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In recent decades, with the emergence of a huge number of new varieties of strawberries or garden strawberries, as they are more correctly called, older proven varieties often fade into the background. And this is not surprising. After all, growing strawberries is a kind of hobby that is somewhat reminiscent of collecting. Every time the gardener thinks that the next variety found will be better than the previous one, the berries are tastier, larger, and the bushes themselves are more resistant to disease. But the ideal variety was never found; every strawberry will definitely have its own shortcomings.
For beginning gardeners, it is sometimes much more important to find a strawberry variety that has good taste, good yield, and most importantly, is easy to grow. In this case, they should take a closer look at the old variety of strawberries, Kent, which, judging by the description, photos and reviews about it, is quite suitable for beginners. Moreover, it is important that this strawberry comes from Canada, and, therefore, is perfectly suited for growing over a large territory of Russia, and not just in its southern regions.
History of the Kent variety
In the 70s of the last century, in the Canadian city of Kentville, Nova Scotia, scientific breeders from the Canadian Research Station crossed the Raritan variety with a combination of the Tioga and Redgauntlet varieties.As a result, a strawberry variety was obtained, which received a preliminary name under the number K74-10.
After testing for several years on experimental plots of a research station, the variety was approved for testing on farm plots and on several industrial plantations.
Having successfully passed all the tests, the Kent strawberry variety was officially registered and zoned throughout Eastern Canada.
But it is generally accepted that, based on the totality of its characteristics, this variety is more than worthy for cultivation on personal plots, especially in the harsh conditions of the Urals and Siberia.
Description of the variety
Kent strawberry bushes look quite powerful. Despite the fact that the bush itself is erect, large leaves on long petioles are spread in different directions. The large root system ensures the bushes' endurance and frost resistance. True, it is advisable to plant bushes, keeping a distance of at least 50 cm between seedlings.
The ability to form mustaches is at an average level; by autumn, enough of them are formed to easily propagate strawberry bushes. But still, they do not create a strong thickening of the plantation.
Strawberry Kent is a short-day variety. It bears fruit only once per season and the formation of flower buds occurs in August-September, when daylight hours become 12 hours or less. Hence the name of the group of strawberry varieties.
Kent strawberries ripen quite early - in the first half of June, and the fruiting period itself is quite extended. This allows gardeners to enjoy delicious berries on their plots for a long time.
Strawberry bushes form many long peduncles, which are in height just at the level of the leaves, which is quite convenient for harvesting. Under the weight of the harvest, they can even lie on the ground, so it is advisable to build special supports near the bushes to support them. In the first year, plants of this variety form an average of 5-8 peduncles, in the second year - 10-15. Thus, the yield of the variety is quite decent - 700-800 grams of large berries can be collected from one bush per season. But with age, the size of the berries becomes noticeably smaller. This is noticeable already in the second year of cultivation, and in the third year the berries lose a lot of weight.
The strawberry variety Kent tolerates harsh winter conditions very well and is able to grow under cover even in Siberian conditions. Frost resistance without shelter reaches -20°C. The flowers of this strawberry variety are able to withstand light and short-term frosts. In general, strawberries of this variety are remarkably suited for growing in a temperate continental climate, since the bushes need a significant number of cold hours during the winter.
Strawberry Kent is also highly resistant to various leaf spots, powdery mildew, gray rot and strawberry mite. Susceptibility to Verticellium wilt was revealed, but quite at the level of other average varieties.
Characteristics of strawberries
Based on the fact that everyone grows strawberries primarily for their berries, the main characteristics of the fruits of the Kent variety are presented below.
- The berries are large in size; the weight in the first year of planting strawberries is on average 30-40 grams. Unfortunately, in subsequent years the size and weight of the berries decrease.
- The shape of the berries is mostly round, slightly conical. Sometimes it is closer to a heart shape.
- The color of ripe berries is dark red. Closer to the stalk, the color of the berries becomes lighter. The flesh also has a lighter red hue, it is dense and at the same time juicy.
- Thanks to the non-rigid cuttings, the berries are easily separated from the bush.
- The berries have an excellent presentation, are shiny, and tolerate storage and transportation well. Sometimes small growths in the form of warts can be observed on the first berries of this variety in the season, which can reduce the marketability of the strawberry.
- The taste characteristics of strawberries are remarkable - the rating of professional tasters varies from 4.6 to 5 points. The berries are juicy, sweet and aromatic.
- The purpose of the berries is quite universal - strawberries are very tasty fresh, and due to the density of the berries, they make wonderful jam and other preparations for the winter. It freezes easily and retains its shape.
Features of cultivation
As already mentioned, it is better to plant Kent bushes at a considerable distance from each other in order to provide sufficient nutrition area for a powerful root system. A planting pattern of 50 x 50 cm is quite suitable.
One of the important positive properties of this variety, in addition to resistance to various diseases, is the active ripening and accumulation of sugar by the berries, even in rainy or cloudy weather.
Strawberries are also quite suitable for growing under arched film shelters and in this case they are able to produce a harvest another week earlier than usual.
Despite the general unpretentiousness of Kent strawberries, they will not do well in highly acidic, waterlogged or calcareous soils. On depleted soil, it is necessary to add humus and other organic matter.
Reviews from gardeners
Many gardeners who grew this variety of strawberries were satisfied with it and did not want anything better. Others were in constant search of the best from the good.
Conclusion
When growing strawberries, as in any other business, it is very important that your efforts are not wasted. When you receive a positive result, your heart rejoices and there is an incentive to work further and conquer more and more heights. Therefore, for beginners in gardening, Kent strawberries will be the key to a successful start and perhaps a symbol of success in this difficult but interesting business.
