Florina strawberry

The Flevo Berry strawberry breeding program produced a strawberry variety called Florina. A well-known company from Holland, Goossens Flevoplant, actively worked on its breeding.

Gardeners from all over the world are interested in this variety for many reasons. The features of this plant include the following points:

• small bushes;

• foliage is thick, light green;

• average formation;

• the resulting white flowers are characterized by large sizes;

• flower stalks are powerful, grow straight, but under the load of large fruits they can spread along the ground.

The plant is characterized by high vigor of growth. That is why it quickly gains green mass, after which it begins to bear fruit.

The plant reacts strongly to environmental conditions. In a favorable climate, the first fruits appear around the third decade of May. The timing can vary greatly, it all depends on the specific conditions. Too much cold can delay the dates even until the end of June.

In the fruiting process, two stages can be distinguished. The first usually falls in June, the second in August. Due to the thermophilicity of the variety, only at high temperatures can you count on a sufficient yield.

The popularity of the variety in question is primarily associated with a high yield. As noted earlier, the indicator is associated with the climatic conditions of growth and the correct care. At the same time, the spread in numbers can be significant - from 500 grams to 1.5 kg from one bush.

The best performance can be achieved when planting indoors. Some sources indicate a yield of 3 kg, but it can be achieved only with strict control of conditions. Therefore, Florina is often considered when setting a commercial goal.

The resulting berries are medium to large in size. The shape is slightly rounded, slightly elongated. After ripening, the skin becomes bright red, slightly shiny, at the stage of full maturity, the shade is darker. Seeds are slightly yellow, shallowly pressed. The pulp is red and firm, very juicy and aromatic. In this case, a relatively small number of voids are formed inside.

Taste qualities are assessed in different ways. Some summer residents point to excellent taste, others call it mediocre. In general, you can evaluate this strawberry with a standard palette, which is characteristic of many remontant berries. The taste is sweet, there is a slight sourness.

The fruit is ideal for almost any processing. Often strawberries of this variety are used to decorate desserts, to create reserves for the winter. The absence of voids increases their resistance to the transportation process.

The variety in question is highly susceptible to growing conditions. That is why you need to take into account the recommendations below:

• feeding should be carried out immediately before the start of plant growth;

• fertilization in the flowering phase is possible only by adding a substance to the root;

• at the time of the growing season, the plant can only be supported with nutrient mixtures;

• removal of the whiskers allows you to get larger berries;

• the ridges are weeded regularly, carrying out shallow loosening.

In late autumn, the plant weakens, therefore, during this period, most attention is paid to disease prevention. The care involves the removal of damaged leaves, before the onset of frost, the bushes are covered with a film.

Often, seedlings are bought in the nursery for planting strawberries. When choosing seedlings, attention should be paid to its quality. Recommendations for choosing a location and landing:

• the area on the sunny side of the site is most suitable, without lowlands, where garlic or onions were previously grown;

• it is forbidden to plant in the ground where sowing crops were previously cultivated;

• it is recommended to disembark in the evening or in cloudy weather;

• the soil is prepared one month before planting;

• landing is carried out at a distance of 30 cm.

Some summer residents recommend keeping the seedlings in moist soil before planting. The final stage is watering with warm water.

Due to the strong influence of ambient temperature on yields, many summer residents grow strawberries under a film tunnel. In this case, it must be borne in mind that during the flowering period, insects must have unhindered access to the flowers.

The very high quality pollen means that Florina's yield is quite high. The flower stalks are powerful and erect, the pleasant smell attracts all the insects in the area.

Experience has shown that Florina is characterized by excellent immunity to diseases and pests. It is especially resistant to fungal diseases. Of the diseases that can affect a plant, several of the most dangerous and common ones should be distinguished.

• Powdery mildew infects plant leaves. You can fight this disease by spraying the bushes with a solution of potassium permanganate.

• Brown spot also affects the leaves; a 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture is used for treatment.

• Gray rot refers to diseases of the fungal breed, most often develops when the humidity is too high. It is possible to deal with this problem only through preventive actions, which consist in the periodic removal of weeds.

As for pests, the variety in question tastes like aphids and spider mites. You can fight them with garlic infusion and "Phosphamide".

Most often, the reproduction of Florina is carried out by a mustache. The process is characterized by a number of features.

• Mustaches are selected that were formed this year and managed to develop well.

• The rest of the whiskers are cut off as they greatly weaken the plant.

• After the appearance of the outlets, only the first ones are left.

• For a quick set of forces, they are thoroughly watered.

• Separation from the maternal body is carried out 7-10 days before transplantation to a new location.

Another common method involves dividing the bush. It can only be used if the plant is 2-4 years old and well developed. A strong and root system should be formed in two years.

Most gardeners speak well of the variety in question. The only debate is taste. Otherwise, it is suitable for commercial or home breeding.