Description and photo of the strawberry variety Aprica (Aprica)

Strawberry Aprica (Aprica) is a wonderful variety of culture, bred by foreign breeders. The variety has a lot of advantages with minor drawbacks, it has proven itself both abroad and in Our Country. The plant is hardy, tolerates winter well, practically does not get sick, is able to withstand heat and precipitation. In recent years, the variety has become very popular among gardeners.

Aprica is considered one of the hardiest strawberry varieties.

History of breeding

A variety of culture was introduced to the world relatively recently. It was bred in Italy by a consortium of nurseries (CIV). According to the originators, the Aprica strawberry is suitable for cultivation in continental climates, it can be cultivated in greenhouses, greenhouses, open ground, it is suitable for hydroponics and small volumes. You can buy seedlings through Mazzoni or Salvi vivai.

Description of the Aprica strawberry variety and characteristics

A promising non-remontant garden strawberry variety Aprika has a medium early ripening period. The use of fruits is universal, the berries are suitable for fresh consumption, canning and freezing. The plant fell in love with gardeners and farmers for a generous harvest, the ability to withstand adverse weather conditions, diseases and pests. Strawberries are not demanding on the composition of the soil, they can tolerate both frost and drought. The crop does not bake in the sun, calmly endures the heat. The variety is not sensitive to cold snaps and rainy weather, excess moisture does not cause rotting and does not spoil the taste.

Aprica strawberry bushes are small, medium spreading, spherical in shape, with upright growing large leaves of dark green color. Peduncles are not very large, but powerful, the flowers are small, with an average amount of pollen, located below the level of the leaves. The pollination of the variety is wonderful, there are always a lot of fruits. The number of mustaches is moderate, which greatly facilitates the procedure for caring for the beds. The berries of the variety are even and beautiful, large, have a sweet taste, but without a “zest”, nothing special.

Aprica strawberries do not need excessive attention, constant feeding and processing. More suitable for outdoor cultivation. When cultivated in a greenhouse, the potential of the variety is markedly reduced.

Characteristics of fruits, taste qualities

Strawberry Aprica bears fruit with one-dimensional berries of large size. Their standard form is conical, sometimes there are double, very large specimens. The color of the fruit is bright red, with a glossy sheen, does not fade during storage. Hemicarps are small, not deep, their color is yellow. The weight of each berry is above average, about 30 g, is maintained throughout the entire harvest period. The pulp of the fruit has a dense structure, not hard, juicy, has a delicate aroma and sweet taste with subtle notes of acid. The taste of strawberries, according to experts, from 4,3 to 5 points out of nine, does not deteriorate even with excessive humidity and lack of light. Strawberry Aprica has an excellent presentation, the berries are very beautiful. The fruits are not only good fresh, but also suitable for processing, safely tolerate freezing and do not lose shape when defrosted, they are used to make jam, jam and compote.

Aprica strawberries can be eaten fresh and used for harvesting

Ripening time, yield and keeping quality

Aprica is a self-pollinating variety. The ripening time directly depends on the climatic conditions and the region of cultivation, but approximately the berries begin to sing by the end of May. Sources classify strawberries as mid-early varieties, although the first harvests are several days ahead of some early varieties. The harvest period lasts from late spring to mid-summer. Aprica shows a good yield, about 1200 kg from one adult bush. Productivity is stable, independent of weather conditions. The keeping quality of berries is good, suitability for storage is 7 points out of nine possible. The harvest can be freely transported over long distances, the fruits do not flow or wrinkle during transportation, while maintaining a wonderful appearance.

The variety is ideal for cultivation for sale.

Growing regions, frost resistance

Aprica is suitable for cities with a continental climate; it can be cultivated in the Moscow region, the Middle Volga region, the Urals and the south of the country. At low temperatures, it requires from 700 hours of rest. The variety tolerates winter well. In the southern regions does not require shelter. In areas where temperatures can drop below -10 degrees, bushes should be mulched in autumn, dry leaves or sawdust are perfect for this.

Disease and pest resistance

Strawberry variety Aprica shows high immunity to the development of diseases of the aerial part of the bushes and their root system. With proper care and choosing a place for planting, the plant is not afraid of such popular ailments as powdery mildew, rot or spotting. It is also not often damaged by pests, but as a preventive measure, garlic, lemon balm or marigolds can be planted around the bushes.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Strawberry Aprika, due to the large number of advantages, claims leadership among all similar crop varieties. None of the varieties can compare with it in terms of characteristics.

The variety is at the testing stage and has not yet had time to show negative qualities

Advantages:

• high taste characteristics;
• large-fruited;
• good transportability;
• productivity;
• one-dimensional fruit shape;
• resistance to high humidity;
• productivity;
• drought resistance;
• self-pollination;
• high immunity;
• frost resistance;
• moderate mustache;
• unpretentiousness to the soil.

Disadvantages:

• high price for seedlings;
• shortage in stores.

Methods of reproduction

The most accessible way that will help in the shortest possible time to breed Aprica strawberries on the site is considered to be reproduction with a mustache. The greatest effect is given by shoots of two years of age. The strongest are the sockets that are closer to the mother bush. Experienced gardeners advise placing containers with nutrient soil under each of them in order to get the highest quality seedlings with a closed root system.

You can plant seedlings with closed roots all year round.

Planting and care

Judging by the description, photos and reviews of gardeners, the Aprika strawberry variety is not particularly demanding in care, but subject to the recommended rules of agricultural technology, the bushes show the best results. In order for the harvest to be good and the plant strong, simple requirements should be followed:

1. The culture is planted in spring or summer, so that by autumn the plants will get stronger and safely endure wintering. The ideal location for strawberries is a sunny, well-drained area with neutral acid soil rich in humus. The occurrence of groundwater should be at least 1 m. Planting is carried out in a tape or bush way, adhering to the interval between sprouts of about 30 cm.
   Attention! The root collar of the plant should not be sunk deep into the soil.
2. Strawberries are watered daily in the first half a month after planting, then the frequency of moistening is reduced. The procedure is performed every 3-4 days from the beginning of the growing season until the moment of shelter. It is better if watering is carried out by a drip irrigation system.
3. The beds must necessarily be loosened and freed from weeds or mulched with agrofibre, straw.
4. Aprika is fed three to four times a year. In the spring, diluted mullein or chicken droppings are suitable for this, during the formation of the ovaries – nitrophoska or potassium salt, at the time of fruiting – wood ash.

Preparation for winter

Aprica showed good frost resistance with little shelter. Judging by the reviews of experienced gardeners, this variety of strawberries is able to safely survive the winter not only in the Volga region, but also in the Urals. It is enough just to warm the bushes with a five-centimeter layer of mulch: straw, leaves, sawdust. In the conditions of the Krasnodar and Stavropol Territories, in the North Caucasus, there is no need for shelter.

In the southern regions, Aprica does not need to be prepared for winter

Conclusion

Strawberry Aprica is considered a bright addition to the assortment of early-ripening varieties of culture. The variety is great for both summer residents and farmers. The variety has practically no drawbacks, except for problems in acquisition. Planting material is difficult to buy, and its cost is still very high. Otherwise, the variety is wonderful: it ripens early, brings an excellent harvest, has a beautiful presentation and great taste.

Reviews of gardeners about Aprica strawberries