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Our Country is a huge country and while gardeners in one part of the country are just planting seedlings of garden strawberries in the ground, in other regions they are already trying the first berries. Therefore, it is not worth recommending the same varieties for cultivation in the Krasnodar Territory and in the Moscow Region, no matter what crops we are talking about. Naturally, when choosing suitable varieties for growing strawberries in the Moscow region, it is necessary to take into account all the climatic and weather factors inherent in this region. Indeed, as experienced gardeners know, 50% of success depends on the correct choice of strawberry variety. This article will attempt to describe the best strawberry varieties for the Moscow region. As far as possible, all possible indicators will be taken into account, including even the decorativeness of the variety.
The influence of climate on strawberries
In the conditions of central Our Country, to which the Moscow region also belongs, it is important to choose varieties that are quite frost-resistant and at the same time withstand relatively dry summer conditions. Although it is the weather conditions of the Moscow region in the summer that are almost ideal for the development of strawberries: warm, but not hot days, with sufficient rainfall.
A fairly large number of sunny days make it possible for sweet berries to form.
Therefore, judging by the reviews of many gardeners, ultra-early varieties of garden strawberries are not very suitable for the Moscow region. There is a high probability that their flowering may fall under frost. In this case, you can generally forget about the harvest. Also, the cultivation of many remontant varieties in this region is not very productive, since their second and third wave of fruiting may completely disappear due to the same frosts.
There is still a way out of such situations: you can install arcs over strawberry plantings and cover them in spring and autumn with a film or non-woven material for the period of night frosts.
How to choose the best strawberry variety
As you know, there are no comrades for the taste and color, so everyone will have their own choice of the best varieties of strawberries. However, there is a set of criteria that are commonly used when describing varieties. It is for these indicators that anyone can choose exactly the variety that he will most like.
- The size of the berries – for many strawberry lovers, this indicator is important, because it not only facilitates the collection of strawberries, but also gives a reason to brag to neighbors and relatives about their success in gardening. Fruits weighing more than 50-60 grams are considered large, and the size of the berries of some varieties can reach up to 120 grams.
- Productivity – this indicator is fundamental for most gardeners. After all, strawberries are a rather demanding berry for care, and I want all efforts not to be in vain, but to reward you with a worthy harvest. For reference, it can be noted that on average one strawberry bush can produce about one kilogram of berries. If the yield of the variety is significantly less, then either the variety is not suitable, or you have violated the conditions for its cultivation.
- Taste and aroma – for many, this characteristic is decisive, because if the variety produces a large number of large, but tasteless or sour berries, then it can only be left for compotes and jam. But this parameter is also the most unreliable, since it is very individual.
- Resistance to growing conditions and diseases – this indicator is one of the most important for those who are not ready to devote too much time to caring for strawberry plantings. In addition, he implies that the berry will not have to be treated with chemicals once again, which means that you can enjoy its ecological cleanliness.
In addition to the above parameters, the following characteristics are also of particular importance for those who are going to grow strawberries for commercial purposes:
- Density is one of the most important criteria for strawberries in terms of their storage, transportation and sale. In the presence of a sufficiently dense consistency of berries, they are usually more protected from various rots and are able to maintain an appetizing appearance for a longer time.
- The same appearance and size is a very convenient parameter for selling strawberries.
- Friendly ripening of berries – this feature helps to get a crop immediately in a fairly large volume so that it can be easily sold.
If you like a certain variety, you should not focus solely on it. It is better to look for several varieties with different ripening times. Thus, you can extend the period of strawberry consumption up to two months even without the use of remontant varieties.
Although there are varieties that may well combine both those and other characteristics.
If you do not want to spend all your free time on a strawberry plantation, it is better to choose varieties that are more resistant to various weather disasters and common diseases. With the modern variety of strawberry varieties to choose from, it is not at all necessary to sacrifice either taste or yield.
The best varieties for Moscow region
Since there are currently unimaginably many varieties of strawberries, it will be easiest to consider them in accordance with the ripening time, as well as taking into account other equally important characteristics.
Early strawberry varieties
As already mentioned, early strawberry varieties for the Moscow region are not an ideal choice, but there are so many interesting options among them that it might be worth the risk for them. Moreover, it is not so difficult to put shelters for the period of possible night frosts during flowering. But you can enjoy a truly sweet and tasty berry in the first half of June.
Alba
A highly productive variety originally from Italy. The bush is able to produce 1,2 kg of berries. The berries are medium, weighing 25-30 grams, do not shrink by the end of the season. Ripens early to mid June. The berries are bright red, conically elongated. It can be planted in containers for earlier fruiting at home, and already in the summer, take it out to the street. Differs in resistance to diseases, it is well stored and transported.
Vima Zant
It is one of the earliest varieties. Crossbreed child of Elsanta and Korona. This strawberry is quite easy to distinguish by rolled leaves. The first fruits appear at the end of May. Differs in unpretentiousness and especially frost resistance. The berries are quite large, about 40 grams, regular shape, juicy and sweet. Perfectly stored and transported. Mustaches are formed in large numbers.
Darselect
A relatively recently appeared variety has already managed to catch the fancy of many gardeners. The berries are dense and large, reaching up to 70 grams. The bushes are powerful, resistant to both weather conditions and diseases.
Deroyal
Early strawberries when planting this variety are provided to you. It is resistant to most diseases and can be grown both outdoors and in greenhouses. The weight of the berries is up to 50 grams, they are dense, juicy and sweet.
