Description and characteristics of the Tuscany strawberry variety, growing rules

Strawberries are named after the exotic region of Italy - Tuscany. It is popular among gardeners not only because of the taste of the berries, but also for the decorative nature of the flowering. The strawberry variety is a real salvation for those people who love strawberries, but do not have a plot to grow them. Tuscany plays the role of a hanging plant, combining benefits and beauty.

Description and characteristics of the Tuscany variety

The strawberry variety became known to the world in 2011. The variety is a hybrid and belongs to the group of garden strawberries. It was developed by the Italian company ABZ seeds. During its existence, it has received numerous positive reviews.

Low-growing bushes have shoots reaching a length of 1 m. Strawberries have horizontal growth. The shoots are covered with dark green leaves, which are characterized by high density and covered with shine.

In the summer season, the bush is covered with many flowers. In Tuscany, the flowers are bright ruby. Ripe berries are cone-shaped and sweet in taste. They give off a distinct aroma.

One berry weighs from 30 to 40 g. Strawberries have a dense consistency. During the season, up to 1 kg of berries are harvested from 1 bush.

Varietal pros and cons

Strawberries have the following strengths:

• easy care;
• high productivity;
• fast growth rates;
• compact bush size;
• strawberry fruit aroma;
• high level of decorativeness;
• resistance to sudden temperature changes;
• easily tolerates periods of drought;
• strong immune system;
• extended fruiting period.

In the short period of its existence, strawberries have not received a single negative review. Therefore, the shortcomings are still unknown.

Subtleties of cultivation

Tuscany is suitable for cultivation in the southern and central regions. Loves warm or temperate climates. It grows poorly in the northern regions, as it does not like prolonged cold.

Landing dates

The hybrid is planted in spring or autumn. For March, the seed method is used; for May and June, the seedling method is used. After planting the crop, you can enjoy the view already in the current season.

Selecting a location

Tuscany strawberries are grown in the ground in beds in the garden, in the yard, in baskets that are hung or left on the ground.Tuscany can grow anywhere. A sunny place is chosen for it.

Preparation of planting material

Before planting strawberries, the sprouts are inspected for spoilage. Dry and rotten branches are removed. The first flower stalks are cut off so that the bushes can direct all their strength to growth.

Landing rules

If it is open soil, there should be enough distance between the bushes, since they tend to grow strongly to the sides. This is influenced by the rapid formation of mustaches. Close planting leads to layering of branches of neighboring bushes on top of each other. In turn, this will deprive all the bushes of the necessary light.

As a result, the berries become small and the shoots become intertwined, which prevents normal harvesting. There should be at least 70 cm of free space between the planted bushes. The ideal option is to leave 1.5 m between the strawberries.

People who grow various plants plant Tuscany along the paths in the garden plot. Also hung in baskets. This is a good space saver, an option that is especially relevant for gardeners with limited space.

Recommendations for crop care

Tuscany, like most other strawberry varieties, needs watering, fertilizing, warmth and light.

Watering

The berry loves moisture, but does not tolerate abundantly moistened soil. Watering is carried out regularly during the active growing season, as well as during the formation of ovaries. In hot weather, the soil is saturated with moisture twice a day - in the morning and in the evening.

Under no circumstances should water fall on the green part of the crop. The bushes are watered only at the root. This will protect the crop from frequent fungal diseases.

Top dressing

This point directly affects the harvest result. The secret of a large number of berries depends on high-quality fertilizing. In order to achieve abundant fruiting, strawberries are provided with a nutrient medium.

Tuscany is saturated with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The proportions of the substances are as follows - 1:3:6. Potassium affects the formation of flowers, under its influence they turn bright colors and become very beautiful. The taste of strawberries improves and they become larger.

The feeding procedure is carried out every two weeks.

Warmth and light

Tuscany cannot develop safely without enough light and warmth. The quality and quantity of the crop depends on the temperature:

• during the growing season, during the day it should be within +7-+10 degrees, at night - +5 degrees;
• at the time of fruiting, +25 degrees during the day, +18 degrees at night.

The duration of daylight hours is within 12-14 hours.

Preparing for winter

If Tuscany is grown in southern and temperate latitudes, there is no need for shelter. In the northern regions, bushes must be insulated for the winter. Freezing of the hybrid begins at temperatures below -10 degrees.

Any material serves as insulation. The crop is mulched with spruce needles, sawdust or humus. Even film is suitable for covering. Strawberries, which are grown in containers, are transferred indoors and stored at temperatures from -2 to +2 degrees.

Disease and pest control measures

Strawberries, like other crops, are not completely protected from insect attacks and various diseases. Pests affect not only plant bushes, but also berries:

1. Spider mites and plant aphids. Insects are eliminated using solutions based on karbofos.Medicines are diluted, after which the plants are sprayed.
2. Strawberry mite. Colloidal sulfur is suitable for spring treatment. In summer, the bushes are sprayed with Neoron.
3. Strawberry nematode. Grooves are made around the bushes in the beds and filled with lime.

Traditional medicine methods are used to combat plant parasites. The bushes are treated with tinctures based on garlic and laundry soap. Tuscany is protected from white and brown spot, powdery mildew, late blight and fusarium wilt.

Breeding methods

If seeds for propagation were collected at home, the sprouts that emerge from them will not have the characteristics of the mother plant. Therefore, Tuscany most often reproduces with the help of a mustache. To grow Tuscany from seeds, the material is purchased in a specialized store.

Collection and storage of strawberries

The processes of flowering and ripening of berries in the crop are characterized by continuity. Thanks to this, strawberries produce a high, stable yield. Fruiting occurs in two stages. The first lasts a month, the second occurs 7-10 days after the start of the first.

The berries are harvested when they become dense and acquire a uniform pink color. Strawberries should not remain on the shoots for a long time, as they quickly become overripe. One bush produces from 1 to 1.5 kg of berries per season.

Despite the long period of fruiting, it can be extended. To do this, gardeners use a little trick. The containers in which Tuscany grows are brought indoors. The person will pick strawberries until autumn.