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When choosing strawberry varieties for his plot, each gardener focuses, first of all, on the yield of the variety, the size of the fruit and the ripening time of the berries. High-yielding and large-fruited varieties are more popular. These indicators distinguish the strawberry variety “Roxana”. The description of the variety, photos and numerous reviews from summer residents indicate that this plant belongs to varieties that can be grown on an industrial scale.
Features of the variety
The Roxana strawberry was developed relatively recently, at the end of the last century. The originators of the variety are Italian breeders. It was first grown and tested in the fields of the New Fruits company, located in the suburbs of Cesene. The first seedlings of this plant went on sale only in 2001.
In Russia they began to grow it only in the early 2000s. But even during this short period of time, summer residents managed to evaluate the yield and taste of the Roxana strawberries. What is so different about this variety, which has earned special recognition among gardeners in such a short period?
Strawberry "Roxana", description of the variety, photos, reviews from gardeners indicate that this plant is a universal variety.
Plant characteristics
In accordance with the description, strawberries “Roxana” belong to the medium-late varieties in terms of ripening time. Strawberry bushes are compact, vigorous and powerful, erect, not spreading, with medium foliage.
Peduncles are quite long. However, the inflorescences are always located neither higher nor lower than the level of the leaf blades.
In the first year of fruiting, only 1 or 2 flowers bloom on each inflorescence, which affects the size of the berries. They are much larger than in all subsequent periods of fruiting.
Arborization is moderate, because most of the nutrients and energy are spent on the formation and ripening of fruits. A feature of the variety is the formation of well-developed rosettes.
A brief description of the Roxana berries is as follows:
- The fruits are quite large, elongated, close in shape to a regular cone;
- The weight of the fruit depends on the age of the plant. In the first year, the berries are much larger and weigh 25-35 grams. In subsequent years, the number of berries on each bush increases, but the weight decreases slightly - up to 20-22 grams;
- The color of strawberries is rich red or dark red. The shade depends on compliance with the rules of agricultural technology, the level of illumination of the bed and the vagaries of Mother Nature;
- The skin is smooth, with a glossy sheen and superficially located achenes;
- The strawberry pulp is medium dense, juicy, has a dessert taste and a pronounced strawberry aroma;
- The berries tolerate transportation well without loss of appearance and quality.
From the description of the “Roxana” variety of strawberries, photos and reviews from gardeners, we can conclude that they are perfect not only for growing in a summer cottage, but also on farms for sale.
Another distinctive feature of Roxana berries is their ability to retain their quality and taste for a long time. If for some reason you do not have time to collect and process the ripe crop in a timely manner, do not worry. When ripe, strawberries can hang on the bushes for up to two weeks without losing their appearance, taste or aroma.
The main feature of the Roxana strawberries, according to the description of the variety, photos and reviews from gardeners, is the tendency of the berries to change their traditional shape during the process of formation and growth. Initially, the fruits have a regular conical shape, but during the period of active growth they bifurcate, forming small tubercles at the top of the berry.
Such transformations do not at all affect the taste of strawberries. It is this unusual appearance that attracts many gardeners.
An equally important feature of the Roxana strawberry is its very high yield. If you follow the rules of agricultural technology, you can collect up to 1.2 - 1.5 kg of fragrant and juicy berries from one bush. The yield per acre will be from 90 kg to 1 c.
Strawberry fruits ripen en masse and evenly. Picking berries is not particularly difficult due to good accessibility.Since the Roxana strawberry, according to gardeners, is a mid-late variety, it is perfect for late harvesting.
Many summer residents grow it in such a way that the peak of fruiting occurs in the fall. A decrease in ambient temperature and poor lighting does not affect the plant’s yield, taste and appearance of aromatic berries.
Sustainability
Considering that the birthplace of this variety is sunny Italy, on the plains of which in winter the thermometer rarely drops below -10˚C, difficulties may arise when growing strawberries in Russia.
In the central and southern regions there will not be any particular difficulties when growing the Roxana strawberry variety. But in regions with a harsh climate, you need to be prepared for the fact that every autumn you will have to take care of high-quality shelter for strawberries in order to protect them from freezing.
But no matter where you live, it is impossible to predict what winter will be like. In any case, in winter it doesn’t hurt to provide the strawberries with additional shelter - cover the beds with snow. A natural blanket will help you preserve your bushes.