Kimberly
A very early variety of Dutch selection. Kimberly is one of the top ten strawberry varieties used in Our Country, including for industrial cultivation. Beautiful, aligned, fragrant, large berries, weighing up to 50 grams. Taste – honey-caramel, sweetness does not depend on weather conditions. Among the advantages – winter hardiness and resistance to fungal diseases.
Late varieties
Late varieties of strawberries are an excellent choice for the conditions of the Moscow region, as they, as a rule, differ in yield and size of berries, and are also little dependent on weather conditions in the region.
In addition, the ripening of their fruits usually falls on the warmest and sunniest days in the middle lane – in the second half of July – the beginning of August, which means that the berries soaked in the sun will delight with their sweetness.
Bohemia
Although the variety is not remontant, there have been cases when it produced berries on new rosettes. Bohemia – strawberry of domestic origin, has a high yield, up to 1,5 kg per bush. The berries are dense, large, up to 50 grams, with a shiny skin, stored and transported remarkably. Taste characteristics are high, resistant to diseases and pests.
Bogota
Late strawberry, ripening in late July – early August. Judging by the description of those who grew it on their site, the berry is beautiful, it reaches large sizes already at the first harvest and does not shrink further. A feature of Bohemia are light leaves, it is because of their tenderness that strawberries are more susceptible to pest invasion than other varieties. The taste is wonderful, sweet and sour with strawberry aroma.
Black Swan
One of the most large-fruited varieties, the mass of berries reaches 70 grams. Berries are very tasty and sweet. According to many gardeners – one of the best late varieties. Berries are able to ripen and fill with sweetness even in partial shade. Due to their large size, they are a little loose, you can even shoot them unripe – they are already sweet. Very late – the fruits ripen until mid-August.
Vima Xima
Mid-late strawberry variety, ripens in the second half of July. The berries are tasty and fragrant, thanks to their beautiful shape they will serve as a good table decoration. Fruit weight is about 45 grams. Berries are suitable for any processing, including freezing. Vima Xima produces few whiskers and is also resistant to powdery mildew.
Large and productive varieties
If you plant the strawberry varieties listed below, then you are unlikely to have to complain about the yield. As a rule, the most productive varieties of strawberries are also the most large-fruited.
Gigantella
One of the most famous varieties in Our Country in recent years, because in addition to its large-fruited (berries can reach 110-120 grams), it is resistant to strawberry mites and gray rot. The bushes themselves are very powerful, up to 70 cm in diameter. The berries have a sweet taste and dense pulp, ripen from the end of June and retain the sweetness of the fruit even in rainy summer conditions. Productivity – about 1 kg per bush. Forms numerous whiskers, which must be removed to increase productivity.
Chamora Turussi
This variety, despite its mysterious origin, is famous for its yields. From one bush you can get up to 3 kg of sweet giant berries, as in the photo. With proper care and feeding, the weight of the berry can reach 120-130 grams. But unfortunately, Chamora Turussi is very unstable to fungal diseases, and quite demanding for care.
Lord
Strawberries of medium late ripening come from England. The bushes are powerful, the yield increases with age and by the second year reaches 2,5-3 kg per bush. Berries have good taste and pleasant aroma.
Repair varieties
Quite a lot of remontant varieties have appeared in recent years, but not all of them are able to fully bear fruit in the Moscow region.
Queen Elizabeth 2
This variety of garden strawberries of selection is truly one of the best remontant varieties that can be grown almost throughout Our Country. The berries are of good density, juicy and sweet, on average their weight is 40-50 grams, but there are specimens weighing up to 120 grams. They hold their shape when cooked and are great for freezing. Strawberries winter well, but are not drought-resistant enough. The optimal time for planting seedlings of this strawberry is the end of summer – the beginning of autumn. Wintering peduncles allow you to get a very early harvest of berries. Fruiting lasts until frost. But the bushes spend so much energy on the formation of fruits that it is recommended to renew them annually with new whiskers so that the berries do not lose their size.
Temptation
This strawberry hybrid has an exquisite nutmeg taste. The berries are quite large, 30-40 grams, ripen from the end of May until the first frost. Due to the long peduncles, it is good to plant it in hanging pots, where it will attract attention with cascades of shoots. From one bush per season you can get about 1,5 kg of berries.
Diamond
The variety has a stable yield. Fruit size is average, about 20-30 grams. According to the taste of berries, it is considered that among remontant varieties it has no equal. Diamond is resistant to diseases and pests. Actively forms a mustache.
Evie 2
A very young, but already promising variety with a juicy, fresh, sweet berry, weighing about 30 g. Productive, up to 2 kg per bush. Differs in drought resistance.
Interestingly, the description states that it is able to bear fruit for up to 5 years without changing the size of the berry, which is an unprecedented thing for a remontant variety.
Other interesting varieties
There are many more varieties of strawberries suitable for growing in the conditions of the Moscow region, but which varieties cannot be ignored are Shelf and Garland.
A shelf
If you want to have the sweetest strawberries, then be sure to try this variety. The berries are sweet even when semi-ripe, when grown in partial shade and in all weather conditions. It ripens around the end of June – beginning of July. The berries are large (50-65 g), dense. Among the advantages of Shelves and productivity, and resistance to gray rot, and frost resistance.
Garland
One of the best representatives of the so-called ampelous strawberries, which is able to bear fruit on its own mustache throughout the warm season. If you plant the Garland in a planter or a tall flowerpot, you can get a cascade of strawberry greens, strewn with flowers and berries at the same time.
In addition to yield (800-1000 g per bush), Garland is also distinguished by large enough berries for ampelous strawberries, up to 40 grams, and excellent taste.
Conclusion
As you can see, among the many varieties of strawberries for the Moscow region, you can always choose exactly what best suits your requirements.
