Content
When choosing strawberry varieties for his plot, each gardener focuses, first of all, on the yield of the variety, the size of the fruits and the ripening time of the berries. High-yielding and large-fruited varieties are more popular. These indicators distinguish the "Roxana" strawberry variety. Description of the variety, photos and numerous reviews of summer residents indicate that this plant belongs to varieties that can be grown on an industrial scale.
Features of the variety
The Roxana strawberry was bred relatively recently, at the end of the last century. The originators of the variety are Italian breeders. It was first grown and tested in New Fruits' fields in the suburb of Cesena. The first seedlings of this plant went on the free sale only in 2001.
In Russia, it began to be grown only in the early 2000s. But even during this short period of time, summer residents managed to evaluate the yield and taste of the Roxana strawberry. What is so different about this variety, which has earned special recognition among gardeners in such a short period?
Strawberry "Roxana", a description of the variety, photos, reviews of gardeners indicate that this plant belongs to the universal varieties.
Plant characteristic
In accordance with the description, the “Roxana” strawberry belongs to the mid-late varieties in terms of ripening time. Strawberry bushes are compact, vigorous and powerful, erect, not spreading, with medium foliage.
Peduncles are rather long. However, the inflorescences are always located not above or below the level of the leaf plates.
In the first year of fruiting, only 1 or 2 flowers bloom on each inflorescence, which affects the size of the berries. They are much larger than in all subsequent periods of fruiting.
The formation is moderate, because most of the nutrients and forces are spent on the formation and ripening of fruits. A feature of the variety is the formation of well-developed rosettes.
A short description of Roxana berries is as follows:
-
Fruits are large enough, elongated, close to a regular cone in shape;
- Fruit weight depends on the age of the plant. In the first year, the berries are much larger and weigh 25-35 grams. In subsequent years, the number of berries on each bush increases, but the weight decreases slightly - to 20-22 grams;
- The color of the berries in strawberries is deep red or dark red. The shade depends on the observance of the rules of agricultural technology, the level of illumination of the beds and the whims of Mother Nature;
- The skin is smooth, with a glossy sheen and superficially located achenes;
- The strawberry pulp is of medium density, juicy, has a dessert taste and a pronounced strawberry aroma;
- The berries tolerate transportation well without losing their appearance and quality.
From the description of the "Roxana" strawberry variety, photos and reviews of gardeners, we can conclude that it is perfect not only for growing in a summer cottage, but also on farms for the purpose of sale.
Another distinctive feature of Roxana berries is their ability to retain their qualities and taste for a long time.If for some reason you do not have time to collect and process the ripe crop in time, do not worry. When ripe, strawberries can hang from the bushes for up to two weeks without losing their appearance, taste and aroma.
The main feature of Roxana strawberries, according to the description of the variety, photos and gardeners' reviews, is the tendency of the berries to change their traditional shape during the formation and growth process. Initially, the fruits have a regular conical shape, but during the period of active growth it bifurcates, forming small tubercles at the top of the berry.
Such transformations do not affect the taste of strawberries at all. It is this unusual look that attracts many gardeners.
An equally important feature of Roxana strawberries is a very high yield. Subject to the rules of agricultural technology, you can collect up to 1.2 - 1.5 kg of fragrant and juicy berries from one bush. The yield from one hundred square meters will be from 90 kg to 1 centner.
Strawberry fruits ripen massively, evenly. Gathering berries is not difficult due to the good availability. Since the “Roxana” strawberry, according to gardeners, belongs to the mid-late varieties, it is perfect for late harvest.
Many summer residents grow it in such a way that the peak of fruiting occurs in autumn. A decrease in ambient temperature and poor lighting does not affect the yield of the plant, the taste and appearance of the fragrant berries.
Sustainability
Considering that the homeland of this variety is sunny Italy, on the plains of which in winter the thermometer rarely drops below -10 ° C, when growing strawberries in Russia, difficulties may arise.
In the central and southern regions, there will be no particular difficulties in growing the "Roxana" strawberry variety. But in regions with a harsh climate, you need to be prepared for the fact that every autumn you will have to take care of a high-quality shelter of strawberries in order to protect them from freezing.
But wherever you live, it is impossible to predict what winter will be like. In any case, in winter it does not hurt to provide strawberries with additional shelter - cover the beds with snow. A natural blanket will help you preserve the bushes.
