Among gardeners and farmers, only those strawberry varieties that ripen as quickly as possible, are unpretentious to growing conditions and produce high yields are in demand and popularity.
The strawberry Elvira, an early ripe frost-resistant variety ripening at the beginning of summer, is one of those. He was bred by Dutch breeders for industrial use, but Russian gardeners successfully grow Elvira in their dacha and household plots. Next, let's talk about the description of this delicious berries.
Table of contents
Description and characteristics of the variety
Elvira is a large-fruited strawberry of early ripening, which perfectly tolerates the harsh climatic conditions of our country. Bred in Holland, it feels great even at -20 degrees in the winter and frequent spring frosts on the ground surface. The variety is resistant to fungal infections, lesions and decay of the root system, leaf diseases.
Powerful medium-sized shrub forms a sprawling crown of medium thickness with large leaves. On the peduncle can form up to 10 berries (sometimes there are two such peduncles). Harvest should be harvested as they mature. With one bush, with proper care, you can collect from 600 grams to 1 kg of berries.
Berries weighing from 30 to 60 grams have an attractive appearance and amazing taste - glossy peel of rich red color, juicy dense flesh, sweet taste without sourness and thick strawberry flavor.
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages of strawberry varieties Elvira include:
- resistance to fungal diseases, which allows plants to grow in a humid climate;
- resistance to rotting and diseases of the root system make it possible to obtain crops when planting on soils with high humidity;
- frost resistance allows cultivating strawberries in the northern and eastern regions of Russia;
- resistance to mechanical damage makes it possible to transport the crop over long distances without losing the presentation;
- thanks to dense pulp strawberries can be stored for a long time, without rotting and loss of taste;
- the possibility of planting new bushes, both in autumn and in spring.
A kind of disadvantages can be considered the need to harbor plants for the winter at temperatures below -22 degrees, frequent loosening of the soil in summer and the need to periodically harvest the finished crop.
When is it better to plant new bushes?
Dutch strawberry variety Elvira can be planted in open ground in the spring, and in the fall, before the onset of frost. This is very convenient, since the beds for new plants can be prepared throughout the summer.
In the fall, it is possible to plant Elvira strawberries in open ground in the middle of August in the northern regions and at the end of August and the beginning of September in the southern regions. It should be noted that when planting in the fall, it is necessary to water the plants regularly (especially in dry weather). It should be watered in the early morning or after sunset until the plants take root. It is also necessary to loosen the soil shallowly after each watering.
How and where to plant strawberries Elvira?
This variety tolerates lowlands and wet soils., but for a good harvest, they must be fertile. Choosing a plot, you should also take care that it is a little shade, as Elvira does not like constant exposure to direct sunlight. On open areas in hot, dry summer, the variety can completely “burn out” - not only the ovary, but also the bushes themselves wither and dry in the heat.
It is very good if the sun will be in the area from the morning until 12-13 hours, and after it will be closed from the plants by any natural or artificial fences.
To have bushes on the site should be at a distance of 30 cm from each other in a row. With a row spacing of at least 30 cm. Sometimes the pattern can be slightly changed and placed bushes in a row at a distance of 40 cm from one another and with a row spacing of 25 cm. Plants can also be arranged in a checkerboard pattern, but this can complicate the irrigation system.
Before planting the land on the site should be well moistened. In each well, you can also pour a little water, wait until it is absorbed a little and place a seedling in it. Water should not cover the central point of growth. When the water is absorbed completely, you need to gently straighten the roots of the plant and cover them with earth. Powder should be only the root, but not the central point of growth, as this can lead to the death of the plant.
Selection of seedlings
Picking up young bushes for transplanting, it is better to give preference to those specimens that are closest to the parent bush - they are perfectly acclimatized and give a good harvest.Before planting, each bush should be checked for the presence of damaged leaves and roots - weak and damaged plants are immediately discarded. Only strong and healthy seedlings can give a good harvest the next year when planting in the fall. When planting in spring, the maximum yield can be obtained only for the next season.
Recommendations for growing
Caring for Elvira strawberry bushes is:
- feeding plants;
- loosening of land on the plot;
- weed removal;
- regular watering with rare rainfall and dry weather.
The first feeding should be carried out 2 weeks after planting the introduction of nitrogenous fertilizers. The second time strawberry bushes need to be fed in the period of the appearance of peduncles - potash and phosphate compounds are used. The third time to feed the plants is recommended at the very beginning of fruiting - also potash and phosphate fertilizers are applied.
To loosen the land on the plot, as well as watering strawberries need almost daily. In this case, all weeds should be removed, as they can seriously affect the amount of the crop. It is necessary to loosen the soil to a depth of no more than 7-10 cm, so as not to damage the roots of plants. Regular weeding allows you to saturate the soil with oxygen and provides free access to the roots of plants.
For convenience and to save time, drip irrigation of plants can be equipped at the site. This will require some free time and a complete set of equipment. Ready-made irrigation system can be bought both in the market and in a specialized store. And to collect - no problem with their own hands, following the instructions.
Universal variety of strawberries Elvira can be grown both on an industrial scale and on a private summer cottage. Large-fruited strawberries have proven themselves in farms as well as on private plots., bringing great harvests of juicy and tasty berries. Unpretentious in cultivation, it is becoming more common in the territory of our country.