Description and characteristics of the Pineberry strawberry variety, cultivation and care

The unusual color and pronounced pineapple taste of Pineberry strawberries has won the attention of gardening enthusiasts. The hybrid was bred by breeder Hans de Jonge from the Netherlands; its parent pair were Virginia and Chilean strawberries. To grow this interesting plant and get a rich harvest, you need to become more familiar with its strengths and weaknesses, as well as the intricacies of planting and care.

General information

Pineberry strawberries belong to the remontant varieties of the crop; they can grow in one place for 5 years without replanting. Harvesting takes place from May to July. Productivity indicators per season reach 1 kilogram per 1 square meter, provided they are grown in greenhouse complexes. The height of the bush is 20-30 cm.

The berries are distinguished by their white color, the pulp is also creamy and small in size (2.5 centimeters in diameter). Pineberry strawberry grains attract attention - they are red in color, which indicates that the fruit has reached consumer ripeness. Not only the taste characteristics of this hybrid are at a high level, but also the marketability.

Pineberry strawberries have other names - White Dream, Pineapple, White Pineapple.

Remontant garden strawberries produce only female flowers, which requires cross-pollination. Other varieties should be planted nearby so that the Pineberry harvest is not only qualitative, but also quantitative.

Main pros and cons

Among the positive characteristics of Pineberry strawberries, experienced gardeners highlight:

• increased immunity to major diseases;
• ripe fruits do not attract feathered guests;
• does not cause difficulties during cultivation;
• excellent taste and aroma;
• hypoallergenic (does not contain Fra a1 protein);
• frost resistance (up to -25 degrees);
• universal purpose of berries (for fresh consumption, as raw materials for winter preparations);
• prospects (suitable for a home business cultivating exclusive garden strawberries).

Among the disadvantages of Pineberry strawberries they note:

• the crop is afraid of transportation over long distances;
• does not tolerate excessive humidity, fruits begin to rot during periods of prolonged rains, if watering is not organized correctly;
• relatively small berries.

Despite some shortcomings, Pineberry strawberries still hold a leading position in the category of the most unique varieties of garden strawberries.

The nuances of growing Pineberry strawberries

A competent approach to planting strawberries with white berries increases the chances of a bountiful harvest during the season.

Where and when to plant

Since Pineberry strawberries are a heat-loving plant, it is recommended to choose glades for planting that are slightly shaded, but well warmed by the sun’s rays, protected from draft winds and with a shallow groundwater table (from 60 centimeters). If planted in open sunny areas, the fruits will have a pinkish tint. As an option, you can make shading from agrofibre over the berry plantation.

Planting work is carried out either in the spring, when the threat of return frosts has passed, or in the fall (mid-August to mid-September). Soil preparation for autumn planting is carried out 15-20 days before the planting date, and for spring planting - in the fall.

Selection of seedlings

Before purchasing planting material, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the leaf plates. They should be bright green, not stretched, without signs of damage or disease. The optimal length of the root system is 7 centimeters. The roots of the Pineberry strawberries should completely encircle the entire earthen coma.

Planting process

Pineberry strawberries can be planted in rows, maintaining a distance of 70-80 centimeters between them, and 20-25 centimeters between plants. But it is better to use the square-cluster planting method, with which the berries grow larger.Such nests are formed at a distance of 50 centimeters from each other, 3 seedlings are placed in each, maintaining an interval of 9-10 centimeters between them.

The soil for planting Pineberry strawberries is prepared in advance by adding organic composition (5 kilograms) and mineral mixtures (40 grams) per 1 square meter. The optimal acidity of the soil on the site should be in the range of 5-6.5. Deep digging of the earth improves the water and nutrient regime for the development of the underground part of the bush.

0.5 liters of water are poured into the prepared holes, allowed to soak in, and a seedling is placed in the center. Its roots are straightened, sprinkled with fertile soil and lightly compacted. The root collar of Pineberry strawberries should be at ground level.

At the end of planting, I mulch the plants with peat to prevent the development of rot on the fruits.

How to properly care for the variety

Among the main measures for caring for Pineberry strawberries are: irrigation, removal of weeds, weeding, loosening, and taking protective measures against diseases and pests.

Watering and fertilizing

Remontant strawberries are moisture-loving, but excessive moisture in the soil should not be allowed. Procedures should be regular and in moderate dosage. The frequency of watering is determined by weather conditions: in hot weather - up to three times a week. Stop irrigating Pineberry strawberries 2 days before harvest day.

The hybrid responds gratefully to fertilizing with organic (cow, bird manure) and mineral fertilizers. The first procedure is carried out in early spring, the second - before the flowering phase, the third - during the formation of ovaries.

To lay a bountiful harvest for the next season, strawberries are fed again after harvesting the fruits. Nutrient mixtures should be alternated.

Loosening and weeding the soil

To reduce the likelihood of the appearance of various uninvited guests in the form of parasitic individuals, as well as the development of diseases, it is necessary to regularly monitor the cleanliness in the aisles. It is imperative to remove weeds. It is recommended to loosen the soil to a depth of 3-5 centimeters to avoid damage to the strawberry roots.

Mulching

To preserve moisture in the soil and to reduce labor costs for cultivating the site, it is effective to mulch Pineberry strawberries. For these purposes, it is good to use rotted sawdust, straw, and peat. In addition, this agricultural technique minimizes the contact of berries with the ground.

Methods of controlling diseases and pests

Strawberry bushes are often affected by:

• Gray rot, which is identified by the presence of brown weeping spots on the leaf blades of the bush; a fluffy gray coating still forms on them. Diseased berries should be removed and disposed of. To prevent the development of the disease on Pineberry strawberries, it is necessary not to overwater the soil and plant seedlings in well-lit clearings.
• Verticillium, characterized by rapid wilting of plants without obvious signs of disease. It is almost impossible to cure such specimens; they should be removed from the ground and burned.

Of the harmful insects, Pineberry strawberries are attacked by mole crickets, spider mites, slugs, nematodes, and weevils. Such troubles can be avoided by planting marigolds next to the crop, maintaining a distance between plantings, and using Ecogel. Actellik and Fufanon are effective against weevils.

Breeding methods

According to the description of the variety, Pineberry strawberries reproduce through divisions and tendrils. For the first method of propagation, you need to select an adult plant and divide it into parts.Each division should contain a growing point, 3 leaves and healthy roots. One Pineberry strawberry bush is divided into 2-3 equal parts.

The second method involves rooting discarded shoots. The first, strongest mustaches are used, which are placed in suitable containers, sprinkled with earth and regularly moistened. After 60 days, the young bush will form a root system, after which it is separated from the mother bush and placed in a permanent place.

Harvesting and storing garden strawberries

It is advisable to harvest the crop in the evening or morning, leaving a “cap” with a short stem on it. To prevent the berries from rotting in the garden, they should be collected in a timely manner. Pineberry strawberries are stored in plastic or wooden boxes or containers with holes for ventilation. To put them in the freezer, the fruits are sorted, washed, and then just laid out on a tray and sent to the refrigerator.

Pineberry strawberry is a rather exotic plant with white fruit color and pineapple flavor. Even a novice gardening enthusiast can cope with it. The main thing is to use healthy seedlings and adhere to the rules of agricultural technology.