Why large-fruited strawberries of the Victoria variety are good

The difference between true strawberries and garden strawberries

In many amateur magazines and among gardeners, Victoria is called a strawberry. However, botanists and scientific breeders will disagree with this statement and will cite the following differences as evidence:

1. The size of the bushes. Strawberry bushes are distinguished by their large size and an abundance of light green mass, which rises above the peduncles, and strawberry shoots are located closer to the ground.
2. Strawberries prefer to grow in sunny areas, while their forest cousin thrives in the shade.
3. Strawberries are dioecious plants in which male and female flowers are located on the same bush, which contributes to good pollination. In strawberries, heterosexual flowers are located on different bushes and for pollination they need to be planted in a certain ratio.
4. Various fruit sizes and colors. Small strawberries, weighing up to 5 g, with a rich red side from the sun and pale pink in the shade. Strawberries have large, bright red or pink fruits. Strawberry fruits, although much smaller in size, have a richer aroma.
5. All bushes bear fruit in strawberries, therefore the yield is much higher than in strawberries, in which only female bushes bear fruit.

Strawberries are most often found in natural areas - forests or clearings, rarely - in the garden of those who love berries and exotic fruits. Thanks to the work of breeders, today there is a wonderful symbiosis of two berries - the earthworm, which combines the best characteristics of both species.

Characteristics of the Victoria variety

Large Victoria berries appeared on the territory of Russia more than a century ago and are still grown.

Shrub description

Victoria bushes are quite large, tall, with strong flexible petioles and large dense leaves of rich green color. At the same time, the plant grows compactly, does not take up much space. The flowers are medium-sized, snow-white with a yellow center.

Commercial and taste qualities of berries

The fruits of Victoria are of a classic cone-like shape, large, with an average weight of about 11 g. The structure of the fruit is quite dense, but the flesh is tender, light pink, with small seeds. Fruit color is bright red.

The sugar content of the berries is high. Sweetness combined with a bright aroma and attractive appearance attracts buyers and makes it possible to use the berry for fresh consumption and preservation.

The berries contain a lot of useful substances: vitamins, protein fractions, saccharides, acids, pectins, trace elements, minerals, antioxidants.

The use of strawberries helps to cope with viral diseases, pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system, skin inflammation and gallstone disease.

Ripening time and yield

Among the varieties of the variety, there are repairing and non-repairing bushes. The former can bear fruit several times per season. Victoria belongs to the early ripening varieties, the time of flowering and ripening of berries depends on the region and growing conditions. It could be late April - early May. The berries ripen in about a month. From one bush, you can collect from 800 g to 1 kg of fruits.

Collection, storage and use

Victoria fruits are easily separated from the stalk, so collection is not difficult. In a rainy season, ripe berries may rot slightly from below if the branch touches the soil under the weight of the berries. Despite the rather dense structure of the berries, it is not recommended to transport them over long distances due to the abundant juice production. In a refrigerator, berries can be stored for up to 3 days.

Strawberries can be used fresh, make compotes and desserts from them, and you can also freeze berries, make jams, preserves and confitures.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Each culture has its own pros and cons. The decisive factor in the choice is the superiority of the former over the latter.

Video "Acquaintance with the Victoria variety"

This video shows what strawberries look like.

Features of growing and care

For good growth and full development, you need to create optimal conditions for the growth of the bush. Choose a sunny area, protected from drafts and gusts of wind.

Preparing the soil for planting

If the berry is planted in the spring, then the soil is prepared in the fall. If planting is carried out before winter, then the soil is prepared in a couple of months. To do this, you need to dig up the area, remove all weeds and apply fertilizer. Organic and small amounts of mineral supplements are usually added.

Planting seedlings

Some gardeners plant berries in a comb, others in a hole. The main thing is to follow these simple rules:

1. Add wood ash and fertilizer. They are mixed with the ground, watered and planted.
2. The spacing between the rows should be at least half a meter, between the bushes - 35 cm.
3. Young plants are dug in, enclosing the root zone to retain moisture.
4. After planting, the root zone is mulched with straw or cut grass.

Advantages of drip irrigation

Victoria needs regular watering - twice a week. To do this, experienced gardeners recommend choosing a drip irrigation system, which, if desired, can be built independently from a barrel and a hose. Small holes are made in the hose for water to flow, attach it to the barrel with an adapter, and stretch it along the row with strawberries. Thus, by the evening the water in the barrel will be warm, and when you open the tap on the barrel, it will flow under pressure to the bushes, which will save time and effort.

Plant feeding

The plants are fed three times a season. When the first leaves appear, organic matter is introduced. During and after flowering, they are fed with potassium-phosphorus complexes.

Preparing for winter

If the winters are cold and not snowy, then it is recommended to cover the berry for the winter with a special covering material - spunbond. It is not recommended to use straw or hay in this case, there is a risk that the plant will sop.

Prevention and protection against diseases and pests

Victoria is resistant to almost all common diseases. However, there is a risk of infection with viral white spot. Infection can be prevented with the help of spring preventive treatment with Bordeaux liquid.

Also, Victoria can be threatened by a strawberry mite. You can fight it only with the help of special preparations, such as "Omite" and "Pure Garden".

Gardeners reviews

Do not rush to change old proven varieties for new ones. Find a place for your favorite old lady queen and you won't be disappointed.