Description and characteristics of the Kimberly strawberry variety, cultivation and propagation

When cultivating Kimberly strawberries, you can enjoy healthy, tasty berries quite early, since the variety is classified as an early ripening variety. The plant is unpretentious and resistant to powdery mildew. To obtain a high-quality harvest, it is necessary to observe a number of nuances and requirements during propagation and planting. Thanks to the dense fruits, the berry can be stored for several days, and it tolerates transportation well.

Description and characteristics of a popular variety

Vima Kimberly is a strawberry hybrid. The bushes of the plant are strong, squat, powerful. The leaf blades are round in shape with a pleasant oily color. Inflorescences are located at the level of leaf blades or below. The mustache grows slowly; for high-quality fruiting, it is removed as it grows.

Berries

The berries are quite large, up to 50 g, cone-shaped. They have a bright red hue and a characteristic shine. A berry with a rich, bright taste, reminiscent of caramel, with a pleasant aroma. The fruits have a large amount of sugars, but the taste is not cloying. It is quite easy to transport, the berries do not become soft, do not crack, and do not have voids inside.

Productivity

The yield per bush with proper care is up to 2 kg. Strawberries will yield a good harvest if the bed is hidden from the north wind.

Sustainability

The plant is resistant to common diseases and tolerates drops in temperature and mild frost. Affected by brown spot.

Origin and region of cultivation

This variety of Dutch selection is recognized as early. Obtained by crossing Gorella and Chandler varieties. This plant will be ideal for cultivation in continental latitudes. It is worth considering that the plant can freeze in a frosty winter; therefore, in the northern regions it needs to be covered.

Advantages and disadvantages

The positive features of this strawberry include:

• drought resistance;
• frost resistance;
• early ripeness;
• increased productivity;
• large fruits;
• immunity to powdery mildew;
• Despite the excessive soil moisture, the berries do not become watery.

Minuses:

• the bush requires sufficient lighting;
• the amount of harvest and the size of berries are reduced under the influence of unfavorable weather factors;
• the plant is affected by brown spot and harmful insects;
• only the first fruits of the season are large, after which they gradually become smaller;
• When cultivating bushes in a greenhouse, taste indicators drop.

The nuances of planting and propagating Kimberly strawberries

Each plant variety has its own cultivation characteristics. Kimberly has the following nuances:

1. Bushes are planted in the first days of spring or at the beginning of autumn. When planted in spring, strawberries take root well, but you should not expect a harvest. Planting before winter should not be delayed; the optimal time is September, the plant should take root.
2. The bushes need to be planted on a level area. It is not recommended to plant in lowlands; the roots will be affected by rot.
3. If it is planted on southern slopes, it may die. The water drains quickly and the plant will be deprived of sufficient moisture. Kimberly needs moist soil.
4. The plant requires regular watering, especially in dry climates.
5. For the first 7-10 days after planting, strawberries need daily watering.
6. The soil must be cleared of weeds before planting.
7. The bushes are small, the optimal distance between them is 0.25-0.3 m.
8. Sandy and loamy substrate is suitable.
9. The bed must be prepared a week before planting the strawberries: dig up, remove weeds, apply fertilizer (humus, urea, sand).

How to plant seeds

Seed material for germinating strawberries must be purchased from a trusted manufacturer in special stores or prepared independently.

To obtain good seed material:

1. Choose a large, healthy berry.
2. Cut off a thin layer of skin with a sharp knife, place it on a paper sheet and let it dry.
3. Before sowing, soak for a day in warm water.
4. Prepare loose soil from soil, peat and sand. Fill the planting container with it.
5. For germination, it is important to do stratification - to imitate winter conditions. To do this, sprinkle the ground with snow, then lay out the seeds. You should not cover it with a layer of soil; the snow will melt and pull the seeds into the soil.
6. Cover the container with a transparent lid and refrigerate.
7. After 2 weeks, place the container in a warm place.
8. It is necessary to moisten the soil as it dries.
9. When the plant has two true leaves, remove the lid.
10. Pick the plants.
11. Plant young bushes in the ground when there is no fear of repeated frosts.

