Description and characteristics of Dukat strawberries, planting and care

Although Dukat strawberries were grown abroad back in 1980, the berry has taken root in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus and is still popular today. Polish breeders tried to create the best characteristics: winter hardiness, unpretentiousness, productivity, large fruit. The fruits taste of excellent quality. The dense structure of strawberries allows the product to be transported over long distances.

Description and characteristics of the Dukat variety

The early variety Dukat was created by Polish breeders. The bushes are vigorous, with large leaves. The flowers are male and female, on numerous peduncles. Strawberries can be grown in northern regions. The variety is frost resistant. Gardeners love ducat for its unpretentiousness.

With the right agronomic approach, up to 2 kilograms of berries are harvested from one bush. Large fruit size. Berry weight – 40-50 grams. The pulp is red, dense, juicy.

Pros and cons of strawberries

From the description of the Dukat garden strawberry, its positive characteristics are already visible:

• strawberries are resistant to gray rot disease;
• frost resistance;
• ease of care;
• high productivity;
• large fruit;
• early ripening;
• excellent taste;
• grows on any soil;
• reproduces quickly due to the large number of whiskers.

Disadvantages include instability to powdery mildew.

The nuances of growing garden strawberries

Taking certain measures when growing strawberries will ultimately yield good results. To do this, you need to choose the right time and place of planting, and purchase good seedlings.

Time and place

The Dukat variety can be grown on any soil, but the crop should not be planted on waterlogged or dry soils. The planting location is chosen to be sunny, without access to cold winds or drafts. Strawberries are planted in spring and autumn.

Planting material

When purchasing planting material, you should pay attention to the following factors:

• healthy seedlings. It is bred from mother plants in special laboratories;
• trusted manufacturer;
• certified nursery;
• on the bush, in addition to last year’s leaves, there are 3 new ones;
• healthy leaf color;
• horns of light green color, more than 7 millimeters thick;
• the length of the roots of the open system is at least 7 centimeters;
• the roots of the closed root system are visible through the cup.

Landing Features

Before any planting, the land is prepared. The only difference is that in the spring the soil is not prepared in advance; in the fall the procedure begins 2-3 weeks in advance.

Autumn

The soil for autumn planting is prepared several weeks in advance. They dig up the soil using a shovel, remove the weed, and apply fertilizer. If humus or compost is used, then one kilogram of fertilizer should be applied to each square meter.

Spring

It is impossible to name the exact timing of planting in the spring. The main thing is to fulfill the requirement: wait for settled weather, when the threat of night frosts has passed.

The site is prepared for planting: debris is removed, dug up, and loosened. Dry soil is moistened, waterlogged soil is dried. To do this, they dig grooves where the water goes.

Planting scheme

There are several ways to plant berries. It is preferable to plant Ducat strawberries in rows. The distance between bushes is 70 centimeters, in rows - 30. This scheme makes it possible to freely care for each bush.

The root collar is not buried during planting - this will cause rotting of the crop. The roots sticking out from above are also not left - the strawberries will dry out. The planting depth is maintained at 15 centimeters. The root system is carefully filled, leaving no air gaps. Then carry out abundant watering and mulching.

Rules for caring for crops

Strawberries respond well to watering and fertilizing. After irrigation, the crop is loosened and weeds are removed. Mulching makes maintenance easier: weeds don’t grow, you have to water less often, and it protects from freezing in winter.

Watering and fertilizing

During the first time after planting seedlings, special attention is paid to watering. Do not allow the soil to dry out, since the root system is close to the surface. In the autumn, 1 watering per week is enough, in the summer - 2-3 times. During fruiting, watering is replaced by sprinkling. Warm water is used for irrigation.

Garden strawberries of the Dukat variety need bait throughout the season. During autumn planting, the soil is fertilized with organic matter.

In the spring, during growth, it is useful to give mineral fertilizers containing more nitrogen than other components. During the period of ovary formation, berries require complex phosphorus-potassium supplements.

Loosening and weeding

After watering, when the soil becomes wet, it is loosened. The procedure helps improve breathability. The bushes are systematically cleared of the weed, as it provokes the entry of parasites into the crop and the development of diseases.

Mulching strawberries

To make caring for strawberries easier, mulching is carried out. The protective layer retains moisture, prevents weeds from appearing, and prevents diseases. The berries are collected without dirt. In spring, mulch is laid at the moment the berries form. After harvesting it is removed. They fill it up again in the fall. Bushes are being prepared for wintering.

Straw and hay are used as mulch. The hay is beaten well and shaken. Get rid of seed residues. Then they are soaked and laid out in the sun to dry. The beds are weeded, loosened and mulch 15 centimeters thick is laid. Film and agrofibre can be used as mulch.

Protection from diseases

The Dukat variety resists gray rot, but other diseases are inherent in it, for example, powdery mildew. The berries are covered with plaque.The bushes are treated with soda ash. For 5 liters of water – 25 grams of the component.

Pest Control

Among the pests, Dukat strawberries are attacked by nematodes. They resemble worms. They contaminate the soil. At the first stage it is difficult to notice them. When the disease is severe, symptoms appear on the leaves. They become covered with red spots and curl up into a tube. Bushes are pulled out and burned.

For preventive purposes, change the planting location every year. Before planting, the roots are immersed in hot water (45 degrees) for 15 minutes. Then leave in cold for half an hour. Marigolds are planted around strawberries to repel worms.

Strawberry propagation Dukat

Strawberries are grown in two ways: seeds, mustaches. The seed method is used to grow new varieties. Used mainly by breeders.

Gardeners propagate the Dukat variety with a mustache. Choose healthy bushes, 1-2 years. The first two tendrils from the mother plant are used. They are laid out between the rows and the rest are removed. By autumn, the rooted rosette is separated from the uterus and transplanted to a permanent place.

Harvesting and storing strawberries

Dukat strawberries are ripening together. Produces harvest in a short time - 2 weeks. Berries are collected every other day, directly into storage containers. Maximum three layers are poured into the boxes. The stalk is not torn off. This way the berry retains its aroma longer. Strawberries are not intended for long-term fresh storage.