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In recent decades, with the advent of a huge number of new varieties of strawberries or garden strawberries, as it is more correct to call it, older proven varieties often fade into the background. And this is not surprising. After all, growing strawberries is a kind of hobby that partly resembles collecting. Every time it seems to the gardener that the next found variety will be better than the previous one, the berries are tastier, larger, and the bushes themselves are more resistant to diseases. But the ideal variety was never found, each strawberry will definitely have its drawbacks.
For beginner gardeners, it is sometimes much more important to find a strawberry variety that would have a good taste, good yield and, most importantly, be unpretentious in cultivation. In this case, they should take a closer look at the old Kent strawberry variety, 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, which means that it is perfectly adapted for growing in a larger territory of Russia, and not only in its southern regions.
The history of the origin of the Kent variety
In the 70s of the last century in the Canadian city of Kentville, Nova Scotia, breeders from the Canadian Research Station crossed the Raritan variety with a combination of Tioga and Redgauntlet varieties. As a result, a strawberry variety was obtained, which received a provisional name under the number K74-10.
After being tested for several years in the experimental plots of the 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 released throughout Eastern Canada.
But it is generally recognized that, in terms of the totality of characteristics, this variety is more than worthy for growing in 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 out in different directions. The large root system ensures the hardiness and frost resistance of the bushes. True, it is also advisable to plant bushes, observing a distance of at least 50 cm between seedlings.
The ability to form a mustache is at an average level, by autumn they are formed quite enough to easily propagate strawberry bushes. But still, they do not create a strong thickening of the plantation.
Kent strawberries are short-day varieties. It bears fruit only once a season and flower buds are laid 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 for a long time on their plots.
Strawberry bushes form many long peduncles, which are located 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 harvested 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 in weight.
The Kent strawberry variety tolerates harsh winter conditions very well and is able to grow under cover even in Siberian conditions. Frost resistance without shelter reaches -20 ° С. Flowers of this strawberry variety are able to withstand small and short frosts. In general, strawberries of this variety are remarkably adapted for growing in temperate continental climates, as the bushes require a significant number of cold hours during the winter period.
Kent strawberries are also highly resistant to various leaf spots, powdery mildew, gray mold and strawberry mite. Revealed susceptibility to verticellous wilt, but quite at the level of other average varieties.
Characteristics of strawberries
Based on the fact that everyone grows strawberries, primarily for the sake of berries, the main characteristics of the Kent variety are presented below.
- The size of the berries is large, the mass in the first year of planting strawberries averages 30-40 grams. Unfortunately, in the following years, the size and weight of the berries decreased.
- The shape of the berries in the bulk is rounded, slightly tapering. Sometimes it is closer to the heart-shaped form.
- The color of ripe berries is dark red. Closer to the stalk, the color of the berries becomes lighter. The pulp also has a lighter red hue, it is dense and juicy at the same time.
- Thanks to the soft cuttings, the berries are easily separated from the bush.
- The berries have an excellent presentation, shiny, well tolerate storage and transportation. Sometimes in the first berries of this variety in the season, you can observe small growths in the form of warts, which can reduce the presentation of strawberries.
- The taste characteristics of strawberries are remarkable - the assessment of professional tasters ranges 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 also due to the density of the berries, wonderful jam and other preparations for the winter are obtained from it. It freezes easily and retains its shape.
Growing features
As already mentioned, it is better to plant Kent bushes at a considerable distance from each other in order to provide sufficient nutritional area for a powerful root system. A landing 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 sugar intake of berries, even in rainy or cloudy weather.
Strawberries are also quite suitable for growing under arched film shelters, and in this case they are capable of yielding another week earlier than usual.
With the general unpretentiousness of the Kent strawberry variety, it will feel bad on strongly acidic, waterlogged or calcareous soils. On depleted soil, it is imperative to add humus and other organic matter.
Gardeners reviews
Many gardeners who grew this strawberry variety were satisfied with it and did not want anything better. Others were in constant search for the best of the good.
Conclusion
When growing strawberries, as in any other business, it is very important that your efforts are not wasted. Upon receiving a positive result, the heart rejoices and there is an incentive to work further and conquer more and more new heights. Therefore, for beginners in gardening, the Kent strawberry will be the key to a successful start and possibly a symbol of success in this difficult but interesting business.
