- Authors: Italy, Franco Zenty
- Name synonyms: Malga
- Taste: sweet
- The size: large
- Weight: medium 27-50 g, maximum 45 - 50 g
- Yield rate: high
- Yield: more than 1 kg per bush
- Repairability: Yes
- Description of the bush: compact
- Berry color: deep red
A new strawberry variety appeared in 2018 and was named Malga. For gardeners, it is attractive for its high yield, long fruiting period. Not afraid of summer heat and rainy summer. Improved strawberry flavor Malga is combined with a unique forest strawberry aroma.
Breeding history of the variety
Thanks to the efforts of the breeder Franco Zenty, the Malga variety appeared in the Italian city of Verona. The agricultural company Geoplant Vivai Srl provided the conditions for the breeding work.
Description of the variety
Malga is a medium-sized plant with a compact bush and is therefore suitable for small areas. Emerald color of leaves with a leathery, slightly wrinkled surface. The absence of a dense green part of the plant and the small size of the leaves allows the sun's rays to evenly warm the berry culture.
Many peduncles rise above the foliage. Several ovaries are formed on each peduncle. Little whiskers appear, but they are enough for further reproduction.
Ripening terms
The repaired early ripe variety bears fruit from mid-May to late October. Malga belongs to the early ripening varieties and surprises with the speed of the processes taking place. In just two weeks, the flowers turn into berries and have time to ripen. Fruiting steadily throughout the entire period with short short breaks.
Growing regions
Malga is suitable for growing in all climates. She is not afraid of sudden changes in temperature. Plants take root well on plains, in highlands and in continental climates.
Yield
Malga strawberry is a high-yielding variety. One small bush can bring up to 1 kg of berries per season. Amicable fruiting will continue until mid-autumn.
Berries and their taste
Large berries of an oblong conical shape with a blunt tip. The average weight of the Malga berry is 27 grams, the maximum is about 50 grams. The sweet taste of strawberries is diluted by the slight sourness of aromatic wild strawberries. The color of the berry is deep red with dense pulp without voids. Thanks to this, Malga does not deteriorate for a long time during storage, retains its shape during transportation by transport.
Growing features
With a single-line planting, the distance for the Malga variety between the bushes is 25 cm. An indent of more than half a meter separates the rows.
With two-line - the bushes are planted a little denser, with an interval of 20 cm, the row spacing is 65 cm.The lines are separated by 30 cm.
Malga is demanding for watering due to its high yield. In hot weather, watered once every 2-3 days. In moderate - average watering intensity. It is best to use an irrigation system during flowering, as the water can wash off the pollen. The beds are best located from north to south.
Site selection and soil preparation
The normal soil acidity index is 6.0. The minimum value is 5.5. At low acidity, 200 g of ash is added to the ground before digging the beds. Malga requires good drainage, fertile soil and high humidity, but without stagnant water in the garden. It is recommended to grow a variety in one place no more than 4 years.
Pollination
In the open field, pollination occurs naturally. Tall flower stalks proudly rise above the green mass, attracting bees. Insects have a positive effect on crop yield and increase the period of fruiting.
Top dressing
Malga is responsive to fertilization. In mid-May, urea is used (15 grams per bucket of water) per 1 sq. meter, the droppings are diluted 20 times, and the mullein - 10 times. Re-feeding with mullein is resorted to during the formation of peduncles.
The end of summer is the time for the introduction of phosphorus and potash fertilizers, nitrogen is not used. Wood ash can be used. Mulching is preferred for the Malga variety. Leaves, needles, sawdust will do. Change for fresh ones every month.
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
The author's variety Malga is not afraid of rainy and cold weather. Can be grown in Siberia, the Urals, the Far East. But the harsh climatic conditions are reflected in the taste of the berries. Strawberries become more acidic. Therefore, in such a climate, it is recommended to grow this variety in greenhouses or under agricultural shelters.
Diseases and pests
Malga is resistant to diseases arising in this crop and pests. Weak point - may be affected by anthracnose.
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 new variety is propagated by the mustache and dividing the bush. In the first version, the formation of a mustache is small, because of this, this method is not very convenient. For a greater formation of whiskers, you need to cut off the peduncles on 1-2 bushes before the start of fruiting. The plant will direct all its strength to the growth of the mustache.
The second option is suitable for three-year-old shrubs. The division of the bush is done in May or September. The bush is dug out of the ground, the roots are immersed in a container of warm water. After that, it is easily divided into parts, in the case of interlacing of the roots, cut with a knife.
Review overview
Mostly positive reviews. Customers are satisfied with Malga's hardiness, high yield and sweet taste. Timely watering, feeding, loosening and removing weeds helps to avoid crop diseases.
The variety bears fruit for a long time, is unpretentious in care, you can grow a berry even on the balcony. The Malga variety is highly appreciated for canning and freezing - the berries perfectly retain their shape and aroma. So far, this is one of the best strawberries.