Marshmallow belongs to one of the early varieties of strawberries. The variety was bred in Denmark, where it was first cultivated. Since the plant was grown in a country with a cool climate, Danish breeders adapted it to the harsh weather conditions.
An important criterion for the selection of marshmallow is frost resistance and winter resistance. In a snowless winter, the root system is able to withstand frost down to -7-8 ° C. With the presence of snow cover, the plant is able to survive the frosts down to -30-35 ° C. Marshmallow is resistant to dry weather. Cultivation is carried out on most of the temperate zone. The plant is grown in open ground, as well as in greenhouses.
Saplings give fruit in the first season of planting. Fruit ripening in the open ground occurs in the last week of May, and in greenhouses in early May. This variety is not remontant, so the plant needs to be transplanted every 3-4 years.
Table of contents
Characteristic berries
Let's start with the description. Strawberry marshmallows outwardly is a tall neat bush with slightly corrugated leaves. It has a lot of strong fruit stems and large crimson berries hanging from them. Fruits are ribbed, similar to a cone. The flesh of the fruit has a pleasant pink color with small light streaks. Berries do not contain voids. The fruits, though soft, but rather dense.
The average weight of one berry is from 30 to 50 grams. Quite often there are fruits weighing about 60 grams. A feature of marshmallow is believed that the fruits during the entire period of fruiting retain the same size.
Advantages and disadvantages
The following positive qualities are characteristic of strawberry marshmallows:
- fruiting occurs in the first year of planting;
- berries perfectly keep a shape, well are suitable for a freezing;
- increased resistance to diseases, pests;
- adapted to severe frosts, as well as to different weather conditions.
Negative qualities include:
- the formation of a large number of whiskers;
- in taste is inferior to other varieties;
- needs additional pollination of flowers.
Sort marshmallow is considered universal. Unpretentious plant capable of producing high yields. Marshmallows are often grown in farms for sale. Berries withstand long trips, while maintaining a presentable appearance.
Planting seedlings
Landing is carried out in the spring - in April or at the end of the summer. For planting it is best to use rooted seedlings with 3-5 leaves on a bush. Landing is carried out in the ground by the method of transshipment.
For planting suitable soil, where previously grew cabbage, carrots or zucchini. Place on the site should be sunny, a little with penumbra. The plant is desirable to protect from drafts. For planting digging holes with a diameter of 25-30 cm. Keep the length between the bushes - 45-50 cm.In the hole is placed compost, ash, peat. To scare pests, you can add needles to the mulch. It will also give the fruit a pleasant aroma.
Growing and caring for strawberries marshmallows
Irrigate regularly. In the period of growth delivered, and watering buds increase. It is undesirable to get water on the leaves and berries, because over time, diseases can appear.
To improve soil aeration, it is advisable to loosen after irrigation or rain. For example, during constant rains, the growth of the plant stops. This is due to the lack of oxygen in the soil.
Loosening can be replaced by mulching. Emerging weeds, along with sawdust, peat, pine needles, humus or straw mulch closer to the root system.
During the whole summer season, molding and pruning are carried out. Cut off the leaves and extra mustache.
An important condition for obtaining a good harvest is the enrichment of the soil with fertilizers. During periods of ovary and fruiting, fertilizing is carried out 2 times a month with mineral fertilizers, which include potassium salt and phosphate. Once a year, the soil is enriched with peat with the addition of humus. A quality dressing also serves as a solution of manure or bird droppings.
After the fruiting period, the plant requires constant care. After all, it is at this time that the next year's harvest is being laid. Up to the very cold, strawberry bushes need watering, loosening and mulching of the soil, top dressing, as well as pruning. Thanks to proper care, the plant provides not only a high yield, but also is able to withstand the harsh winter. Before the onset of cold weather, the bushes are covered with fallen leaves, covering it with spruce branches from above.
Breeding methods
To increase the area of strawberry marshmallow in several ways. Reproduction is carried out by dividing the bush, rooting young rosettes, as well as planting seeds.
Propagating strawberries by dividing the bushes, seedlings take root quickly. But, when thinning the bushes, the yield is not as high.
Plant reproduction with a mustache is the most effective way. This is due to the peculiarity of this variety, which is characterized by many-sidedness. In conditions of well-moistened soil, sockets quickly root and take root.
In this case, the fruiting will be more.
Less commonly used seed method. Seeds of marshmallow are characterized by tight germination, besides it is rarely possible to preserve the maternal qualities of this variety.
Marshmallow Features
A few distinguishing features of this strawberry variety are:
- each bush is able to release up to 10-15, and sometimes up to 20 whiskers. Each mustache can have up to 6-8 outlets;
- bushes are transplanted every 4 years;
- landing on a sunny place, mostly without drafts;
- the mass of one berry can reach 50-60 grams, from one bush it is possible to gather up to 1 kg of fruits.
When planting seedlings, it is necessary to take into account the characteristic features of the plant.After all, the quality of future harvests depends on these conditions!
Diseases and pests
Marshmallow is characterized by resistance to diseases and pests. However, it is not necessary to wait for the disease. It is necessary to carry out preventive measures in advance. Before the flowering period, the bushes are treated with karbofos, karate or Intavir. These drugs can destroy nematodes, weevil, transparent mite, slugs. With the onset of autumn, strawberries are sprayed with a solution based on vinegar, ash or chemicals.
Sort marshmallow has many positive qualities. And with good care, the plant will provide you with high yield. In addition, beautiful selected fruits will not only please the eye, but also enrich your body with vitamins and beneficial elements.