Strawberry UK

Late varieties of berry crops are especially loved by amateur gardeners, and the UK strawberry is one of them. They make it possible to feast on delicious fruits all summer and even early autumn.

Strawberry Great Britain appeared not so long ago. Breeders bred her in 2010, but she quickly gained one of the leading positions in the gardening market. It is not known for certain what varieties were at the heart of this culture, but thanks to the selection work, the bushes of the culture are compact and powerful, and the berries are especially large with an incredible dessert taste and aroma.

Great Britain belongs to the late varieties in terms of ripening. Fruiting from mid-July to late August. Under favorable climatic conditions, berries can be enjoyed throughout September.

Differs in high yield rates. During the season, you can collect from 1 to 2 kg of berries from one bush. With proper care and up to 2.5 kg. The first fruits are very large, with further harvest they become medium in size.

Strawberries are incredibly beautiful. The color of the berries is burgundy-cherry, the shape is rounded-conical, reminiscent of a cock's comb. They have a very large size, the mass of one fruit can reach from 70 to 100-120 g. The berries of the variety have a juicy and dense pulp, without voids inside. The aroma is thick, with a pleasant sweet and sour taste.

Strawberry Great Britain is considered today one of the largest-fruited varieties. The main characteristic feature is that the first fruit tied on the first flower of the peduncle will be simply enormous. Most often, one peduncle is formed on young bushes, and there will be one large berry. As a rule, three-year-old specimens produce up to 6 peduncles. Subsequent ripening fruits are smaller than the previous ones. But the dimensions are still impressive.

Another feature is that all berries ripen to full maturity. They are distinguished by their special elasticity, lightness and transportability. Marketability is high. Has a universal purpose. Can be consumed both fresh and processed. Cooked preserves and jams are never watery.

The bushes in the UK are large and spreading, with a powerful matte light green foliage, a slightly corrugated surface.

The variety is demanding for watering, especially during the period of active ripening of berries. In case of a lack of moisture, the harvest will be small.

The variety is prepared for winter. Sanitization is in progress. Old damaged leaves and excess whiskers are removed, the green mass is renewed. Only the core and a few young leaves are left. Deep loosening of the soil with the removal of weeds is carried out.

Despite the simplicity of care, the plant is quite demanding on the quality of the soil. The soil must be fertile (black soil, loam, sandy loam). Lighted areas are preferable, but without direct sunlight. In hot weather, it is advisable to shade the UK variety.

The worst precursors in the soil are potatoes and nightshade crops. The variety grows better after greenery and marigolds.

The ideal option is to prepare the landing site in advance. First, the site is cleared of weeds and debris, and the soil is disinfected with ammonium nitrate or lupine is planted (a natural "disinfectant" of the soil).

Self-pollinated variety. The plant forms flowers for both male and female.

Despite the unpretentiousness in care, strawberries respond positively to the introduction of mineral and organic fertilizers, which make it possible for the culture to develop well. Experienced gardeners distinguish 4 periods of development that require additional nutrition:

1. during and after planting (root top dressing with nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer is required);

2. when the ovaries are formed (phosphorus-potassium fertilizers);

3. active fruiting (phosphorus and potassium);

4. before the onset of winter (ammonium nitrate).

Be extremely careful with nitrogen fertilizers. The excess will lead to the formation of a large amount of foliage and a small formation of peduncles. Among the organic food of the variety, chicken manure in the form of a solution is to the taste.

Winter hardiness is high, the bushes are able to withstand frosts up to 15-20 degrees. But provided that the snow cover is quite thick. If winter does not please with abundant precipitation, then it is necessary to cover the plant with dry foliage, sawdust.

Resistance to fungal diseases is quite high. But it is necessary to carry out preventive treatment against white and brown spots, as well as gray rot. Weeds need to be removed constantly, they are the ones that take away the necessary nutrients for growth and fruiting. Among the pests, the most dangerous are slugs and snails, as well as starlings.

For reproduction, a vegetative method is used by pinning antennae, which are rooted in spring, during fruiting, or after flowering is complete.

The best planting material is the first antennae, they are stronger and give strong young seedlings.

The transplant is carried out in late summer - early autumn. Only the strongest seedlings with a strong root system are selected. The whiskers and damaged leaves are preliminarily removed. Watering during rooting should be abundant, since without additional moisture, the roots dry out in young seedlings, and the seedlings do not take root well.

Since the plant is vigorous, the bushes must be planted at a distance of 30-40 cm from each other, preferably in a checkerboard pattern.

Once every 3 years, the culture should be updated, it is at this age that strawberries give the largest yields in maximum quantities. Then the bushes thicken strongly, the soil is depleted and accumulates diseases and pests, which undoubtedly affects the health of the UK variety and the quality of the crop.

Experienced gardeners add tendrils in spring to renew seedlings for 3 years, and in autumn, rooted rosettes are laid in a new place.