Tsunaki Strawberry

Judging by the name of the Tsunaki strawberry variety, it's easy to guess that he comes from Japan. It attracted the attention of Russian summer residents by the large size of the berries. To appreciate this garden culture at its true worth, the fruits are advised to be eaten only fresh.

A vigorous plant develops rapidly. Powerful and voluminous bushes, with dense foliage, reach a height of 60 to 70 centimeters and about the same in diameter. These sizes are several times higher than the parameters of other popular strawberry varieties. The leaves are colored standard bright green. Strong flower stalks (up to one centimeter thick) are able to hold large berries on themselves.

Bushes only yield once a season. Fruit ripening dates can be either medium or late, depending on climate conditions. The bushes begin to bear fruit in the middle of summer.

The yield of the Japanese variety is high, from 1.5 to 1.8 kilograms of fruits are harvested from one plant.

The formed berries acquire an unusual comb-like shape, and in weight gain from 100 to 120 grams. Ripe strawberries turn bright red. Despite their large size, the berries begin to shrink towards the end of fruiting. The pulp is moderately dense.

The taste is sweet and pleasant, which is felt even at incomplete maturity. The aroma is nutmeg.

This variety perfectly takes root in different climatic zones of Russia due to its high resistance to frost and drought. Strawberries can be grown in the greenhouse for a tasty harvest at almost any time of the year. Bushes form little whiskers. On one site, strawberries are grown for 5-6 years, after which they are renewed. Tsunaki is recommended for novice gardeners due to its easy care.

The bushes of the Japanese fruit culture are very large and need a sufficient amount of free space. When planting seedlings, they leave from 60 centimeters to a meter between them, the rows are drawn at a distance of 1-1.5 meters.

To make the plant feel comfortable, it must be planted according to the following scheme:

• the territory is prepared in advance, clearing of debris and leveling;

• small holes are made, in each of which a little fertilizer is added;

• each hole is watered so that the soil with top dressing turns into gruel;

• when planting seedlings, the roots are carefully straightened;

• the growth point should rise slightly above the ground surface;

• after planting, the land is mulched;

• young plants are protected from direct sunlight by covering the plantation.

During the first two weeks, the plantation is irrigated daily for better survival of young plants. After that, the frequency of watering is reduced to 1-2 times in 7 days. Strawberries especially need water when ripe. It is important to prevent moisture stagnation. This leads to the development of mold and various infections.

The top layer of the earth is regularly loosened so that the roots receive a sufficient amount of oxygen and fully develop.

It is not difficult to care for Tsunaki strawberries, the main thing is regularity and moderation.

A site with a slight slope of 5-10 degrees is great. Moisture will not accumulate on a small slope, especially with heavy rainfall or melting snow. It is better not to choose a slope on the south side for the reason that early exposure of the bushes may occur with the arrival of spring. The risk of freezing of the aboveground part of the plant increases.

You should not expect a stable and tasty harvest on soil with high acidity. The maximum level is 6.5 pH. And also a site with groundwater located close to the earth's surface is not suitable.

The selected area must be prepared for planting strawberries. As already mentioned, it is thoroughly cleared of weeds and dug up. Feeding with organic matter: compost or humus will not be superfluous. Peat can be used, but it increases the acidity of the earth, so use it with care. To reduce the acidity level, lime or other alkaline component is introduced into the soil.

Garden strawberries prefers fertile black soil with a small addition of sand. When growing berries on loamy or sandy soil, you need to increase the amount of feeding.

Tsunaki needs artificial pollination. Pollen from the buds is brushed off and spread with a brush.

The feeding scheme is not much different from the one used for other varieties of strawberries. With the onset of spring, nitrogen compounds are used to stimulate the growth and development of green mass. Urea, mullein infusion in a ratio of 1 to 10, or chicken droppings (1 to 20) are widespread.

As soon as the first buds and ovaries appear, potassium nitrate is introduced into the soil. Urea is added during flowering. Complex preparations, for example, "Master" or "Agricola", will also be effective.

Garden strawberries can boast of high winter hardiness, so in warm regions they can not be covered. Otherwise, the plantations are better protected.

Before wintering, the bushes should be prepared:

• all old leaves and shoots are removed no later than mid-September;

• plantations can be treated with protective solutions that will kill infections;

• the plants are covered with durable non-woven material or spruce branches.

If you properly look after the plantation, observe all the requirements of agricultural technology, the bushes practically do not get sick. Despite the strong immunity, it is advisable to carry out prevention. Large and bright berries attract the attention of the strawberry mite. To save the harvest, you can use the ready-made composition "Fufanon" or "Actellik". Before use, be sure to read the instructions and follow them exactly.

Any of the propagation methods (division, whiskers or seeds) is applicable for this variety. To increase the plantation with whiskers, uterine bushes are grown separately. Peduncles are removed from them so that all forces go into the side shoots. The first-order mustache is rooted in cups or directly into the ground.

You can divide the bushes throughout the season, but it is best to do the work in the spring. Choose only healthy and strong plants with good fruiting. They must be at least 3-4 years old.

Germination of seed is a complex and time-consuming process. Sowing is carried out in winter, from January to February. Seeds are planted in miniature greenhouses. For germination, prepare moist, loose soil, or use peat tablets. The seeds are small, and it is impossible to cover them with earth. As soon as a pair of leaves has formed, the seedlings are dived into separate containers.