Strawberries started growing in Russia in the 15th century. Initially, domestic gardeners cultivated only green strawberries. This variety was distinguished by rather large and fragrant fruits. In the XVII-XVIII centuries. even more delicious nutmeg strawberries began to be introduced into the culture. And only in the 19th century pineapple strawberries were brought to Russia. It is this variety that is grown in suburban areas to this day. Below in the article we will deal in detail with what exactly is a pineapple strawberry (description, varieties, photos, reviews).
Origin
The name of this berry has absolutely nothing to do with pineapple. It does not resemble a popular tropical fruit either in shape or taste. The name "pineapple" came from the Latin word ananassa (garden strawberry). Where this strawberry came from is not known to biologists for certain. It is believed that it was first obtained in Holland. At the same time, it is assumed that the breeders took Chilean and Virginian strawberries as a basis. In another way, this variety is also called large-fruited or garden. She is not in the wildmeets.
Strawberry Description
Pineapple strawberries are not actually fruits. In fact, this is just an overgrown receptacle of a plant. The color of the berries of such a culture as pineapple strawberries (photos are presented on the page) usually have red. However, there are also pink or white varieties of it. The main features of this cultivated plant are:
- power socket;
- trifoliate leaves on long petioles (constantly renewing);
- apical inflorescences;
- creeping branchy shoots rooting at the nodes;
- large flowers with a diameter of more than 2 cm;
- the presence of a pronounced subcup.
The size, shape, color and taste of strawberry false fruits depend on this particular variety.
Growing methods
Industrially, pineapple strawberries in our country, unfortunately, are practically not cultivated. But in the gardens and kitchen gardens of private owners, it can be seen almost everywhere. There are several ways to grow it:
- on beds mulched with dark film;
- in greenhouses;
- in plastic bags;
- in plastic containers.
The last two methods are usually used if the soil on the site for growing this crop is not very suitable. Strawberries love only light sandy soils with a humus content of no more than 3%. On heavy clay soils due toincreased moisture in this crop often begin to rot the roots.
What varieties are there
Breeding work with pineapple strawberries, including in our country, is carried out constantly. For hundreds of years of cultivation of this crop, several thousand of its varieties have been bred. Conventionally, all of them can be divided into two large groups:
- repair;
- large-fruited.
Pineapple strawberry of the first variety occupies a leading position in the areas of summer residents. The main feature of remontant varieties is that they are able to bear fruit 2-3 times per season. The berries of strawberries of this variety are usually not too large. However, at the same time, such varieties, as a rule, are unpretentious and do not require any special attention from the gardener.
The main advantage of large-fruited strawberries is, of course, the large size of the berries. In some cases, their weight can reach 150 g. The taste and aroma of large-fruited strawberries are usually better than those of remontant. But at the same time, and in terms of care, she is somewhat more demanding.
Of course, like any other garden crop, pineapple strawberries can be thermophilic or frost-resistant, early ripening or late ripening. Disease-resistant varieties of this plant have also been bred. There are varieties that are very well suited for growing on a balcony, in pots or boxes.
Best remontant strawberry
Most varieties of this group, and in particularbred in recent years, is characterized by good taste and is great for growing in summer cottages. However, the remontant pineapple strawberry is still the most popular among gardeners:
- Mara de Bois.
- Albion.
- Temptation.
The best large-fruited varieties
Pineapple strawberries of this group also take pride of place in the plots of many gardeners. Most often, summer residents grow such large-fruited varieties as:
- Gigantella.
- Lord.
- Max.
Reviews about Mara de Bois
The main advantages of this remontant strawberry summer residents include frost resistance. You can grow it, including in the Urals or Siberia. The survival rate of Mara de Bois in winter is 90-95%. This strawberry also deserves good reviews for its excellent, very sweet taste of berries.
Why you should grow Albion
This strawberry is popular with gardeners, including the fact that its berries grow not only on peduncles, but also on mustaches. Many summer residents advise growing this particular variety on their site also because it bears fruit from May to August. Only from one bush per season you can collect up to 2 kg of even berries with a very pleasant aroma.
Temptation (pineapple strawberry): photos and reviews
The advantages of this remontant variety are primarily unpretentiousness and the ability to produce large yields. Because the root systemStrawberry Temptation is very well developed, and its flower stalks are powerful and long, it is often used in plots and as an ornamental plant. As for productivity, the Temptation in this regard, according to many summer residents, surpasses even Albion. During the season, some gardeners collect up to 3 kg of very large berries from a bush. The taste of the fruits of this variety is sugary-sweet, and therefore children especially like it.
Benefits of Gigantella
Medium ripening time (approximately the second week of June) is what distinguishes this pineapple strawberry. Its description is often found in specialized literature, since the variety is quite old. Its huge, slightly flat, uneven berries are bright red in color and have very firm flesh. Experienced summer residents advise planting no more than 4 bushes of this strawberry per square meter. The fact is that it has very spreading leaves. At the same time, Gigantella is demanding on sunlight and loves abundant watering.
Reviews about Lord variety
The bushes of this pineapple strawberry can reach a diameter of 60 cm. The peduncles of the Lord variety are powerful, with a huge number of berries. From one bush per season, you can collect up to 3 kg of fruit. Lord deserved excellent reviews from gardeners, including for the pleasant sour-sweet taste of berries.
Pros of strawberries Maxim
According to many summer residents, this variety is worth growing at least because its fruits are better than any others for freezing for the winter. Maxim strawberry bushes grow just huge. Her leaves are verylarge, and the stalks can reach the thickness of a finger. From one bush summer residents, judging by the reviews, often collect up to 1.8 kg of berries. This particular variety fell in love with many gardeners and for the unusual shape of fruits resembling tomatoes. The taste of Maxim berries is slightly sour.
Thus, we found out what a plant like pineapple strawberry is (description, varieties). The photos of the berries of this plant, presented on the page, cannot, of course, convey their taste and aroma. However, even their appearance, and especially large varieties, cannot but arouse admiration. Of course, it is worth growing the best varieties of this plant on your site. Moreover, you don’t usually have to spend too much time caring for strawberries.
