Among the large variety of varieties of berry culture Monterey strawberry is very popular, because it won the hearts of many gardeners with its unique ability to bear fruit until the fall with a good harvest, which is distinguished by its high taste. Description and characteristics of this variety are presented below.
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General information about the variety and its characteristics
Repairman variety Monterey was bred by American breeders at the University of California in 2001 when crossing a popular variety Albion with special selection Cal 97.85-6. Registered as a separate variety in 2009.
Biological description of Monterey strawberries
The bushes of the plant differ in their power and great growth power, therefore, when growing, they require more seating than other varieties. The bushes are decorated with a moderate amount of foliage, which has a bright green color with a beautiful sheen. Culture during the growing season can form up to 14 peduncleon which the harvest will be formed in the future.
The bush bears the fruits of the correct form, pointed to the end. Dark red large berries have a shiny, glossy surface. The average weight of each is about 30 grams, and with good care - 40 grams.
Monterey is considered to be a medium early variety. The beginning of flowering occurs in early May and lasts until frost. Monterey strawberry with proper care and favorable climatic conditions is characterized by high and high-quality yields. This variety of strawberry fruits in several stages - up to four harvests can be harvested per season.. The most delicious berries are observed in the second wave of fruiting. With each bush you can collect more than 500 grams of tasty and juicy berries.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Before you begin planting a variety, you need to examine its advantages and disadvantages. Monterey Strawberry has many advantages that distinguish it from all other types of culture.:
- berries are very sweet, practically melt in the mouth, although they possess strong hardness;
- the fruits do not lose their presentation and fine carry long shipments;
- when freezing do not lose shape and remain juicy and elastic;
- has a very good yield;
- with excessive or insufficient moisture does not lose juiciness and sweetness;
- strawberry is not particularly painful and tolerates adverse climatic conditions;
- does not give much mustachethat is quite convenient, since all the forces of the bush will be directed to the formation of the crop;
- are excellent choices like in production use, and for the home.
When choosing this variety, it is worth considering that it has several drawbacks.:
- it takes a lot of space for planting, the culture does not tolerate thickening and may die;
- in hot weather may blush early and do not have time to gain the necessary weight;
- average winter hardiness, therefore, requires shelter for the winter and early spring.
Cultivation techniques for growing
Strawberries should be planted in Monterey between July and September. How seedlings use shoots of mother bushes - antennae. Many people resort to seed reproduction, because the variety produces a small number of processes, since all nutrients are directed to the growth of berries.
Stepwise landing process
- Pre-two months before landing should rid the soil of weed crops and fertilizeas the high yield and activity of the variety requires a large number of nutrients.
- Make landing pitsexceeding the size of the plant root system. Optimum landing pattern 40 x 50 cm.
- Set the plant so that the roots do not bend and completely covered with soil. The length of the roots when planting should be no more 20 cm.
- Cover gently with primer, so that the growth point is not covered with soil, in order to avoid rotting of the root buds and carefully tamping;
- Upon completion of the landing process, pour and grind around the bushes, which will maximize the safety of nutrients and the required level of moisture.
Remonturnaya strawberry is grown not as usual. Therefore it is worth exploring all the rules and nuances when landing.
Complex care activities
After planting, you need to monitor soil moisture and the presence of weeds. Monterey Strawberry needs the following care arrangements.:
- Soil loosening. Such tillage activates biological processes and willto promote the entry into the soil of a sufficient amount of air, which is necessary for the growth and nutrition of the root system.
- Watering. The plant needs frequent and regular watering, especially in hot weather. Water contributes to the saturation of strawberry juice, which significantly improves the taste.
- Top dressing. The plant is responsive to good nutrition, which can serve as a mineral and organic supplements. Until such time as organic substances in sufficient quantities are synthesized in the plant, foliar enrichment with nutrients should be carried out. It is also necessary to carry out root dressings every month using liquid complex fertilizers for berries;
- Weeding. The soil should be regularly freed from weeds so that the growth of the bush does not linger, and the quality of the fruit does not suffer. If we neglect the weeding, then eventually you can get small berries;
- Sun protection. In the period when the sun shines too intensively, additional protection in the form of a cover with white agrofiber or mulching is required.straw soils;
- Fight against diseases and pests. The variety has good resistance to diseases and attacks of pests. Regular inspection of the beds for signs of disease and accumulation of parasites will help to quickly take appropriate measures in case of their detection.
- Shelter for the winter. The variety is not frost resistant, and severe cold can lead to problems with the development of plants and their yield. Therefore, the bushes should be prepared for the winter by covering them with organic mulch or spunbond.
Caring for Monterey strawberries is not difficult, but the quality of the crop and the number of fruits depend on it. In order to avoid problems with yield, you should adhere to all the rules of cultivation and do not neglect the tips.
Diseases and pests
Monterey strawberry is very resistant and copes with all diseases, except powdery mildew. In the case of this disease, there is a high probability of loss of the entire crop, so the decision must be taken immediately:
- tear off leaves and stalkswho were affected by the disease;
- neatly get rid of topsoilbecause the colonies of the mycelium fungus are exactly on the ground and, if not removed,then the disease will soon begin to progress again;
- take advantage of chemicalsby putting them on strawberries with a sprayer.
A dangerous pest of strawberries is a nematode. You can get rid of it only with the help of special chemicals. To protect the culture from the pest in order to prevent:
- before landing wash the ground with a solution from five tablespoons of salt dissolved in five liters of water;
- sanitize purchased seedlings special solutions;
- on just bloomed leaves apply some Bordeaux mixture;
- do not plant strawberry bushes next to potatoes, because these worms most often live on it;
- periodically fertilize with manurebecause such an environment is detrimental to worms.
Variety Monterey is perfect even for novice gardeners and will delight everyone with a wonderful taste to enjoy a natural product. If properly perform planting bushes and take good care of them, as a result, you can get a rich harvest of healthy and juicy berries.