Description and characteristics of Murano variety strawberries, cultivation and propagation

Almost every dacha plot grows garden strawberries. A wide variety of varieties allows you to enjoy delicious berries in any corner of the country. Many breeders are trying to adapt foreign species to the harsh Russian climate. The most popular of these types was the Murano variety of strawberries. It tolerates the cool climate of most regions of Russia well and pleases with a rich harvest.

Description and characteristics of Murano strawberries

The species appeared thanks to the painstaking work of Italian breeders in 2004. For breeding, they used varieties that were not patented. The basis for Murano was the berries with the number names R6R1-26 and A030-12. After this, the plant was tested in different climatic conditions. In 2012, Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti received a patent for the variety.

Murano is perfect for growing in various conditions:

• on open land;
• indoors;
• when using hydroponic systems.

The remontant variety has compact plants. They are distinguished by medium growth, the height does not exceed 30 cm. The diameter of an erect bush varies from 45 to 50 cm. Large leaves have a rich green tint, their number is small. Murano reproduces by 2-3 tendrils, which take root well on their own.

The plant has large peduncles on which powerful buds develop, located slightly above the rosette. White flowers have 5-6 petals. The diameter of one bud reaches 3.7 cm. The period from the beginning of flowering to harvest takes no more than one month.

The berries of the variety are distinguished by their regular shape, resembling a slightly elongated cone. The skin is smooth and shiny, with a bright red hue. The pulp is characterized by juiciness, density and meatiness. Murano has a pronounced aroma. The weight of one fruit is 20-25 grams. In some cases, representatives weighing more than 35 g are found.

One bush can produce up to 1.1 kg of strawberries in one season. By the end of the growing season, the berries become smaller, but do not lose their taste. The fruits tolerate transportation well, which is why they are in demand among gardeners.

Pros and cons of the variety

Like other representatives of garden strawberries, the Murano variety has its advantages and disadvantages. These characteristics are presented in the table.

As shown in the table, Murano has a sufficient number of positive aspects. That is why the variety is so loved by foreign and domestic gardeners. The main disadvantage is the difficulty of propagation by whiskers and, as a result, the high cost of planting material.

Subtleties of growing crops

Breeders have stated that most modern varieties are unpretentious in care. But it is still necessary to fulfill simple agronomic requirements when planting and growing berries. After all, the development and productivity of plants depends on these rules. The Murano variety also needs attention.

Choosing the right seedlings

Planting strawberries will require some diligence. The first step is to choose suitable sprouts. The cost of future bushes is also taken into account. The variety has a high price, so it is important to inspect the seedlings before purchasing. It’s good if you have the opportunity to get young plants directly from the garden.But most often the bushes are sold in specialized stores or nurseries.

To choose a good strawberry sprout, follow two rules:

1. The root system is developed and flexible. The length of the roots is at least 7 cm, thickness - up to 8 mm.
2. A robust bush has more than three green leaves.

Disembarkation time

Experienced summer residents have noted that the best time to plant strawberry bushes is at the end of summer and beginning of autumn. This way the plant will take root better and undergo the hardening process during winter frosts. To speed up the harvest, bushes are planted in the spring. To protect against possible April frosts, plants are covered with agrofibre.

Landing place

For Murano strawberries, soils with a neutral acidity level are chosen. Berries should not be planted in acidic or swampy areas. It is also important to monitor the groundwater level. They should be more than 1.5 meters from the roots of the plants. This condition ensures abundant fruiting and healthy plants. Strawberries are planted at higher elevations.

Planting process

Compact bushes are placed closer to each other than conventional varieties. The standard planting pattern for garden strawberries is 50 x 50 cm. For Murano, gardeners use a planting pattern of 30 x 30 cm, and in some cases 25 x 25 cm. The variety is perfect for beginning agronomists because it is undemanding in care.

When planting berries, it is important to take into account predecessors and the proximity of crops. Horseradish, sunflowers, buttercups, raspberries, and vegetables of the nightshade family would be bad bed companions for strawberries. Excellent predecessors will be dill, parsley, radishes, beans, legumes and garlic. It is also important to give the beds a break from strawberry plantings for 5 years.

