Pineberry Strawberry: variety description and characteristics, cultivation and care with photo
The unusual color and pronounced pineapple taste of Pineberry strawberries has won the attention of gardening enthusiasts. The hybrid was bred by the breeder Hans de Jonge from the Netherlands, his parent pair was the virgin and Chilean strawberries. To grow this interesting plant and get a rich harvest, you need to become more familiar with its strengths and weaknesses, as well as the intricacies of planting and care.
General information
Pineberry strawberry belongs to remontant varieties of culture, in one place it can grow for 5 years without a transplant. Harvesting takes place from May to July.Productivity indicators for the season reach 1 kilogram per 1 square meter, subject to cultivation in greenhouse complexes. Bush height 20-30 cm.
The berries are distinguished by a white color, the flesh can also be creamy, small in size (2.5 centimeters in diameter). Pineberry strawberry grains attract attention - red color, which indicates the achievement of consumer maturity of the fruit. Not only the taste characteristics of this hybrid are at a high level, but also the commercial ones.
Pineberry strawberries have other names - White Dream, Pineapple, White Pineapple.
Repair garden strawberries only produce female flowers, requiring cross-pollination. Other varieties should be planted nearby so that the Pineberry harvest is not only qualitative, but also quantitative.
Main pros and cons
Among the positive characteristics of Pineberry strawberries, experienced gardeners highlight:
- increased immunity to major diseases;
- ripe fruits do not attract feathered guests;
- easy to grow;
- excellent taste and aroma;
- hypoallergenic (there is no Fra a1 protein);
- frost resistance (up to -25 degrees);
- universal purpose of berries (for fresh consumption, as a raw material for winter preparations);
- promising (suitable for a home business of growing exclusive garden strawberries).
Of the minuses of Pineberry strawberries note:
- crop afraid of long-distance transportation;
- does not tolerate excessive moisture, the fruits begin to rot during prolonged rains, with improper organization of watering;
- relatively small berries.
Despite some shortcomings, the Pineberry strawberry still ranks among the most unique varieties of garden strawberries.
The nuances of growing Pineberry strawberries
Proper planting of strawberries with white berries increases the chances of a bountiful harvest during the season.
Where and when to plant
Since the Pineberry strawberry is a heat-loving plant, it is recommended to choose fields slightly shaded for its planting, but well warmed up by the rays of the sun, protected from through winds and with not close occurrence of groundwater (from 60 centimeters). If planted in open sunny areas, the fruits will have a pinkish tint. As an option, agrofiber shading can be made over a berry plantation.
Planting work is carried out either in spring, when the threat of return frosts has passed, or in autumn (mid-August-mid-September). Soil preparation for autumn planting is carried out 15-20 days before the planting date, and for spring - in the fall.
Selection of seedlings
Before you purchase planting material, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the leaf plates. They should be bright green in color, not stretched out, without signs of damage and disease. The optimal length of the root system is 7 centimeters. Pineberry strawberry roots should completely wrap around the entire earthy coma.
Boarding process
Pineberry strawberries can be planted in rows, maintaining a distance between them of 70-80 centimeters, and between plants 20-25 centimeters. But it is better to use a square-nested planting method, with which the berries grow larger. Such nests are formed at a distance of 50 centimeters from each other, 3 seedlings are determined in each, maintaining an interval of 9-10 centimeters between them.
The soil for planting Pineberry strawberries is prepared in advance by adding organic composition (5 kilograms), mineral mixtures (40 grams) per 1 square meter.The optimum acidity of the soil on the site should be in the range of 5-6.5. Deep digging of the earth improves the water and nutrient regime for the development of the underground part of the bush.
Pour 0.5 liters of water into the prepared wells, let it soak in and place a seedling in the center. Its roots are straightened, sprinkled with fertile soil and lightly tamped. Pineberry strawberry neck should be at ground level.
At the end of planting, I mulch the plants with peat to prevent the development of rot on the fruits.
How to properly care for a variety
Among the main activities for the care of Pineberry strawberries are: irrigation, removal of weeds, weeding, loosening, protective measures against diseases and pests.
Water and fertilize
Repair strawberries are moisture-loving, but excessive moisture in the soil should not be allowed.Procedures should be regular and in moderate dosage. The frequency of watering is determined by weather conditions: in hot weather - up to three times a week. Stop irrigating Pineberry strawberries 2 days before harvest day.
The hybrid responds gratefully to organic (cow, bird dung) and mineral fertilizers. The first procedure is carried out in early spring, the second - before the flowering phase, the third - during the formation of ovaries.
For laying a bountiful harvest for the next season, strawberries are fed again after harvesting. Nutrient mixtures should be rotated.
Loosening and weeding the soil
To reduce the likelihood of the appearance of various uninvited guests in the form of parasitic individuals, as well as the development of diseases, it is necessary to regularly monitor the cleanliness in the aisles. Weeds must be removed. It is recommended to loosen the soil to a depth of 3-5 centimeters in order to avoid damage to the strawberry roots.
Mulching
To preserve moisture in the soil and to reduce labor costs for processing the site, it is effective to mulch Pineberry strawberries. For these purposes, it is good to use rotted sawdust, straw, peat. In addition, this agricultural technique minimizes the contact of berries with the ground.
Disease and pest control methods
Strawberry bushes are often affected:
- Gray rot, which is identified by the presence of brown weeping spots on the leaf plates of the bush, they still form a fluffy gray bloom. Sick berries should be removed, disposed of. In order to prevent the development of the disease on Pineberry strawberries, it is necessary not to pour the soil, plant seedlings in well-lit glades.
- Verticillosis, characterized by rapid withering of plants without obvious signs of disease. It is almost impossible to cure such specimens, they should be removed from the ground and burned.
Of the harmful insects, Pineberry strawberries are attacked by a bear, spider mite, slug, nematode, weevil. It is possible to avoid such troubles by planting marigolds next to the culture, maintaining the distance between plantings, and using Ecogel. Actellik, Fufanon are effective against weevil.
Breeding methods
According to the description of the variety, the Pineberry strawberry reproduces by means of divisions and whiskers. For the first method of reproduction, you need to select an adult plant and divide it into parts. Each division should contain a growth point, 3 leaves and he althy roots. One Pineberry strawberry bush is divided into 2-3 equal parts.
The second method involves rooting discarded shoots. The first, strongest whiskers are used, which are placed in suitable containers, sprinkled with earth and regularly moistened. After 60 days, a root system will form in a young bush, after which it is separated from the mother bush and determined to a permanent place.
Cleaning and storage of garden strawberries
Harvest preferably in the evening or morning hours, leaving a “hat” with a short stem on it. So that the berries do not rot in the garden, the collection should be done in a timely manner. Pineberry strawberries are stored in plastic or wooden boxes, containers with holes for ventilation. For laying in the freezer, the fruits are sorted, washed, and then only laid out on a tray and sent to the refrigerator.
Pineberry strawberry is a rather exotic plant with white fruit color and pineapple taste. Even a novice gardener can handle it. The main thing is to use he althy seedlings and adhere to the rules of agricultural technology.
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