- Authors: Holland
- Taste: rich sweet
- The size: very large
- Size, cm: diameter 8-10 cm
- Weight: at the first collection 110-120 gr, then 50-60 gr
- Yield: up to 3 kg per bush
- Repairability: No
- Ripening terms: mid-late
- Advantages: Hand pollination with a brush helps to increase yields by 25-30%
- disadvantages: does not tolerate drafts and stagnant water
The popular and demanded variety Gigantella is not officially registered in any country, but it appeared in Holland. Strawberries are indeed large, 2-3 times larger than those of conventional varieties. There are no uniform standards for the variety, so you have to rely on the manufacturer's data. The fruits have an unusual aroma and taste.
Description of the variety
Gigantella strawberry bushes grow up to 50 cm in diameter, up to 30-40 cm in height. They have strong peduncles, which allows them not to bend under the weight of large berries. The leaves are matte and green. The variety holds the record for fruit size. Features of Gigantella strawberry:
high productivity;
the fruits are large and heavy;
ripe berries are tasty, have an attractive appearance;
frost resistance and good natural immunity;
can be transported over long distances, does not deteriorate.
Strawberry Gigantella requires adherence to the watering regime, otherwise the yield will drop significantly. The variety also needs fertilization. During the fruiting period, additional care will be required, trimming the mustache. There is a risk of developing gray mold and non-infectious chlorosis.
Ripening terms
The bushes begin to bloom in early May. The fruiting period starts on June 20-25. A non-remontant variety can be grown in one place for up to 8 years without loss of productivity. Mid-late strawberries are very sensitive to keeping rules.
Yield
The Gigantella strawberry is very popular with farmers. Fruiting for her is long, up to 3 kg of berries can be removed from the bush. Good care can further increase yields. It is important to ensure optimal watering so as not to lose fruit.
Berries and their taste
The characteristics of the fruit depend on a combination of factors. The berries are always dark red, oval, slightly flattened on the sides. Fruit size is 8-10 cm on average, which is quite impressive. The first time you can pick berries weighing 110-120 g, later - 50-60 g.
The taste of the dessert variety is rich and sweet. The unusual aroma has a pineapple hue. The pulp is quite dense and juicy. At the same time, the berry does not flow during transportation, it can be stored for a week.
Growing features
The bushes grow rapidly, producing a mustache that should be removed immediately. Otherwise, the plant will not have enough strength to form fruit. It is possible to grow a mustache in a limited amount only after the complete end of the fruiting period. The strawberries should be properly watered immediately after planting.
The soil should be moist for the first 2 weeks. Drying should not be allowed. Watering after planting is carried out every day. Later, you need to moisten the soil every 2 days. If watering is insufficient, then the yield of the Gigantella variety will decrease several times.
Strawberry care is most conveniently done with drip irrigation. At the same time, excess moisture must not be allowed. Otherwise, there is a high risk of developing gray rot and powdery mildew. To solve the problem, you can use mulch from straw, sawdust.
Site selection and soil preparation
Strawberry Gigantella loves sunlight. It is recommended to grow it in an open area on the southwest side of buildings and trees. At the same time, a draft is harmful to strawberries, it can cause various diseases. The area must be level so that rainwater does not accumulate. Otherwise, the roots of the bushes will rot.
A place should be chosen where the groundwater runs deep underground in order to avoid flooding. It is best to grow Gigantella strawberries in black soil. Another loose, fertile soil with neutral acidity will do. It is important that it allows air and moisture to pass through well.
You can plant strawberries after legumes, carrots, celery, corn, garlic. You should not plant the Gigantella variety where potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, cabbage used to grow. Strawberries are best planted from March to May or August to October. It all depends on the type of seedlings used.
Pollination
The Gigantella variety requires special attention. Strawberries can self-pollinate with the help of the wind, but you should not rely on this method alone. To increase the yield by 25-30%, you will have to take care of the pollen transfer yourself. You can use a brush for this.
Top dressing
Fertilizers play a big role in the development of strawberries, but they don't cause much of a hassle. In the first year, feeding is done during flowering and fruit formation. The easiest way is to use complex formulations specifically for berries. In the second year, nitrate should be used at the rate of 10 g per 1 m2, and in the third year - potassium, nitrate and superphosphate in equal amounts. Fertilizers should be applied in winter and after harvest.
One of the important techniques in strawberry care is feeding. Regular fertilization guarantees a rich harvest. There are several different ways to feed strawberries, and each of them is designed for a specific period of plant development. During flowering, fruiting and after it, feeding should be different.
Frost resistance and the need for shelter
Gigantella strawberries are not afraid of low temperatures down to -28.9 ° C. The variety can overwinter outdoors. However, in regions with severe frosts, it is still worth making a shelter for strawberries. Preparation for winter includes a number of activities.
In the fall, you should remove the weed around the bushes, remove the damaged leaves.
Loosen the soil to improve air circulation.
Put a large layer of mullein on the beds, cover it with foil. This is a good way to keep warm.
Sprinkle the antennae with soil so that they do not freeze.
It is strictly forbidden to pick off all the leaves. They additionally protect the plant and roots from freezing. You need to cover it already at the first stable frosts. In spring, strawberries are opened as soon as the snow begins to actively melt. Good frost resistance greatly simplifies maintenance.
Diseases and pests
Strawberry Gigantella has a good natural immunity. The variety rarely gets sick and succumbs to pest attacks. However, preventive measures should still be carried out. And also the immunity of the plant deteriorates if the strawberries are not properly taken care of. Prevention involves a series of actions.
In spring, onion husks should be laid between the bushes. It not only fertilizes the soil, but also repels insects.
The needles for mulching prevent the berries from coming into contact with the moist soil. Reduces the risk of rotting.
You can prepare a spray solution. Pour crushed horse sorrel with 10 liters of hot water and leave for 2 days.
Marigolds can be planted to protect against weeds and nematodes.
Onions or garlic are placed between the rows to protect the bushes from gray rot.
Aggressive chemicals are used only in case of mass contamination of strawberries. During fruiting, traditional methods should be used. Otherwise, all chemicals will be absorbed into the berries, and they become hazardous to health. If you provide the Gigantella variety with proper care, then there will be no diseases and pests.
Strawberries are often subject to many dangerous diseases that can seriously undermine its condition. Among the most common are powdery mildew, gray mold, brown spot, anthracnose, and verticillosis. Before buying a variety, you need to inquire about its disease resistance.
Reproduction
The easiest way is to use antennae for breeding. For this, 1-2 processes are left on the mother bush, and after the formation of the roots, they can be transplanted to a permanent place. There should be at least 3-5 sheets of paper on the outlet. It is also important that the root grow back 7 cm or more. Do not plant shoots with twisted or pale leaves - this indicates disease.