Strawberry Rumba, or Zumba, is a variety of horticultural crop with high commercial value. It has a very attractive appearance, so it is in great demand among farmers doing business. But, in addition to excellent external parameters, the fruit of this variety is distinguished by excellent taste. This combination of features explains the high demand for the berry.
Description and characteristics
The strawberry variety Rumba belongs to the early ripening varieties of the crop.
The berries have the following characteristics:
- correct, ideal (by the standards of specialists) form;
- saturated color;
- sweet taste;
- large sizes.
In addition, the berry tolerates transportation well even over long distances. It is able to maintain its integrity, taste and beneficial properties for a long time.
On a note. When growing strawberries in a greenhouse, harvesting begins 2 weeks earlier than when growing the crop in open ground.
Main advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Zumba strawberries have strengths and weaknesses. First, about the advantages, which include:
- ease of care;
- early maturation;
- rapid onset of fruiting period during greenhouse cultivation;
- high resistance to cold and frost;
- a strong immune system that allows the culture to withstand many phytopathologies.
The Zumba variety has fewer disadvantages, but they still exist:
- when growing in conditions of high humidity, strawberry fruits may acquire a sour taste;
- the plant is capable of absorbing moisture, so excessive rainfall or excessively frequent watering can cause the berries to become “watery”;
- if not properly cared for, strawberries change their taste, it becomes putrid or bitter, or at best tart;
- If fertilizing is not applied in a timely manner or is completely absent, the crop yield is reduced.
With proper care, strawberries do not cause trouble, but bring a stable, rich harvest.
Specifics of growing strawberries Zumba
To grow strawberries of this variety, optimal conditions should be provided. Attention needs to be paid to the soil, and it does not matter whether the crop grows in open ground or in a greenhouse.
Soil selection
For Zumba, fertile soil is selected from the following category:
- loams;
- sandy loam soil;
- gray forest land;
- chernozems.
Clay soil is considered unsuitable for growing Zumba strawberries.
You should choose a location so that the groundwater is at least 80 cm from the ground surface. Also, you cannot plant strawberries of this type in an area where green manure plants were previously grown: rapeseed, leeks, mustard or garlic.
Instructions for preparing seedlings
It is recommended to place the seedlings in a cool place 3-4 days before picking. Moderate coolness will allow strawberries to get used to changing growing conditions. It will also have a positive effect on the plant’s immunity, accelerating the process of its adaptation in open ground.
Landing algorithm
The picking scheme for strawberry seedlings of the Zumba variety is as follows:
- Make holes in the ground with a distance of 30 cm between each of them.
- The depth of the holes corresponds to the length of the roots. In a healthy plant, the roots reach 10 cm in length, but they can be longer, so they can be trimmed.
- Pour water into the holes and wait until it is absorbed.
- Place strawberry roots deep into each hole and sprinkle with soil, then compact it tightly with your hands.
All that remains is to straighten the leaves protruding above the soil surface - and the planting process is over.
How to take care of Zumba
Caring for strawberries is not difficult, but you must strictly follow certain rules.
| № | Criterion | Features of care: detailed description |
| 1 | Top dressing | Fertilizer application should be regular, since Zumba needs constant feeding. Fertilizers containing a high concentration of potassium are suitable for it. It gives the berries elasticity, density, and richness.And during flowering, it is recommended to fertilize with wood ash or humus. |
| 2 | Watering | Zumba needs regular, moderate watering. At 1 m2 The beds will require 10 to 12 liters of water. It should be settled and not very cold. |
| 3 | Loosening the soil | During such work, weeds should be removed at the same time. You need to start loosening the soil around the end of April, when the snow has completely melted. After loosening the soil, it is recommended to mulch. |
3-4 years after planting strawberries, they must be moved to another place, since they can deplete the soil on which they are located.
Protection from diseases and pests
Zumba strawberries are often attacked by:
- whiteflies;
- raspberry-strawberry weevil;
- spider mite.
Culture propagation
Gardeners recommend propagating strawberries of this variety using mustaches. As soon as young shoots form on the bush, they should be pressed to the ground, lightly separated and immediately rooted. Sometimes the plant reproduces on its own in this way.
The second option is division. It involves dividing the bushes into segments and then arranging them in prepared holes. But this method, in comparison with propagating strawberries with a mustache, has low efficiency, since the seedlings do not take root well.
Collection and storage rules
The harvest period falls in mid-June, although it all depends on the region where the strawberries are grown. They collect it in boxes of small capacity - no more than 3-4 kilograms.
Storing fresh strawberries at high temperatures is not recommended. In this form it will last no more than 2-3 days. In the refrigerator, the fruits will remain suitable longer - about a week. When frozen, the shelf life of the berries increases to almost 1 year, and preservation is suitable for consumption for six months.