How to plant a mustache

This method of reproduction is considered the most effective:

1. Attach a well-developed rosette, the first to the mother bush, to the soil. Remove the remaining part of the tendril. It is recommended to use only the first socket.
2. By the end of summer, the rosettes will take root and become stronger. They must be separated from the main bush, and the tendril must be cut off with scissors if it has not rotted.
3. Remove the sockets with a lump of earth. Replant to a new location.

How to propagate by dividing the bush?

Suitable for all varieties, especially those that do not form whiskers or produce them in small quantities.

Necessary:

• dig up a four-year-old bush;
• remove dying and dry leaves;
• shake off the soil;
• place in a container with water;
• carefully divide the bush;
• if the horn turns out to be double (two on one root), it needs to be cut in half;
• cut off old, dry roots of the plant;
• remove flower stalks;
• plant in pots and keep in greenhouse conditions for 3 to 6 weeks;
• plant in prepared soil.

Rules for caring for strawberries

Following the rules of care, watering, fertilizing, and removing tendrils will help increase the yield of strawberries.

Watering, weeding and loosening the soil

The variety is quite resistant to drought. But this does not mean that it does not need constant and abundant watering. The plant will tolerate lack of moisture for 2-3 days. Watering is carried out in dry weather every two days; the bush needs from 3 to 5 liters.

After watering, it is important to loosen the soil and remove weeds. It is recommended to mulch the soil. Drip irrigation is considered an effective method of moisturizing.

Fertilizer application

The plant requires a large amount of nitrogen during the initial stages of growth and organic components during fruiting. During the season, the plant must be provided with three feedings. Use mullein infusion or chicken droppings. Mineral supplements are important:

1. In spring: urea and ash.
2. Before flowering: in addition to organic fertilizers, “Agricola” or “Ovary” are used.
3. After fruiting: superphosphate or nitrophoska. Distribute the preparation over the beds and loosen.

The role of mulch

A method of agricultural technology that makes work easier and prevents the development of diseases. It consists of covering the surface of the soil under the bushes with organic and inorganic materials. This will protect the soil from the adverse effects of the environment, increase the reproduction of beneficial organisms, worms, which, in tandem with organic acids, create fertile soil. Mulch prevents the development of weeds and protects roots from drying out, frost, and overheating.

Pruning strawberries

Bushes left without pruning grow quickly, which creates favorable conditions for insects and the development of diseases. At the same time, the berries become smaller and their number decreases.The antennae pull most of the nutritional components onto themselves. They should be left only for seedlings; the rest should be removed.

Rules for pruning bushes:

• carried out in dry weather;
• morning or evening time;
• Do not tear off the shoots, but cut them so as not to injure the bush;
• cut not under the place of growth, but at a distance of 5-10 cm from it.

Preparing for winter

After harvesting, the plants are prepared for wintering. Leaves and tendrils must be removed. Before frost sets in, clear the bushes, leaving only the stems. Treat cut areas on the plant with a fungicide.

When cold weather sets in, the bushes must be covered. Spruce branches are ideal. This will help keep the snow out.

How to protect berries from diseases and pests?

This variety has good immunity to powdery mildew. But it is affected by brown spot. Bushes can be attacked by: weevils, spider mites, and nematodes.

To prevent disease or damage by harmful insects, it is recommended to treat plants with a solution of garlic infusion for preventive purposes.

In case of diseases or insect infestation, it is recommended:

1. Brown spot: before the formation of buds and after removing the fruits, treat the bushes with “Topaz” or Bordeaux mixture.
2. Strawberry mite: spray the bush and soil with “Fitoverm” or “Aktofit” before the fruits appear and after they are collected.
3. Weevil: treat with a decoction of tobacco dust, red pepper, mixed with a soap solution.
4. Strawberry nematode: impossible to destroy. Remove bushes with roots and burn. Do not plant strawberries in this place for about 5-7 years.

Collection and storage of strawberries

Since the fruit pulp is dense, they can be transported over long distances. When preparing strawberries for transportation, it is necessary to pick the berries slightly unripe, with a light end. The collection is carried out together with part of the peduncle. This will keep it looking beautiful for several days. It is recommended to store at a temperature no higher than +5 ^OWITH.