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

The remontant strawberry variety Irma has characteristics that allow it to be grown in any region. To obtain a harvest, complex care methods are not required; the crop is quickly absorbed in a new growth location and allows you to get berries in the first year after planting in the ground.

Description of the variety Irma

The variety was bred by Italian breeders; it appeared in our area relatively recently. It belongs to the mid-early crops; fruiting begins in mid-June. The harvest can be harvested throughout the summer.

Fruit

The berries have a sweet taste without any tartness. The fruits are dessert fruits and do not contain a large amount of calories, which makes it possible to distinguish the berry as a dietary one. The fruit is large, weighing up to 20 grams, cone-shaped and bright red in color. The skin is dense, suitable for transporting and storing the crop for a long time. The berry aroma is moderate.

Bushes

Strawberry remontant Irma has some distinctive features and the following description:

• bush of medium power, erect type;
• the roots of the culture are developed, the leaves are dark green;
• large strawberry leaves;
• tall peduncles;
• The flowers are white with a yellow core.

The plant tolerates transplantation well and is immune to many diseases.

Characteristics of strawberries

The remontant strawberry variety has the following characteristics:

• the plant does not produce a large number of tendrils and is of the erect type, which makes the harvesting process comfortable;
• Harvesting takes place throughout the summer;
• in mid-summer the taste of the berries intensifies;
• from one bush you can get up to 1 kg of berries;
• the greatest yield can be obtained from a two-year-old plant;
• the berries contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals, including zinc, iodine and vitamin C;
• in mid-August you can get the largest harvest; in the next month the ripening of berries decreases.

The plant does not require complex care and bears fruit in almost any conditions.

Positive and negative aspects of culture

Culture has the following positive and negative qualities:

The culture has a large number of advantages, which is why strawberries are grown in many regions.

Nuances of cultivation

To obtain a harvest, it is very important to follow the rules of growing the crop. And also promptly treat the bushes from possible pests.

Selecting a planting site and optimizing the soil

The planting site should be sunny, level, without hills, and there should be a sufficient amount of moisture in the soil.

Strawberries cannot tolerate nearby trees and bushes such as raspberries and currants.

The soil must meet the following criteria:

• moderate acidity;
• part of the fertile soil layer should consist of humus;
• Before planting, the soil must be dug up and fertilized using superphosphates.

When choosing a place for planting, it is necessary to give preference to beds where legumes, onions, and garlic were previously grown.

Preparation of planting material

When choosing planting material, the following features must be taken into account:

• for propagation, a mother bush is used, on which all inflorescences and fruits are removed;
• the socket must have 3 leaves;
• the bud must be pink in color and measure more than 20 mm;
• The roots of the seedling should be light in color, without compaction or damage.

If the crop is grown using seeds, the container for seedlings must be prepared in early February. Soil is placed in the container and watered abundantly. The seeds are planted in containers and covered with plastic wrap. When seedlings appear, it is necessary to open the greenhouse for half an hour every day, gradually increasing the time for hardening the seedlings. After 3-5 leaves are formed, the seedlings can be planted in open ground.

Planting scheme

To plant strawberries in the ground, you must follow the following algorithm:

• The prepared planting site is fluffed up and all roots are removed.
• Holes are made measuring 20 cm wide and 15 cm deep.
• The seedling is placed in the hole, while the roots are spread throughout the entire depth. The plant is buried in soil and lightly compacted. The top bud remains above the ground.
• The holes are watered abundantly with water and mulched on top with sawdust.

The first inflorescences on the seedlings are removed. The distance between the bushes should be at least 30-40 cm. A distance of 60 cm is maintained between the rows.

How to properly care for strawberries

Strawberry Irma tolerates various weather conditions well, however, like any type of crop, it requires proper care.

Soil and fertilizers

To obtain a harvest in large volumes, it is necessary to take care of timely application of fertilizers. The soil must be loosened regularly to supply the required amount of oxygen. Weeds must be removed manually, this will reduce the risk of damage to the roots.

