Strawberry Ostara

The versatile Ostara strawberry variety belongs to garden crops with neutral daylight hours. This characteristic indicates that the bushes are capable of bearing fruit for a long time, from the beginning of summer to the first cold weather. The palatability of the fruit remains unchanged. With proper and regular care, the yield is not only maintained, but can even increase.

The Ostar strawberry was created by breeders from Holland back in the 70s of the twentieth century. Since its inception, this variety has become widespread not only in Europe, but also in the territory of the former Soviet Union. Now this variety is often used by Russian gardeners for commercial cultivation, but summer residents also paid attention to it.

A characteristic feature of the Ostara garden strawberries are compact bushes, the height of which reaches 25 centimeters. The foliage is painted in a rich green color, the surface of which is covered with fine villi. Leaf size is medium.

In the process of growth, the bushes form a large number of whiskers. Young plants are able to bloom and bear fruit in the first year of cultivation.

Ostara is a remontant variety that can bear fruit several times during the growing season. Garden strawberries begin to bloom early, and the fruiting period begins from June until the first frost. Ripening period can be early or medium. This is influenced by the weather conditions in a particular region.

The yield indicator is high. If you take proper care of strawberries, you can get up to one and a half kilograms of berries from one bush. To keep yields from decreasing, the plantation should be renewed in the third year.

The variety will give a rich harvest even in central Russia, the conditions of which are considered harsh for garden strawberries.

Ripe berries turn bright red (sometimes a raspberry tint is noticeable). The surface is smooth and glossy. The fruits are large, the weight of which can vary from 20 to 75 grams. The shape is conical. Small berries are the result of unfavorable weather conditions and non-observance of agricultural technology. The pulp is tender and juicy, the density is low.

The taste of the fruit is described as sweet, dessert, with a slight sourness, refreshing. The aroma is rich and expressive, you can catch the smell of wild strawberries in it. The gastronomic quality of the fruit is high. Strawberries are eaten raw and also used to make jams or preserves. Due to the low density, berries cannot be frozen, they immediately lose their shape.

When growing a variety, it is not necessary to shade the plantings. It is recommended to grow strawberries in one place throughout the year. A gap of 20-25 centimeters is left between the plants, and between the rows - from 70 to 80 centimeters. Bushes are planted at the end of July or at the beginning of August. Caring for Ostar strawberries is easy. Experienced gardeners plant in the last summer month. So the bushes will calmly overwinter and the next year they will please with a rich harvest.

Strawberries love moisture. The soil should not dry out. Plantations are irrigated as the topsoil dries up. With regular precipitation, strawberries do not need to be watered.In a hot and dry season, the bushes are irrigated every 3-4 days. Use warm and settled water. After irrigation, the land around the bushes is covered with mulch.

Ostara bushes form a large number of whiskers. They must be removed so that the plant does not waste energy on them. The mustache is only left for plantation propagation. For this purpose, several mother plants are left. 2 strong antennae are quite enough from one uterine bush, the rest are cut off. The cut is made only with disinfected instruments, scissors or pruning shears.

In order for a fruit crop to produce a large number of tasty and ripe berries, you need to choose a well-lit area for growing it. Lack of sunlight negatively affects the taste of berries, they become sour. The area must be protected from strong drafts.

The variety is remontant, therefore it needs a stable nutrition. When planting, organic matter (compost or humus) is placed in each individual hole. And you can also use mineral dressing or ash. Perlite is added to the depleted soil. It will not only saturate the earth with nutrients, but will also help maintain optimal moisture levels. All fertilizers in the hole must be thoroughly mixed, only then proceed to planting the plants.

To root the seedlings, the bushes are watered with a solution of "Epin" or "Zircon". In order for young plants to fully develop, it is advisable to cut off all peduncles in the first year.

When planting, the seedlings should not be deeply buried in the ground. Plants are placed at the level of the growing point. Otherwise, rotting can begin.

The flowers are bisexual, but despite being self-fertile, it is advisable to plant pollinating varieties near the plantations. Peduncles are massive and long. Under the weight of the berries, they lean towards the ground. From 8 to 12 buds can form on one peduncle. The petals are white.

When growing, choose both dry and liquid fertilizers. Complex mineral compositions show good results. Horse manure or mullein, diluted in water 1 to 10, has become widespread. And humus, compost, ash and chicken droppings are also suitable. The feeding scheme is the same as for other remontant varieties of garden strawberries.

Strawberries can withstand frosts up to 35 degrees Celsius below zero. Despite the high winter hardiness, it is advisable to cover the plantations for the winter. With the onset of autumn, fruit shoots and dry leaves are removed from the bushes. The beds are covered with peat or straw. The bushes are covered with spruce branches. In regions with poor snow cover, the bushes are additionally covered with non-woven fabric.

To save garden strawberries and the harvest, the bushes are treated with a solution of Bordeaux liquid (3%). The work is performed during the growing season. Plants should be at a distance from each other. Neglect of planting leads to stagnation of moisture and a decrease in plant immunity.

Berries often attract the attention of slugs. A layer of mulch will help to cope with them, which will protect the berries not only from pests, but also from contact with the ground. The Ostar variety is affected by gray rot, a common infection that is dangerous for many horticultural crops.

Plants should be regularly inspected for diseases and pests. If the lesion is massive, some of the bushes will have to be removed.

Experienced gardeners advise increasing the strawberry plantations with a mustache, since Ostara bushes form them in large quantities. Shoots take root easily and quickly take root in a new place. After rooting, young bushes are planted in the garden. Planting work is best done between late July and early August. The sockets will have time to take root in the open field before the arrival of frost.