Strawberry "Roxana", in view of the description of the variety, photo, judging by the reviews, is highly resistant to the following diseases:
- Gray rot;
- Powdery mildew;
as well as most pests. However, the plant does not have a strong immunity to anthracnose. Therefore, preventive measures are simply necessary.
Growing rules
You can plant or transplant Roxana strawberries even in spring, even in autumn. The preferred time for planting seedlings is mid - late August. Young bushes will accept without problems, easily adapt to new climatic conditions, and next summer they will give a bountiful harvest of sweet and fragrant strawberries.
In spring, strawberries can be planted immediately after the snow melts and the earth warms up to a temperature of + 15˚C + 18˚C.
To plant Roxana strawberry seedlings, you should choose a sunny site. It is desirable that the growing beds are slightly raised. The soil should be loose, fertile, with low acidity. Light shading is acceptable for growing this variety.
The soil for planting strawberries must be prepared in advance. You need to apply fertilizers to the soil 2-3 weeks before planting. A berry plant grows well on soil fertilized with humus, humus, complex mineral dressings.
Planting seedlings
You need to plant strawberries in warm weather, in the late afternoon.If the weather is too hot, postpone the event for a couple of days, or take care of shading the young bushes for the first 2-3 days after planting.
Planting Roxana strawberries is very simple:
- On the prepared bed, make small holes 12-15 cm deep.The distance between the bushes should be 30 - 35 cm.
- In the planting hole, place the seedling strictly vertically and gently straighten all the roots.
- Gently sprinkle the roots with earth, level the hole.
- Water the strawberries only with warm water.
After planting, strawberry beds need to be watered in a timely manner with settled water as the top layer of the soil dries up.
Features of subsequent care
Strawberry "Roxana", judging by the reviews of experienced gardeners, does not require close attention and special care. She needs to be provided with routine care, consisting of traditional activities:
- Timely and correct watering;
- Spring pruning;
- Gentle loosening;
- Weeding;
- Correct feeding.
Prevention against diseases and pests
Despite the fact that the Roxana strawberry, according to the description of the variety, photos and reviews of gardeners, is highly resistant to many diseases and most insect pests, it is still worthwhile to carry out timely treatment for prevention. The first spraying can be done in early spring, when the air warms up to at least + 10˚C + 15˚C.
Before processing plants, you should read a few tips:
- Among a large number of biological products, Fitosporin and Phytocide are especially popular.
- To combat insect pests (the most common are: aphids, thrips, strawberry mites), strawberries are treated with insecticides. Aktellik and Aktofit have proven themselves excellently.
- With extreme caution, you should spray strawberries with Bordeaux liquid or other preparations that contain copper. They will protect strawberry bushes from many fungal diseases.
Possible reasons for the decline in yield
It is very sad, with the utmost effort and proper care, to receive only a few handfuls of berries instead of the promised bountiful harvests. There are several reasons for the sharp decline in the yield of Roxana strawberries:
- Thickened planting;
- Wrong and untimely watering;
- Fertilizer overdose;
- Ignoring such important rules of agricultural technology as weeding, loosening, pruning #;
- Untimely transplanting and planting of old bushes.
Judging by the description of the "Roxana" strawberry variety, reviews and photos, only when creating suitable conditions and following the rules of agricultural technology, you can count on getting a high yield.
Application area
Where can you apply fresh strawberries? Careful housewives will always find a use for them. In addition to eating fresh berries, fragrant strawberries are useful for:
- Preparation of summer compotes, fruit drinks and jelly;
- Preparation of milk drinks: yoghurts, cocktails, ice cream, smoothies;
- Winter preparations in the form of preserves and jams;
- In the culinary field: for baking pies, cakes, desserts, making dumplings;
- Drying;
- Frozen in whole and in crushed form;
- Preparation of liqueurs, liqueurs, liqueur and other strong drinks at home.
As you can see, the field of application of Roxana strawberries is quite wide. Few people will refuse hot tea with fresh berries on cold winter evenings.
A short description of the Roksana strawberry variety for industrial use will be presented to you by the author of the video
Conclusion
Description of the Roxana strawberry variety, photos and reviews of gardeners who grew it on their plots, and managed to compare the declared characteristics, indicate full compliance with the results. Unpretentious care, high yields and a wide range of applications are a good reason to plant this miracle of selection in your beds.
