetative propagation without appropriate agricultural practices.

Rules for growing garden strawberries

Growing strawberries Vityaz is not particularly difficult, but has its own characteristics compared to other varieties of garden strawberries. To get a quality harvest, you should carefully study the rules for planting this variety.

When to plant?

If you want to enjoy the berries next summer, you should resort to planting in the first month of spring or, in extreme cases, at the end of April. In southern latitudes, landing work can be started earlier. For full rooting, the sprouts will need at least 30-50 days. The soil for planting in the spring is best prepared in the fall.

Preparing the site and planting material

You need to choose a place for planting Vityaz strawberries that is well lit and protected from the wind, with neutral loamy soil. You can not plant strawberries in the area where carrots, onions, parsley, tulips previously grew. 2 months before planting, the bed where the crop is planned to be grown in the future must be enriched with complex fertilizers.

It is important to clean the planting material from dirt and remove dried roots by washing them in cold water, then soak in potassium permanganate and leave for no more than 15 minutes.

Fitting technology

To start, dig small holes, depending on the size of the root system of the seedlings. If the roots have an impressive length, it is recommended to shorten them to 6-8 cm. Seedlings with an open root system should be placed in holes so that the roots fit freely and the heart is level with the soil.

Sprouts with a closed root system are pulled out of the container, trying not to destroy the integrity of the earthen clod, and sent to the hole, leaving the root collar on the surface.

Subtleties of strawberry care

In the first year after planting, try to create the most favorable conditions for the development of roots and the formation of new horns. To get the Vityaz strawberry harvest, it is not enough just to plant it correctly, but you also need to organize appropriate crop care.

Irrigation

Vityaz strawberry variety needs regular watering. Each bush should get more than 0.5 liters of water, since the roots can go as deep as 25 cm into the soil.

Lack of watering or meager doses of water will cause a lack of a large amount of crops or lead to the complete death of bushes.

Feeding

Additionally fertilize Vityaz strawberries during the formation of the ovary, flowering and fruiting. As a top dressing, it is better to use special complex mineral fertilizers.

Loosening

This technique is recommended to be carried out about 8 times per season, the loosening depth should be 2 cm. The procedure will improve soil structure, get rid of crust, weeds, retain moisture and destroy pests.

Mulching

Strawberries of the Vityaz variety mulch 2 times per season. Carry out the first procedure in the spring, when the ovary of fruits begins to form on the bushes. This will help prevent contact of the flower stalks with the ground.Remove mulch after harvest or at the end of summer. The second procedure is carried out in late autumn to protect the plant from freezing during the cold season. In the spring, as the bushes begin to grow, remove the mulch.

For this event, use material such as straw, hay, sawdust, humus. The main rule is to fill the soil between plants with high quality.

Wintering

Maximum Vityaz strawberries can survive frosts down to -8 degrees. Under a layer of snow, the plant can easily withstand even lower temperatures, reaching -35. But with the complete absence of snow and a strong drop in temperature, it is worth resorting to shelter.

The simplest technique is to mulch strawberry bushes with herbal ingredients. The needles are the best shelter for strawberries. If it was not possible to find spruce branches, then use another suitable material - straw, compost, humus, dry leaves.

Protection from diseases and pests

According to the description, the Vityaz strawberry resists diseases inherent in the culture. But it is recommended to protect the plant from verticillium wilt, late blight, fusarium, gray rot by carrying out a number of activities. To do this, spray with special products throughout the growing season and follow the rules of care.

The plant can be attacked by slugs, larvae, nematodes and birds. To prevent the strawberry bed from becoming the center of insect accumulation, it is necessary to carry out protective operations in a timely manner. In spring, autumn, clean and burn old foliage. Also inspect the bushes, and if a problem is identified, resort to mechanical, chemical methods.

Methods of variety propagation

Vityaz strawberries can be propagated using mustaches, seeds, and also by dividing the bush.

The most common way is to use a mustache. After harvesting, the mustache needs to be straightened, and the socket should be deepened a little into the ground and sprinkled with soil so that the hearts are free. In September, transplant to a designated area.

The method of dividing the bush is used less frequently. To do this, choose strong bushes that have more than one top with a rosette, and dig. Then separate the sockets from each other. By correctly dividing the bush, you can get full-fledged plants that can please with fruits in the first year.

With seed propagation, there is a chance to get bushes that will have small and tasteless fruits.

Cleaning and storage of strawberries

Collection is best done 2 days before full maturity. Strawberries intended for storage are placed in a wooden box lined with a soft cloth. At low temperatures, it can lie for about 3 weeks, at room conditions no more than 24 hours.

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