Description and characteristics of the strawberry variety Vityaz, nuances of cultivation

Strawberries are used for preparing a variety of desserts, making jam, jam and compote for the winter, as well as for fresh consumption. Therefore, many gardeners plant such a healthy and tasty crop in their summer cottages. To get a good harvest, you need to choose the right variety so that it matches the climatic conditions of the growing area, and also know all the rules and nuances for caring for it. Having chosen the Vityaz variety of strawberries, you should definitely familiarize yourself with its features and immediately begin growing.

Historical reference

The variety was first bred at the Institute of Horticulture and Nursery Growing, which is located in the Kokinsky stronghold, by a group of scientists led by Doctor of Sciences S. D. Aitzhanova, who is a professor at the Bryansk Agricultural Academy. The material for selection was such strawberry varieties as Festival Chamomile and Surprise Olympiad.

The Vityaz strawberry was tested in 1998, and already in 1999 it was included in the State Register as a variety for cultivation in the central regions of the Russian Federation.

Characteristic

Strawberries of the Vityaz variety belong to medium-fruiting crops, so they can be harvested as early as the end of June. The culture is not remontant, universally used.

Appearance of bushes and berries

Strawberry bush of the Vityaz variety is of medium height, semi-spreading in shape. The branches of the plant have a large number of concave leaves of a bright green hue with a slight translucency. Small flowers are collected in compact inflorescences. Their number is about 9 pieces per bush.

The weight of the fruit can vary from 9 to 40 g. The berries have a round-conical shape, red-orange color. The seeds on the surface of the fruit are slightly depressed and yellow in color.

Taste qualities

The sugar content of strawberries is 9%, which is quite consistent with the average value. Acidity is 1.2%, which is proof that the fruit has a large amount of vitamin C (60 mg).The taste of the fruit is sweet with a characteristic sourness. The product is used fresh and for winter preparations.

The main advantages and disadvantages of the Vityaz variety

The advantages of the Vityaz strawberry variety, for which it is recommended for cultivation, are:

• high productivity, from 1 m² you can collect more than 1 kg of berries;
• excellent taste characteristics of the fruit;
• resistance to various fungal and infectious diseases;
• resistance to such a dangerous pest as the strawberry mite;
• good winter hardiness;
• excellent transportability, the crop does not lose its presentation due to the strength of the berries;
• a source of nutrients necessary for good health and vitality.

Among the disadvantages of the Vityaz strawberry variety, it is important to note that due to the small number of tendrils, the plant is practically incapable of independent vegetative propagation without appropriate agrotechnical techniques.

Rules for growing garden strawberries

Growing Vityaz strawberries is not particularly difficult, but it has its own characteristics compared to other varieties of garden strawberries. To get a high-quality harvest, you should carefully study the rules for planting this variety.

When to plant?

If you want to enjoy the berries next summer, you should resort to planting in the first month of spring or, in extreme cases, at the end of April. In southern latitudes, planting work can begin earlier. For complete rooting, the sprouts will need at least 30-50 days. It is better to prepare the soil for planting in spring in autumn.

Preparation of the site and planting material

You need to choose a place to plant Vityaz variety strawberries that is well-lit and protected from the wind, with neutral loamy soil.You cannot plant strawberries in an area where carrots, onions, parsley, and tulips previously grew. 2 months before planting, the bed where the crop is planned to be grown in the future must be enriched with complex fertilizers.

It is important to clean the planting material from contamination and remove dried roots by rinsing them in cold water, then soaking them in potassium permanganate and leaving for no more than 15 minutes.

Landing technology

To begin, dig small holes depending on the size of the root system of the seedlings. If the roots have an impressive length, it is recommended to shorten them to 6-8 cm. Place seedlings with an open root system in the holes so that the roots are freely placed and the heart is level with the soil.

Pull the sprouts with a closed root system out of the container, being careful not to destroy the integrity of the earthen lump, and place them in the hole, leaving the root collar on the surface.

Subtleties of caring for strawberries

In the first year after planting, try to create the most favorable conditions for the development of roots and the formation of new horns. To get a harvest of Vityaz strawberries, it is not enough just to plant correctly, but you also need to organize appropriate care for the crop.

Watering

The strawberry variety Vityaz needs regular watering. Each bush should get more than 0.5 liters of water, since the roots can go maximum 25 cm into the soil.

Lack of watering or meager doses of water will cause the absence of a large amount of harvest or lead to the complete death of the bushes.

Feeding

Additionally fertilize strawberries of the Vityaz variety during the period of ovary formation, flowering and fruiting. It is better to use special complex mineral fertilizers as fertilizing.

Loosening

This technique is recommended to be carried out about 8 times per season, the loosening depth should be 2 cm. The procedure will improve the structure of the soil, get rid of crust, weeds, retain moisture and destroy pests.

Mulching

Mulch strawberries of the Vityaz variety 2 times per season. The first procedure should be carried out in the spring, when fruit ovaries begin to form on the bushes. This will help prevent the flower stalks from coming into contact with the ground. Remove mulch after harvest or at the end of summer. The second procedure should be carried out in late autumn to protect the plant from freezing during the cold season. In the spring, when the bushes begin to grow, remove the mulch.

For this event, use materials such as straw, hay, sawdust, humus. The main rule is to properly fill the soil between the plants.

Wintering

Maximum strawberries of the Vityaz variety can survive frosts down to -8 degrees. Under a layer of snow, the plant can easily withstand lower temperatures, reaching -35. But in the complete absence of snow and a strong decrease in temperature, it is worth resorting to shelter.

The simplest technique is to mulch strawberry bushes using plant components. The optimal shelter for strawberries is pine needles. If you couldn’t find spruce branches, then use other suitable material - straw, compost, humus, dry leaves.

Protection from diseases and pests

According to the description, the Vityaz strawberry resists diseases characteristic of the crop. But it is recommended to protect the plant from verticillium wilt, late blight, fusarium, and gray rot through a number of measures.To do this, spray with special means throughout the growing season and follow the rules of care.

The plant can be attacked by slugs, larvae, nematodes and birds. To prevent the strawberry bed from becoming a center of insect accumulation, it is necessary to carry out protective operations in a timely manner. In spring and autumn, remove and burn old leaves. Also inspect the bushes, and if a problem is identified, resort to mechanical and chemical methods.

Varieties propagation methods

You can propagate Vityaz strawberries using tendrils, seeds, and also by dividing the bush.

The most common method is to use a mustache. After harvesting, the mustache needs to be straightened, and the rosette should be slightly deeper into the ground and sprinkled with soil so that the hearts are free. In September, transplant to a designated area.

The method of dividing the bush is used less frequently. To do this, select strong bushes that have more than one top with a rosette and dig them up. Then separate the sockets from each other. By correctly dividing the bush, you can get full-fledged plants that can please you with fruits in the first year.

When propagating from seeds, there is a possibility of getting bushes that will have small and tasteless fruits.

Harvesting and storing strawberries

It is best to harvest 2 days before full ripeness. Strawberries intended for storage are placed in a wooden box covered with a soft cloth. At low temperatures it can last for about 3 weeks, in room conditions no more than 24 hours.