Fertilizers must be used regularly:

• Add wood ash.The substance is mixed with water and the beds are watered; this method of fertilization will saturate the soil with the necessary components and prevent the appearance of pests.
• Before the formation of ovaries, you can use a solution of mullein. To do this, you need to mix 1 kg of the substance in 10 liters of water.
• When the ovary appears, it is necessary to treat each bush with nitrogen fertilizer.

Superphosphate can be used, which is added once a month during the irrigation process.

Watering and humidity

The strawberry variety Irma requires moderate humidity. In soil that contains a large amount of moisture, the roots of the plant quickly undergo a rotting process. However, in the absence of moisture, the yield will be low, and the berries themselves will decrease in size. Watering the plant should be done once every 2-3 days in the evening. It is recommended to fluff up the soil before irrigation. In hot weather, it is recommended to use drip irrigation, which will maintain the required level of soil moisture.

Important. In rainy weather, the berries often crack and lose their presentation, but this does not affect the taste, and such berries can be used as food.

Mulching

Sawdust mixed with peat can be used for mulching. This mixture will retain moisture and reduce the formation of weeds. The mulch layer is renewed every 2 weeks, this will reduce the risk of diseases and pests. Also, during the mulching process, brown leaves and damaged shoots are removed.

Relation to temperature

Strawberries tolerate low temperatures, however, in areas with severe frosts and lack of snow, it is necessary to cover the plant with an additional layer of mulch made from humus and sawdust.

Pests, diseases and prevention

The gardener must be aware of possible crop diseases and take the necessary measures in a timely manner.

Strawberries are susceptible to the following diseases:

• Powdery mildew - manifests itself in the form of white spots on leaves and shoots. The drugs “Baktofit” and “Farmayod” are used. The plant is sprayed every 10 days.
• Rot - affects berries that become covered with a gray coating. Unripe fruits become watery. The drugs Fitosporin and Alirin are used for treatment. Solutions are sprayed onto the bushes immediately after the color falls.
• Mold - appears in the area where the roots are located. To eliminate it, it is necessary to thoroughly loosen the soil and treat it with Trichodermin.

Among the pests it is necessary to note:

• Aphids, which infect leaves and young shoots and lead to the death of the plant. To eliminate the pest, a soap solution is used.
• Whitefly - can be seen on the back of the leaves. To eliminate the pest, you must use “Aktara” or “Aktellik”. Diluted according to instructions.

To reduce the risk of diseases, it is necessary to regularly inspect the bushes for damaged leaves. Damaged areas of the bush are removed.

Reproduction

The Irma variety reproduces in several ways:

• With the help of a mustache. It is necessary to select bushes that will act as mother bushes. The tendrils from the bushes are fixed in the soil, after which they take root. The formed rosettes are used as planting material.
• Seeds. To obtain seeds, take a ripe berry and use a fork to turn it into a paste. The pulp is left to dry. After which the mixture is washed and the resulting seeds are dried.

Propagation by means of whiskers is often used, since planting in this way allows you to harvest the crop in the first year after planting.

Possible difficulties during cultivation

Strawberries quickly adapt to a new place after planting; proper care allows you to get a harvest. However, unforeseen situations may arise, which include:

1. When grown in one place, the berries become small. In such a situation, it is necessary to replant the crop.
2. The bushes bloom profusely, but there are no berries. This means there is not enough pollination. The plant must be sprayed with anise oil, this will attract bees.

With regular care and timely application of fertilizers, difficulties in growing crops do not arise.

Cleaning and storage rules for strawberries

The first harvest appears in mid-June. Berries must be collected every 2-3 days, otherwise new ovaries will not form. The collected berries are placed in a wooden box in a thin layer. The harvested crop should not be stored in bags or plastic containers. Picked berries can be stored in a cool place for up to 5 days.

Harvesting can be done before the first frost. If there are unripe fruits, you need to cover the bushes with film to prevent damage to the crop by low temperatures.

Strawberries are many people's favorite berry. Proper care allows you to grow the Irma variety without difficulty and harvest throughout the summer. The berries are used for winter preparations, and also as a fresh dessert.