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Strawberry Merchant: description of the variety and photo
Zemklunica – this is the name of a special berry variety, which was obtained by crossing garden strawberries and European strawberries. The Kupchikha strawberry has inherited the positive qualities of both types. Cold resistance got the hybrid from strawberries, and the oblong shape and mouth-watering aroma – from strawberries.
Description of the strawberry variety “Kupchikha”
Tall, neat bushes of earthworms bear fruit in mid-late June, so “Kupchikha” is classified as a medium-ripening variety. The first harvest is the richest in large tasty berries, and the subsequent fruits are usually smaller. The average weight of the berry reaches 20-25 g, but there are specimens of 35 g. You can see from the photo that the strawberry “Merchant” is ruby-red with a purple tint, oblong in shape and length from 2-3 to 5-6 cm. Some fruits form horns, which looks very funny.
The strawberry “Kupchikha” fell in love with gardeners for its specific aroma, not comparable with other varieties, as well as for the unusual shape of the berries
The taste of the earthworm cannot be compared with other varieties – it is sweet, but with a slight sourness inherent in strawberries. The berries are dense, perfectly pickable, convenient for storage and transportation – they do not get wet and do not lose their shape.
However, in addition to the intricate shape and pleasant taste, the “Kupchikha” has other advantages, including resistance to frost and disease. The plant tolerates temperatures up to -25 degrees, it only occasionally needs a little shelter.
Rains, thunderstorms, high humidity or unbearable heat – these weather phenomena have practically no effect on fruiting. Only true gourmets can distinguish the taste of an earthworm, exposed to constant rainfall, from one that grew in warm weather conditions. They note that the former has a simpler taste, while the latter has a more multifaceted taste.
As for diseases, powdery mildew and other characteristic lesions for this variety are not terrible.
This is not to say that the variety is very productive – you should not expect more than 500 g from one bush. On average, it bears fruit even less – 200-400 g.
“Merchant” produces many antennae, thanks to which it reproduces. One hundred percent pollination should also be noted.
Features of growing and care
Planting should be carried out either in early spring or from late summer to mid-September. You need to plant strawberries in fertile soil. It is advisable to choose an area illuminated by the sun – here the berries will ripen faster. It is curious that plants that have received less sunlight give larger berries, but they will have to wait longer.
It is necessary to plant in a checkerboard pattern or in rows with a distance between the bushes up to half a meter, since the plant has sweeping shapes.
The dugout is unpretentious in care. However, it is important to adhere to these recommendations:
- It is necessary to regularly moisten the bushes and loosen the ground.
- The plant requires feeding with organic fertilizers and mineral compounds during the periods of flowering and the formation of ovaries. At these stages, abundant watering is very important.
- Every autumn it is recommended to fertilize the soil for strawberries – then the next harvest will be richer than the previous one.
- It is strongly discouraged to grow berries in the same area for more than 4 years.
The first crop can be harvested at the end of June. The variety bears fruit for 2-3 weeks, after which it is advisable to cut off the leaves and antennae.
Strawberry “Kupchikha” is a very successful hybrid that has retained the wonderful taste and aroma of its “parents”. This variety is appreciated by gardeners for its unpretentious care and resistance to negative external factors, and housewives – for its versatility. Berries, even after canning and drying, retain their taste and useful properties.