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There are many varieties of garden strawberries, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, when choosing strawberries, you need to know its description, characteristics, look at photographs and read reviews from gardeners who have been involved in this crop for a long time.
Strawberry Polka is no stranger to summer cottages and farm plantations. It was created by Dutch breeders back in 1977 by crossing the 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 about the variety
Polka strawberries, according to the description of the variety, photos and reviews from gardeners, bear fruit well in many regions of Russia and the former republics of the USSR. I liked the Polka 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 toothed edges are attractive.
- The plant produces many flower stalks with large white flowers. The Polka strawberry variety, 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, but at technical ripeness they become dark red. The shape resembles a blunt, shortened cone. The skin is thin but durable and does not stain your hand when touched.
- One of the characteristics that does not allow Polka strawberries to leave the race is the unusual taste of the juicy pulp: it is similar to caramel. Inside, the berry is without voids, coral-red in color, becoming lighter towards the center.
- The fruit weight of the Polka variety varies in the first wave from 40 to 50 grams, the rest are half as much. As gardeners write in reviews, everything depends on strawberry agricultural technology.
- It forms a lot of whiskers, so as not to deplete the bush, timely pruning is required. Only the mustache is left for replacement.
A description of the Polka strawberry variety would be incomplete without talking 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 how fragrant the jellies, confitures, and candied fruits are, words cannot describe. As they write in reviews, many gardeners even dry the berries; the taste is not lost, but becomes even more expressive.
Advantages of Polka
Polka garden strawberries, which receive mostly positive reviews, have many advantages over other varieties:
- The plant is frost-resistant and survives well in harsh winter conditions under reliable shelter.
- Does not require much effort when growing.
- Suitable for industrial processing.
- Has excellent transportability.
- Practically does not get sick, although prevention is necessary.
Although Polka strawberries, according to the description of the variety, are not remontant, the harvest can be obtained for a long time.It cannot be called 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, in relation to our readers, it would be unethical not to point them out:
- The peculiarity of the variety is excellent fruiting in the first and second years 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 plantings, which is not always convenient.
- According to the description of the Polka variety, it is heat-resistant and can withstand short-term drought. But the berries lose size and taste.
- The bushes grow greatly over the season.
Rules of agricultural technology
Although Polka strawberries do not require much trouble, you still need to take into account some nuances:
Strawberries are not threatened by many diseases, but problems may arise with the root system. To grow a healthy plant, you need to carefully inspect the bushes.
The shelf loves water, but it needs to be watered as the top layer of soil 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 carried out several times a season.
Overgrowth should not be allowed in strawberry beds. weed, because they can become the cause of strawberry diseases and a breeding ground for pests.
Polka strawberries require 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-fertilized soil.
