- Authors: Latvian Research Institute of Agriculture
- Taste: pleasant
- The size: large
- Weight: up to 30 g
- Yield: 1.8 kg per sq. m
- Ripening terms: early
- Appointment: universal
- Description of the bush: strong, slightly spreading
- Berry color: red
- Winter hardiness: medium
The Junia Smides strawberry is a variety that has many virtues that have attracted gardeners for many years.
Breeding history of the variety
Junija Smides is the result of the work of Latvian breeders. This variety was bred by the Latvian Research Institute of Agriculture by crossing Haverland and a mixture of pollen from different strawberry varieties.
Description of the variety
Semi-sprawling bushes, quite powerful. Peduncles are quite thick, they are located slightly below the foliage. This makes them not too noticeable for various birds, which has a beneficial effect on the safety of the crop. The foliage is shiny, intensely green.
Ripening terms
Junia Smides strawberries are early or mid-ripening varieties depending on the specific area. The berries of the first wave can be removed on the 20th of May.
Growing regions
In accordance with the entries in the State Register, this strawberry variety is recommended to be grown in the Volgo-Vyatka, Central, West Siberian and North-West regions.
Yield
The largest harvest is observed in the third year. By this time, a powerful root system is developing. The maximum yield can reach up to 1 kilogram from one bush per season. With constant and proper care, the yield will be quite high.
Berries and their taste
Junia Smides berries are medium-sized, red, prone to crumbling. Only the first ripe fruits are large. Their weight is approximately 30 grams, and the subsequent berries are smaller (10-15 grams). Ripe berries are not subject to decay or shedding.
The shape of the berries is blunt-conical, the skin is dense. The pulp of the fruit is fragrant, juicy, without voids. The taste of strawberries is sweet without excessive sweetness with a barely noticeable sourness. Chilled fruits can be stored for up to 5 days.
Growing features
Since Junia Smides is a relatively early variety, it is recommended to organize the site in the fall about a month before the arrival of the first frost. When planting seedlings in summer, a good harvest can be obtained as early as next year. When planting, do not bury the bushes too deeply, because the root collar should not be located in the ground, but above the surface.
The distance between individual bushes should be approximately 30-40 centimeters, and between adjacent rows - 50 centimeters. After planting in the first two weeks, the plant needs to be watered twice a day - in the morning and in the evening. This variety is very drought tolerant. After adapting the seedlings, watering should be carried out twice a week. Drip irrigation can be applied.
Site selection and soil preparation
It is preferable to choose a sunny and spacious site for planting. In this case, groundwater should lie no higher than 70 centimeters to the surface. The soil should be slightly acidic with an acidity of pH 5.0-6.0 and loose.
One of the peculiarities of the variety is that it takes root rather poorly in close proximity to some plants. For example, with tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers and eggplants.
Pollination
When planting strawberry bushes in open ground, the plant does not need additional pollination. It is carried out with the help of insects in windy weather. If the area for strawberries is too large, then it is recommended to put hives near the site.
When growing berries in a greenhouse or greenhouse, it is required to provide plants with artificial pollination. For this purpose, two methods can be used: with the help of a fan or pollination of each flower with a soft brush or brush. The second method is used in small areas.
Top dressing
For top dressing when digging a site, it is recommended to add a bucket of rotted manure and half of one glass of wood ash for every 1 m2 of soil.
For top dressing, it is preferable to add humus (cow or horse). Liquid dressing is carried out 3-4 times per season, the first of which occurs in early spring. In addition, strawberries can be fed with nettle infusion. To do this, 1/3 of the prepared container must be filled with fresh nettles, filled with water and allowed to stand. After 5 days, you can feed the plant with the resulting infusion, it is diluted in a 1: 3 ratio. One bush will require 1 liter of nutrient mixture.
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 variety tolerates spring frosts quite well. In the northern regions, the variety can be successfully grown if the bushes are covered for the winter. Before wintering, the beds must be thoroughly cleaned of dry foliage and weeds. For the purpose of shelter, sawdust, foliage, needles, straw can be used. A thick snow layer protects well from freezing.
Do not use plastic wrap for shelter. Since during thaws, the resulting condensation can cause mold, which will cause the death of the strawberry bush.
Diseases and pests
Strawberries rarely get sick with spots or rot. Therefore, the plant can be grown without the use of chemicals. As preventive methods can be used folk methods or drugs, for example, "Fitoverm" or "Fitosporin".
In case of prolonged rains, you can spray the bushes with a manganese solution to avoid mold growth.
Strawberries can be spoiled by various insects and pests. Ash and sand are used to effectively scare away slugs. They are scattered in layers under the berry bushes. Onion husks are used to combat various pests. Processing strawberry beds with this broth is required in the evening.
Strawberries are often subject to many dangerous diseases that can seriously undermine their 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
Strawberries reproduce with antennae. The Junia Smides strawberry variety has an average ability to form new tendrils. However, the mustache is quite enough to make it possible to update the garden.
Review overview
Consumers who grow Junia Smides strawberries for commercial purposes note the high resistance of the berries to transportation. This allows you to maintain an attractive presentation, even in the case of long-distance transportation.
Gardeners say that adults and especially children like the taste of fresh strawberries, and they are also great for making jams, marmalades, jam and other desserts.
With proper adherence to all agrotechnical tips, the Junia Smides strawberry variety will delight gardeners with high yields.