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In recent decades, with the advent of a huge number of new varieties of strawberries or garden strawberries, as it is more correct to call it, older proven varieties often fade into the background. And this is not surprising. After all, growing strawberries is a kind of hobby, which is somewhat reminiscent of collecting. Each time it seems to the gardener that the next variety found will be better than the previous one, the berries are tastier, larger, and the bushes themselves are more resistant to diseases. But the ideal variety has not been found, each strawberry will definitely have its drawbacks.
For novice gardeners, it is sometimes much more important to find a variety of strawberries that would have a good taste, good yields and, most importantly, be unpretentious in growing. In this case, they should take a closer look at the old Kent strawberry variety, which, judging by the description, photos and reviews about it, is quite suitable for beginners. Moreover, the fact that this strawberry comes from Canada is important, which means that it is perfectly adapted for growing in most of Our Country, and not only in its southern regions.
The history of the variety Kent
In the 70s of the last century, in the Canadian city of Kentville, Nova Scotia, scientists from the Canadian Research Station crossed the Raritan variety with a combination of Tioga and Redgauntlet varieties. As a result, a strawberry variety was obtained, which received a preliminary name under the number K74-10.
After several years of trials in the experimental plots of the research station, the variety was approved for testing on farm plots and several industrial plantations.
Having successfully passed all the tests, the Kent strawberry variety was officially registered and zoned throughout Eastern Canada.
But it is generally recognized that, in terms of the totality of its characteristics, this variety is more than worthy for growing in personal plots, especially in the harsh conditions of the Urals and Siberia.
Variety description
Kent strawberry bushes look quite powerful. Despite the fact that the bush itself is upright, large leaves on long petioles are spread out in different directions. A large root system provides endurance and frost resistance of the bushes. True, it is desirable to plant bushes, keeping a distance of at least 50 cm between seedlings.
The ability to form mustaches is at an average level, by the fall they are formed quite enough to easily propagate strawberry bushes. But still, they do not create a strong thickening of the plantation.
Strawberry Kent is a short day variety. It bears fruit only once a season and the laying of flower buds occurs in August-September, when daylight hours become equal to 12 hours or less. Hence the name of the group of strawberry varieties.
Kent strawberries ripen quite early – in the first half of June, the fruiting period itself is quite extended. This allows gardeners on their plots to enjoy a delicious berry for a long time.
Strawberry bushes form many long peduncles that are just at the level of the leaves in height, which is quite convenient for harvesting. Under the weight of the crop, they can even lie down on the ground, so it is advisable to build special props near the bushes to support them. In the first year, plants of this variety form an average of 5-8 peduncles, in the second year – 10-15. Thus, the yield of the variety is quite decent – 700-800 grams of large berries can be harvested from one bush per season. But with age, the size of the berries becomes noticeably smaller. This is noticeable already in the second year of cultivation, and in the third year the berries lose a lot of weight.
The Kent strawberry variety tolerates harsh winter conditions very well and is able to grow under cover even in Siberian conditions. Frost resistance without shelter reaches -20°C. The flowers of this strawberry variety are able to endure small and short frosts. In general, strawberries of this variety are remarkably suited to growing in temperate continental climates, since the bushes need a significant amount of cold hours during the winter period.
Strawberry Kent is also highly resistant to various leaf spots, powdery mildew, gray mold and strawberry mites. Revealed susceptibility to verticella wilt, but quite at the level of other average varieties.
Characteristics of strawberries
Based on the fact that everyone grows strawberries, first of all, for the sake of berries, the main characteristics of the fruits of the Kent variety are presented below.
- The size of the berries is large, the weight in the first year of planting strawberries averages 30-40 grams. Unfortunately, in subsequent years, the size and weight of the berries decrease.
- The shape of the berries in the bulk is round, slightly converging into a cone. Sometimes it is closer to the heart-shaped form.
- The color of mature berries is dark red. Closer to the stem, the color of the berries becomes lighter. The flesh also has a lighter red tint, it is dense and juicy at the same time.
- Thanks to the non-rigid cuttings, the berries are easily separated from the bush.
- The berries have an excellent presentation, shiny, tolerate storage and transportation well. Sometimes, in the first berries of this variety in the season, small growths in the form of warts can be observed, which can reduce the presentation of strawberries.
- The taste characteristics of strawberries are remarkable – the assessment of professional tasters varies from 4,6 to 5 points. Berries are juicy, sweet and fragrant.
- The purpose of the berries is quite universal – strawberries are very tasty fresh, and also due to the density of the berries, they make wonderful jam and other preparations for the winter. It freezes easily and retains its shape.
Peculiarities of growing
As already mentioned, it is better to plant Kent bushes at a considerable distance from each other in order to provide sufficient nutritional area for a powerful root system. A landing pattern of 50 x 50 cm is quite suitable.
One of the important positive properties of this variety, in addition to resistance to various diseases, is the active ripening and gathering of sugar by berries even in rainy or cloudy weather.
Strawberries are also quite suitable for growing under arched film shelters, and in this case they are able to give the crop another week earlier than usual.
With the general unpretentiousness of the Kent strawberry, it will not feel good on strongly acidic, waterlogged or calcareous soils. On depleted soil, the addition of humus and other organic matter is mandatory.
Reviews of gardeners
Many gardeners who grew this variety of strawberries were satisfied with it and did not want anything better. Others were in constant search for the best of the good.
Conclusion
When growing strawberries, as, indeed, in any other business, it is very important that your efforts are not wasted. Upon receipt of a positive result, the heart rejoices and there is an incentive to work further and conquer more and more new heights. Therefore, for beginners in gardening, Kent strawberries will be the key to a successful start and perhaps a symbol of success in this difficult but interesting business.
