Strawberries of the Stranger variety are a high-yielding crop that is relatively resistant to fungal infections. It is characterized by fairly large berries and powerful roots. The fruits have a beautiful regular shape. When ripe they turn dark burgundy. In order for a plant to produce a good harvest, it needs to be provided with quality care.
Description and characteristics of Strawberry Stranger
Strawberries of the Stranger variety are characterized by tall and dense bushes with a large number of dark green leaves. The plant is distinguished by many peduncles that grow above the level of the leaves, branch and form many ovaries.
During the first fruiting, it is possible to collect berries weighing 40-50 grams. Sometimes they reach 80 grams. The fruits are characterized by a fan-shaped shape. Subsequent strawberry fruits are smaller in size. At the same time, they acquire a cone-shaped shape with a flattened end.
Ripe fruits acquire a dark burgundy hue and a glossy surface. They are characterized by delicate sweet pulp with a pronounced strawberry aroma.
Pros and cons of the variety
The main advantages of the variety include the following:
- high productivity;
- disease resistance;
- large berries;
- excellent taste.
At the same time, strawberries also have some disadvantages:
- risk of disease due to improper care;
- the need to comply with agrotechnical requirements;
- gradual reduction in berry size.
Growing rules
Strawberry Stranger is considered a very productive and unpretentious variety. However, when growing it, it is important to follow a number of rules:
- The plant is resistant to diseases, including gray rot. However, for this you should adhere to the rules of agricultural technology.
- The crop needs to be watered and fertilized in a timely manner.
- Mulching the beds is of great importance.
- The stranger can withstand low temperatures well. Therefore, it does not need to be covered for the winter.
Further care of the crop
In order for the plant to develop normally and bear fruit abundantly, it needs to be provided with proper care.
Watering and fertilizers
The plant needs systematic watering.It is important to take into account that excess moisture leads to flooding of the roots and loss of yield.
It is recommended to moisten the beds after applying fertilizers, especially organic ones. Such products are best absorbed by moist soil and bring great benefits to the plant.
Strawberry Stranger needs additional fertilizer. At the end of the growing season, very little nutrients remain in the soil. At this time, it is recommended to apply different fertilizers. With proper feeding, strawberries will be able to absorb the required amount of substances and gain strength.
The plant tolerates rotted manure or compost best. It is also permissible to feed the plant with mineral preparations.
Mulching
In autumn and spring, strawberry beds need to be mulched. It is especially useful to do this at the stage of planting plant rosettes. To do this, the tendrils of the plant need to be bent to the ground, and sprinkled with earth mixed with peat on top. It can be replaced with high-quality humus.
When using mulch to protect bushes, it is recommended to distribute it evenly around the plant. It is permissible to cover the culture with film. However, she does not tolerate black material well. It is best to use a white transparent cover.
Pruning and shaping the bush
It is important to form bushes correctly. Many gardeners are sure that only old leaves need to be removed. However, the Stranger needs a different approach. When pruning and shaping, you need to leave only those leaves that you plan to subsequently root in the ground.The rest are removed, leaving a stem length of 7 centimeters.
Residues after processing berries should not be thrown on the beds. This will lead to damage to the bushes even before the beginning of the growing season and provoke crop loss. Cut foliage should be removed from the site and burned.
Tips for protecting yourself from diseases and pests
Although the strawberry variety is resistant to major diseases, it can suffer from some pathologies. The greatest danger is the second half of summer. The stranger is sensitive to heat. At this time, it may suffer from leaf rot or pest attacks.
To protect bushes from seasonal diseases, they need to be sprayed with copper-containing solutions. The most effective drugs include Nitrafen and Skor.
Sometimes strawberries suffer from pest attacks. The greatest danger to bushes are ticks and weevils. To cope with parasites, it is recommended to use “Aktara”, “Karbofos”, “Karate”.
Features of plant propagation
Strawberries are propagated by dividing the bush or by tendrils. This variety is characterized by moderate whisker formation. In the first year of planting, they may be completely absent. However, in the following years there will be enough of them for reproduction. The mustache clings well to the ground and quickly takes root.
When planting strawberries, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- the distance between the bushes is 40 centimeters;
- row spacing – 60 centimeters;
- arrangement of beds from north to south;
- flat surface of the bed or a slight slope to the south.
Harvesting and storage
Berries should be picked in dry and sunny weather. It is recommended to do this as carefully as possible so as not to damage the fruits. The shelf life of strawberries in the refrigerator does not exceed 1 week. If you need to increase this period, the berries should be frozen, dried or used for preparations.
Strawberry Stranger is a common garden crop that produces tasty fruits. To increase the productivity of a plant, it is important to provide it with quality care.
