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There are many varieties of garden strawberries, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, when choosing strawberries, you need to know its description, characteristics, see photos and read reviews of gardeners who have long been engaged in this culture.
Strawberry Polka is not new to summer cottages and farm plantations. It was created by Dutch breeders back in 1977, crossing Unduka x Sivetta varieties. It turns out that the variety is already 40 years old, but this does not reduce the popularity of strawberries. And how can you refuse a tasty and sweet berry.
More details about varieties
Strawberry Polka, according to the description of the variety, photos and reviews of gardeners, bears fruit well in many regions of Our Country and the former republics of the USSR. I fell in love with the Polk variety for its unpretentiousness and productivity.
Strawberry variety Polka description:
- The compact bush does not differ in height and spreading. But the dark green leaves with teeth along the edge are attractive.
- The plant produces many peduncles with large white flowers. Strawberry variety Polka, according to gardeners, does not have barren flowers, they all set fruit.
- At the initial stage, the berries of the Polka strawberry variety are scarlet, in technical ripeness they become dark red. The shape resembles a blunt shortened cone. The skin is thin, but strong, when touched, the hand does not stain.
- One of the characteristics that does not allow Polka strawberries to go the distance is the unusual taste of juicy pulp: it looks like caramel. Inside the berry without voids, coral-red color, it becomes lighter towards the center.
- The weight of fruits in the Polka variety varies on the first wave from 40 to 50 grams, the rest are half as much. As gardeners write in reviews, it all depends on strawberry farming.
- Mustache forms a lot, so as not to deplete the bush, timely circumcision is required. Leave only the mustache to replace.
The description of the Polka strawberry variety will be incomplete if you do not talk about processing methods. Dense, tasty berries with a caramel aftertaste are good fresh, in compotes and frozen.
Jam and compote from Polka berries acquire a burgundy color. And what fragrant jellies, jams, candied fruits are obtained, words cannot describe. As they write in the reviews, many gardeners even dry the berries, while the taste is not lost, but becomes even more expressive.
Advantages of Polka
The garden strawberry Polka, which receives mostly positive reviews, has many advantages over other varieties:
- The plant is frost-resistant, in severe winter conditions it survives well under reliable shelter.
- It does not require much effort to grow.
- Suitable for industrial processing.
- Has excellent transportability.
- Practically does not get sick, although prevention is necessary.
Although Polk’s strawberries are not remontant according to the description of the variety, the harvest can be obtained for a long time. You can’t call it super productive, but you can get up to one and a half kilograms from a square of strawberry beds.
Cons Shelves
Although there are few shortcomings, but in relation to our readers, it would be unethical not to point out them:
- The peculiarity of the variety is excellent fruiting in the first and second year after planting. In the third year, the berries become small. In addition, we already mentioned this in the description, at the end of fruiting, the berries are almost two times smaller than the first ones.
- It is necessary to constantly update the landing, which is not always convenient.
- According to the description of the Polka variety, it is heat resistant, can withstand a short-term drought. But the berries at the same time lose in size and taste.
- Bushes grow strongly during the season.
Rules of agricultural technology
Although Polka strawberries do not require much trouble, you still need to consider some nuances:
Strawberries are not threatened by many diseases, but problems can arise with the root system. To grow a healthy plant, you need to carefully examine the bushes.
The shelf loves water, but you need to water it as the topsoil dries out. Strawberries do not like swampy soil conditions. According to experienced gardeners, the best option would be a drip system. Feeding is also supplied through it. It is held several times per season.
In beds with strawberries, weeds should not be allowed to grow, because they can cause strawberry diseases and a breeding ground for pests.
Strawberry Polka requires breathable soil. This can be achieved by loosening. It is performed after watering so that a crust does not form on the surface.
Plant seedlings in well-drained soil.
