Strawberry Symphony

The Symphony variety appeared at the end of the twentieth century. For good yield, resistance to many diseases, it has long been recognized and loved by gardeners. It is characterized by the magnificent appearance of the berries, which, moreover, have an excellent taste. Differs in a very long fruiting period, frost resistance and undemanding watering. Recommended for planting outdoors and greenhouses.

Breeding history

Created in Scotland in 1979 by crossing the popular varieties Rhapsody and Holiday. Breeders have created a variety for growing berries on an industrial scale with high resistance to adverse weather conditions.

Symphony strawberries are distinguished by medium-sized bushes up to 40 cm in height. Large, dark green leaves densely cover the plant. The roots go very deep into the ground by 30 cm. The whiskers are not formed abundantly. Peduncles are strong and numerous.

It is considered a type of mid-late ripening period, begins to bear fruit from mid-June and continues until the end of July.

The ripening time depends on the climatic conditions of the region in which the variety grows. In the southern regions, fruiting begins in late May, and in the northern regions from mid-June. The berries are harvested within 1-2 months, the quality and abundance of the crop is influenced by weather conditions and adherence to agricultural practices.

Recommended for planting in the central part of Russia, in the Urals and Siberia.

Young plants bring a small harvest in the year of planting, it is even recommended to remove flowers in the first year so that the roots get stronger. On average, about 700 g of berries are obtained from a bush. It is believed that with careful care, up to 3.5 kg can be removed from an adult plant. The variety does not need frequent updating, strawberries grow in one garden bed for up to 5 years and bears fruit perfectly.

In place of flowers, large berries are tied, the first ones weighing 35-40 g, with each next collection they become smaller - 20-25 g. Berries of the same size have a conical shape with a dark scarlet dense shiny skin. Seeds are yellowish, small, sunk into the surface. Juicy, fleshy, firm pulp, with a delicate aroma of wild strawberries. The fruits are sweet with a slight sourness. They are stored for a week, they tolerate transportation well.

Strawberry Symphony grows in the south and in the northern regions, it tolerates cold snaps and heat equally well. Climate and weather changes do not affect fruiting.

The variety responds favorably to feeding and pruning. Lack of moisture negatively affects the developed root system of the plant, excess water in the soil causes root rot.

Strawberries prefer soil with a neutral level of acidity, loamy or sandy loam, black soil. Sand and peat are mixed into clay soils. Strawberries prefer sunny and level areas, closed from the wind, drainage is required.

Before planting, it is recommended to enrich the soil with fertilizers. Suitable as top dressing: compost or humus, potassium sulfate, superphosphate, dolomite flour and ash are often added. The symphony grows quickly, for this, the distance between the plants is 35-40 cm, if planted in two rows, the interval is increased to 45 cm.

Strawberry flower stalks Symphony are strong, with a large number of flowers, spreading, grow in huge numbers. The flowers are white, bisexual. Sometimes the cultivar shows a sign of remontant, but the second flowering is most often unproductive and only depletes the plant.

Top dressing

During the season, fertilizers are applied three times: in the spring after the removal of dry shoots, in the summer - after flowering during the formation of ovaries, in August - after the end of fruiting. The plant responds to regular fertilizing by increasing the size of the berries.

Strawberries usually hibernate in southern areas without shelter. In the central and northern regions, the beds must be covered. At temperatures below -25 degrees in late autumn, strawberries are mulched with straw, covered with branches and spruce branches. In very cold winters, especially with little snow, they install supports and stretch agrofibre on them.

The variety has high rates of disease resistance: powdery mildew, verticillosis, gray rot. It is affected by black rot, powdery mildew. For treatment and prevention, they are treated with special fungicides. To protect against insects around the bushes in early spring, replace the upper part of the soil and spray it with copper sulfate or a solution of Bordeaux liquid.

Strawberries are bred with air layers that grow at the ends of the whiskers. Another way is to divide the bush: three-year-old plants are dug up in the spring and cut into 2-3 parts.

For many gardeners, the Symphony variety has become the most beloved; it is grown not only in the open field, but also in a greenhouse. It is considered a strawberry for very busy people or lazy people. It often grows and bears fruit regularly without careful maintenance, suitable for those who visit the country only on weekends. Among the negative responses are small berries of the second and subsequent harvest waves.