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Gardeners carefully select strawberry varieties for planting on the site, focusing on yield, berry quality, and disease resistance. Despite the fact that recently breeders have created many hybrids with excellent characteristics, old, proven varieties are still in demand. Strawberry Belrubi is one of the most famous, popular and sought after.
History of selection
Belrubi strawberries (Fragaria ananassa Belrubi) were obtained by French breeders in the 80s of the last century as a result of crossing two varieties - Pocahontas (Fragaria ananassa Pokahonta) and Red Cout (Fragaria ananassa Red Cout). The first one was created by American breeders; the ripening period is mid-early. The bushes are tall, compact, with large foliage.
Pocahontas strawberries can produce two harvests per season
The second “parent” strawberry variety, Red Coat, was obtained in Canada. Its bush is compact, the berries are medium-sized, oval-shaped, very fragrant.
Red Coat strawberries ripen early and have average yields
Since 1988, Belrubi was tested in the Russian Federation, after which in 1990 it was included in the State Register of Selection Achievements. Recommended for cultivation in the Stavropol Territory and Karachay-Cherkessia.
The climatic conditions of the North Caucasus are optimal for growing Belrubi strawberries
Characteristics and description of Belrubi strawberries
The universal variety Belrubi is a mid-season variety. Strawberries are consumed fresh and subjected to thermal processing; they are valued for their high taste and technical characteristics. The plant forms an erect bush up to 40 cm high and wide. The peduncles are long, the inflorescences are lush, located at the level of the foliage. There are a lot of mustaches.
Appearance and taste of berries
After ripening, Belrubi strawberries acquire a dark red color with a smooth glossy surface. Their shape is elongated, conical. The neck is clearly defined. The pulp is pink, dense structure. The berries have a sweet taste with a slight sourness. According to experts, the taste characteristics are high. The average weight is 15-20 g. Transportability is excellent; the berries are not deformed when transported over long distances.
Flowering period, ripening period and yield
Buds on Belrubi strawberries appear in the first half of June. When grown in the middle zone, flowering occurs ten days later than in the south. The berries ripen after three weeks. Collection is carried out in several stages. The fruits are well separated from the peduncles. The yield of the variety is average. Each bush produces about 0.5 kg of berries.
Frost resistance
Frost resistance of Belrubi strawberries is high. When grown in the Krasnodar and Stavropol territories, the berries are not covered for the winter.To prevent the soil from drying out in cold weather, mulch it with a small layer of compost. In regions with more severe winters, before the onset of persistent frosts, Belrubi strawberries are covered with a layer of straw, having previously freed the ridges from weeds, dry and diseased leaves.
Resistance to diseases and pests
Belrubi strawberry has high immunity, it is rarely affected by diseases and pests, but attacks from insects are possible:
- Weevil - females lay eggs in the buds, gnaw the stalks, which ends with their withering and a decrease in yield.
To prevent the appearance of weevils on Belrubi strawberries, the row spacing is sprinkled with sawdust soaked in creolin.
- Strawberry mite - sucks juices from the rudimentary leaves, which turn yellow and become deformed.
To combat insects, spraying strawberry foliage with solutions of chemicals (Marolex, Teovit) is used.
- Spider mite - damages foliage and entangles it.
Infusion of calendula, dandelion, tobacco decoction help cope with the pest if treated 3-5 times
- Whitefly - destroys young plants.
Intestinal insecticides (Aktara, Atellik, Rovikurt, Pegasus) are effective in the fight against whiteflies.
- May beetle larvae eat the roots.
To combat cockchafer larvae, traps, sowing of green manure, manual collection, and agrotechnical measures are used.
Among the most common diseases that affect Belrubi strawberries are spot and fusarium wilt.If there is a possibility of developing diseases, treatments with copper-containing preparations, a solution of potassium permanganate and boric acid are used.
If Fusarium wilt is detected, the plants are dug up and burned.
Pros and cons of the variety
Despite the fact that the yield and appearance of the Belrubi variety largely depend on the conditions and region of growth, the general disadvantages and advantages remain unchanged.
Strawberries of the Belrubi variety have a bright aroma
pros | Minuses |
compactness of bushes | short fruiting period |
winter hardiness | too many mustaches |
drought resistance | average fruit size |
high taste qualities of berries | yield is lower than other varieties |
excellent immunity |
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low maintenance |
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high transportability |
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versatility of use |
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Features of cultivation
To plant Belrubi strawberries, choose a well-lit area with sunshine. If the area is elevated, ridges are not made, unlike in lowland areas where the variety is planted in high ridges. The best predecessors are garlic, lentils, rye, wheat, mustard, sorrel, clover.
Planting of the Belrubi variety is carried out according to the following algorithm:
- They dig up the area and level it.
- Make holes 15-25 cm deep at a distance of 20-30 cm from each other.
- Pour humus (1 kg) and superphosphate (50 g) into each.
- Place one or two plants in each hole.
- Straighten the roots.
- Cover with soil and compact.
- Watered.
Loamy or sandy loam soil for Belrubi strawberries should have neutral acidity
Further care of the plants consists of watering, fertilizing, and removing the tendrils. Immediately after the snow melts, damaged and rotten leaves and weeds are removed, the rows are loosened and nitrogen fertilizers are simultaneously applied to the soil. Hill up without burying the core of the bush into the ground. Mulch the surface with peat, straw, sawdust. Belrubi strawberries are watered at least twice a week. If necessary, if the weather is hot, dry, the procedure is performed more often. Whiskers are removed as they appear. Carefully cut with scissors so as not to damage the base of the bush.
Reproduction
The easiest and most popular way to propagate Belrubi strawberries is by lateral shoots (tendrils), of which it has a lot. The method does not require much effort from the gardener and guarantees the preservation of varietal characteristics. First and second order rosettes are used as seedlings. They are the strongest and develop quickly. These are the ones that are kept on the mustache, and the rest are removed. If the soil is loose, air- and moisture-permeable, rooting occurs quickly. The rosette is later separated from the mother bush and replanted.
In order not to weaken the entire Belrubi strawberry plantation, several bushes are selected for propagation, in which the varietal characteristics are most clearly expressed. They are left with 5-7 lateral processes and rosettes of the first two orders. The formation of the mustache begins already in June, but the highest quality planting material is obtained from the July mustache.
At the moment of formation of roots on the rosette, it should be pinned to the soil and sprinkled with humus
Young plants are ready for transplantation in two months. The best time to start a new plantation is from the third ten days of August to mid-September. Each seedling should have a developed “heart”, strong roots, 4-5 healthy, large leaves.
Conclusion
Belrubi strawberries have long stood the test of time and invariably produce sustainable yields. Its excellent taste, ease of care and undemanding conditions for growing are noted by many gardeners, and resistance to diseases and pests is another reason to choose this variety.
Reviews from gardeners about Belrubi strawberries