Caring for Murano strawberries

The plant should not be abandoned after planting.Like any other crop, it will need watering, fertilizing, weeding, and mulching. When leaving bushes to winter in open ground, care should be taken to mulch and cover them. Proper care will provide the plant with strong immunity and high yield.

Watering

Breeders of the Murano variety claim that these berries are heat-resistant. But this does not mean that they do not need regular watering. A good solution is to provide drip watering to the plants. The frequency of watering should be at least once a week. In dry summers, the frequency of irrigation is increased up to 3 times. Mulching the roots and creating shade will also help withstand the heat.

Fertilizer

To improve plant health, it is worth applying fertilizers on time. Such events are held several times a season. It should be noted that strawberries need both root and foliar feeding. In early spring, nitrogen compounds are added to the plants.

After the first flower stalks appear, the leaves are provided with a sufficient amount of potassium, phosphorus, manganese and iron. This composition is re-fed after 3-4 weeks. As a pre-winter preparation, the plant is fed with mineral complexes based on potassium and phosphorus. Nitrogen fertilizers reduce resistance to winter cold, so they should not be applied in the fall.

Weeding and loosening

If the bushes were planted in open ground and not under spunbond, weeding and loosening will become mandatory maintenance measures. Strawberry bushes do not tolerate proximity to weeds. The berries will become small and unsweetened. Therefore, at least 6-8 weedings are carried out per season.

Loosening allows the roots to be saturated with oxygen, which has a beneficial effect on plant development.Tillage is carried out around the bushes to a depth of up to 4 cm and between the beds - up to 10 cm. This activity is also combined with the application of fertilizers. You should not carry out these procedures during flowering so that pollen does not fall off from the flowers.

Mulching

This action helps reduce the number of weedings. Mulching also maintains the fertile properties of strawberries. The optimal period for the procedure is the appearance of the first flowers. This is explained by the fact that in early spring the soil should warm up well.

Mulching keeps the soil moist longer and slows down the growth of weeds. The material used is pine needles, straw, hay, sawdust, fallen leaves or peat.

Wintering

After fruiting, the strawberries are prepared for the winter. Cut off the leaves and tendrils, leaving no more than 10 cm of the stem. Before the first snow falls, the plant will have time to grow several leaves.

The next step is treatment with chemicals that protect against pests and diseases. After this, potassium-phosphorus fertilizer is applied and mulched. Peat is suitable as winter mulch. Before the onset of cold weather, water the plant so that the roots have enough moisture. In cold regions, a shelter is created from pine branches or stretched spunbond.

Diseases, pests and prevention

The crop is susceptible to diseases and pests. Murano strawberries are no exception. There is no universal remedy against unfavorable cases. Therefore, only a complex of chemicals will help the gardener.

Colloidal sulfur is used against powdery mildew. It also fights spider mites. Bordeaux mixture and iron sulfate will get rid of rot and spotting. Copper sulfate has proven itself against fungal spores.Among folk remedies, iodine-milk solution, garlic and onion tincture, ash or mustard powder are used.

Plant propagation

Strawberry bushes reproduce in several ways:

• dropping a mustache;
• separation of the daughter bush from the mother bush;
• seeds.

A small number of tendrils in the Murano variety requires timely rooting. To do this, you need to sprinkle the shoot with soil in the garden bed or place it in a cup. The latter method facilitates the process of separation from the mother bush.

The bush itself grows well and forms young rosettes. After fruiting, the strawberries are divided and propagated into separate bushes. Using seeds is a difficult way to propagate a variety. He is meticulous in caring for small sprouts.

Cleaning and storage

Harvesting takes place a couple of days before true ripeness. This helps keep the strawberries fresh for several days. The berries are removed from the bush along with a small tail. Otherwise, the fruits will quickly deteriorate. It is better to carry out this procedure after the morning dew disappears or before sunset.

Store the harvest in wooden or plastic boxes. The bottom is covered with soft cloth or paper. The berries are placed in one layer, after which they are cooled at a temperature of 0 - +2. The berries are frozen or canned.

Murano strawberries have a good description of the variety, which is true. The berries are large and fragrant. The bushes are compact, which allows you to place more plants in a small area. The variety is easy to care for and tolerates short daylight hours and cold climates.