Strawberries are a favorite summer berry for both children and adults. Regardless of the variety, it conquers with its sweetness, aroma and unsurpassed, incomparable taste. This berry can be used both raw, immediately from the garden (only after washing it), and in all kinds of dishes and drinks. Various delicacies are prepared from strawberries: preserves, jams, compotes, marmalade and jelly. And many different varieties, for example, Asia, allow each gardener to choose his best option.
Brief characteristics of the variety Asia
First bred in Italy in 2005. But, despite his overseas origin, he quickly took root and fell in love in our latitudes.
Asia positions itself as an industrial variety, with excellent taste and transport qualities.
Medium early, begins to bear fruit at the very beginning of June... The yield is slightly above average: per season, one bush is harvested 1-1.2 kg... ripe delicious berries. It has proven itself both on an industrial scale and in small summer cottages.
The berry itself is elongated, in the shape of a cone. It has a bright scarlet color, with a shiny glossy sheen. The average fruit size is 30 grams. In isolated cases, at the very beginning of active ripening of fruits, individual fruits reach 70-90 grams in size.
The peduncle is strong, the leaves are large, shiny. The bush itself is quite large in size, throws out a moderate number of antennae.
It has excellent taste: the pulp is soft, tender, has a high sugar content, and only a slight tinge of sourness.
The species is drought-resistant, but frost resistance is moderate by description: in winter withstands frosts down to -15 degrees.
Ideal for mild climates, but if the climate is moderately continental, then in winter and early spring it is necessary to additionally cover the bushes.
If in winter the temperature drops to -15 degrees, it is imperative to cover the bushes, otherwise the strawberries will die.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main benefits include:
- Excellent taste.
- The density of the berries, which allows them to be transported over long distances.
- Quite decent yield.
- Resistance to all kinds of root diseases.
- Early ripening.
- Drought tolerance.
The disadvantages include not very high frost resistance... In the temperate continental climate of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, in winter it requires careful care: it is necessary to cover the plant with agrofibre.
Planting strawberries
Soil preparation
It is necessary to approach the choice of a place for planting this variety with all seriousness.
Asia is very demanding on the composition of the soil: it grows poorly on sandy, clayey and carbonate soils.
Theoretically, it can be grown on such a composition, but very careful care is required, since in such soil the variety is susceptible to a disease such as chlorosis.
The soil high in humus Is a great place to plant these strawberries.
Regardless of the type of soil, it must be prepared for planting: loosen it well, remove all weeds, and disinfect it with an ammonia solution. After disinfection, the soil must be allowed time to dry out and only after that can the planting of the bushes be started.
Landing
Planting bushes at a distance 30-35 cm apart... The bush itself is quite large in size, many berries are formed on it, therefore, space is needed between the bushes to ensure good ventilation and nutrition of the roots.
It is necessary to plant bushes on flat terrain, or slightly on a slope. The soil should be well lit, not protected from sunlight.
Strawberries should not be planted both in the lowlands and in the hills. In a lowland, the roots may suffer from constant dampness, and on a hill there will be an acute lack of moisture.
Watering and fertilizing
Although Asia positions itself as a drought-tolerant species, just like other varieties, it needs abundant and regular watering.
If watering is limited, such a variety will not disappear, but it will give a much lower yield, and the fruits will be of much worse quality, small in size.
To increase fruiting, when planting, you can slightly nourish the bushes, exclusively with organic fertilizers.
Care
The variety needs regular maintenance throughout flowering, fruiting, and even after the ripe berry season is over. It is necessary to remove weeds in a timely manner, loosen the soil in order to retain moisture - mulch the soil.
After harvesting, you can feed the beds with wood ash. In autumn and spring, potash and phosphorus fertilizers must be applied to the soil.
Unlike other varieties, it needs constant fertilization.
In the fall, be sure to carefully remove all the dry leaves on the bushes, weed the soil well and cover the bushes with either agrofibre, dry leaves, or straw (depending on winter temperatures).
Reproduction
This variety propagates mainly sockets... Bushes do not give abundant tendrils, and independently form new rosettes, from which a new bush can be formed. This is the easiest and most optimal way to propagate strawberries.
Pests and diseases
This strawberry variety is resistant to various diseases of the root system, but susceptible to chlorosis, anthracnose, powdery mildew.
In order not to let the plant get sick completely, it is necessary to observe the bushes, and at the slightest hint of a disease, treat them, otherwise the disease will quickly spread to the entire area.
Means for combating this or that disease must be purchased in a specialized store, and strictly adhere to the instructions for use.
Strawberry variety Asia, despite the average yield, has excellent taste... And the vitamin composition and benefits of the berries of this variety are in no way inferior to even the most high-yielding species.
The fruits are also suitable for freezing. With proper care, this berry will delight you with its sweetness and aroma all year round.