Strawberry "Roxana", in view of the description of the variety, photo, judging by the reviews, is highly resistant to the following diseases:
- Gray rot;
- Powdery mildew;
as well as most pests. However, the plant does not have strong immunity to anthracnose. Therefore, preventive measures are simply necessary.
Growing rules
You can plant or replant Roxana strawberries either in the spring or in the fall.The preferred time for planting seedlings is mid-late August. Young bushes will grow without problems, easily adapt to new climatic conditions, and next summer they will produce a bountiful harvest of sweet and aromatic strawberries.
In spring, you can plant strawberries immediately after the snow melts and the ground warms up to a temperature of +15˚С +18˚С.
To plant Roxana strawberry seedlings, you should choose a sunny area. It is advisable for the growing beds to be slightly raised. The soil should be loose, fertile, with low acidity. Light shading is acceptable for growing this variety.
The soil for planting strawberries must be prepared in advance. Fertilizers should be added to the soil 2-3 weeks before planting. The berry plant grows well on soil fertilized with humus, humus, and complex mineral fertilizers.
Planting seedlings
Strawberries should be planted in warm weather, towards evening. If the weather is too hot, postpone the event for a couple of days, or take care of shading young bushes during the first 2-3 days after planting.
Planting strawberries "Roxana" is very simple:
- In the prepared bed, make small holes 12-15 cm deep. The distance between the bushes should be 30 - 35 cm.
- Place the seedling strictly vertically in the planting hole and carefully straighten all the roots.
- Gently sprinkle the roots with soil and level the hole.
- You only need to water the strawberries with warm water.
After planting, strawberry beds should be watered promptly with settled water as the top layer of soil dries.
Features of aftercare
Strawberry "Roxana", judging by the reviews of experienced gardeners, does not require close attention and special care. She needs to be provided with routine care, consisting of traditional activities:
- Timely and correct watering;
- Spring pruning;
- Accurate loosening;
- Weeding;
- Proper feeding.
Prevention against diseases and pests
Despite the fact that the “Roxana” strawberry, according to the description of the variety, photos and reviews from gardeners, is highly resistant to many diseases and most insect pests, it is still worth carrying out timely treatment for prevention. The first spraying can be carried out in early spring, when the air warms up to at least +10˚С +15˚С.
Before processing plants, you should familiarize yourself with a few tips:
- Among the large number of biological products, Fitosporin and Phytocid are especially popular.
- To combat insect pests (the most common are aphids, thrips, strawberry mites), strawberries are treated with insecticides. Actellik and Actofit have proven themselves to be excellent.
- Particular care should be taken when spraying strawberries with Bordeaux mixture or other preparations that contain copper. They will protect strawberry bushes from many fungal diseases.
Possible reasons for the decrease in yield
It is very sad, after making every effort and providing proper care, you get only a few handfuls of berries instead of the promised bountiful harvests. There are several reasons for the sharp decrease in the yield of Roxana strawberries:
- Thickened plantings;
- Incorrect and untimely watering;
- Overdose of fertilizers;
- Ignoring such important rules of agricultural technology as weeding, loosening, pruning;
- Untimely replanting and planting of old bushes.
Judging by the description of the strawberry variety “Roxana”, reviews and photos, only if you create suitable conditions and follow the rules of agricultural technology, you can count on getting a high yield.
Application area
Where can you use fresh strawberries? Diligent housewives will always find a use for them. In addition to eating fresh berries, aromatic strawberries are useful for:
- Preparation of summer compotes, fruit drinks and jelly;
- Preparation of dairy drinks: yoghurts, cocktails, ice cream, smoothies;
- Winter preparations in the form of preserves and jams;
- In the culinary field: for baking pies, cakes, desserts, preparing dumplings;
- Drying;
- Freezes in whole and crushed form;
- Preparation of liqueurs, tinctures, liqueurs and other strong drinks at home.
As you can see, the scope of application of Roxana strawberries is quite wide. Few people will refuse hot tea with fresh berries on cold winter evenings.
A brief description of the industrial strawberry variety “Roxana” will be presented to you by the author of the video
Conclusion
The description of strawberries of the Roxana variety, photos and reviews of gardeners who grew them on their plots and managed to compare the declared characteristics indicate full compliance with the results obtained. Ease of care, high yield and wide range of application are good reasons to plant this miracle of selection in your garden beds.
