Murano strawberries are a unique remontant variety that combines the advantages of commercial varieties and excellent tasting characteristics. It is equally interesting to farmers and gardeners who grow berries for their own table. The culture received its name in honor of the famous Italian island near Venice, famous for the production of artistic Murano glass.
The remontant strawberry "Murano" was born in 2004 thanks to the work of biologists of Italian origin Alessio Martinelli and Michelangelo Leis. To obtain it, numbered varieties were used. In 2006, testing of the variety began, and in 2012 it was patented by the originator Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti.
Table with characteristics of the variety
Murano strawberries belong to the category of day-neutral varieties and are one of the most appetizing and productive modern varieties.
| Parameter | Characteristic |
| Berries shape | Regular cone-shaped |
| Taste of berries | Rich, exceptionally sweet, with a balanced ratio of fructose and acid |
| Berry color | Bright red with a hint of orange |
| Berry size | Large, length is about 4.3 cm, width 3.3 cm |
| Berry weight | Average 20−25 g, maximum — 35 g |
| Bush productivity | 900−1100 g |
| Harvest ripening time | Early |
| Character of fruiting | Remontant |
| Winter hardiness | good |
The tasting rating of strawberry fruits is high.
Reviews
In my opinion, Vivara is an analogue of another Italian variety, Murano. They are identical in sugar and similar in yield. Previously, I grew 4 varieties: Vivara, San Andreas, Asparagus, Murano. Now I only left Murano and Vivara, they are sweeter for me.
"Vivara" is a very good variety for the market. The berries are medium and large, there are no small things.
The Vivara remontant strawberry is recognized as an excellent commercial variety. In addition to its large fruit and productivity, it attracts Russian gardeners with its winter hardiness. No tricks are required when growing assortment. To obtain productive beds, you need to carry out the required minimum of agrotechnical measures on time.
Description of strawberries "Murano"
The official description of the Murano strawberry suggests that the berry is well suited for cultivation as a highly profitable commercial variety.
Features of the bush and fruits
Strawberries "Murano" form medium-sized, semi-spreading compact bushes up to 30 cm high, the peculiarity of which is weak foliage. This allows you to densely place seedlings on the site, obtaining a larger volume of harvest from the available area than when growing other varieties.
The medium-sized leaves are painted a rich green color; after the flower stalks grow, they remain under them, which makes harvesting easier. Strawberries of the “Murano” variety produce self-pollinating flowers of considerable size for the species; abundant flowering makes the ridges especially decorative.
Strawberry yield "Murano"
According to reviews from gardeners, Murano strawberries make it easy to schedule a harvest. From the time of flowering to the formation of the first ready-to-eat berries, about a month passes.
The crop produces flowers continuously; no waves are observed in its fruiting schedule. This helps to plan the number of samples, cutting off excess peduncles or plucking out the ovaries if necessary.
Useful video about Murano strawberries
Compliance with the rules of agricultural technology for Murano strawberries allows you to increase the yield per bush to 1.1-1.5 kg of leveled fruit. In most regions, harvesting begins in early June and continues until mid-autumn.
Advantages and disadvantages
Reviews and official descriptions of Murano variety strawberries do not allow us to highlight any serious disadvantages of the crop.
Pros:
- Murano strawberries are characterized by high frost and heat resistance.
- The berries have a dense structure and tolerate transportation well.
- The remontant strawberry variety “Murano” allows you to enjoy delicious fruits throughout the growing season.
- The culture is resistant to most diseases typical of the species.
- The Murano variety is equally well suited for growing in fields and in greenhouses; the taste of the berries does not suffer.
- Strawberries produce above-average yields.
- Large flowers, coupled with a small amount of foliage, allow the plant to be used as a decorative plant.
Minuses:
- The small size and small number of leaves do not protect the berries from the sun; in hot weather they can dry out.
- Excessive moisture during the fruiting period can lead to a deterioration in their taste.
- Strawberries form few tendrils; it can be difficult to select good seedlings for obtaining.
- To maintain a high level of productivity, the plant requires regular fertilizing with mineral fertilizers.
- The disadvantages of the Murano variety are easily compensated for by proper care, while the advantages more than offset minor shortcomings.
Regions of cultivation
Strawberries of the “Murano” variety are suitable for growing throughout Russia. Seedlings of
Further research showed that the berry tolerates the cool climate of most regions of Russia well and winters without loss even in harsh conditions.
Brief history of creation
Murano was bred in 2004 by Italian breeders Michelangelo Leis and Alessio Martinelli as a result of crossing the unpatented numbered varieties R6R1−26 and A030−12. Starting in 2006, the resulting plant was tested for five years in different European countries with different growing methods and weather conditions. The new strawberry was patented in 2012 and belongs to Consorzio Italiano Vivaisti. It is named after a large island near Venice (Italy) - Murano, which is famous throughout the world for the production of beautiful art glass, in turn called Murano.
Choosing a landing site
Murano strawberries have standard soil requirements for the species; they prefer moderately moist, loose and fertile soils with a neutral acidity level. It is preferable to place the ridges on hills, away from the groundwater level (at a distance of at least 1 m).
Favorable neighbors are:
- dill and parsley, which protect the plant from slugs and snails;
- garlic, which prevents the development of fungal diseases;
- marigolds, which can repel weevils and nematodes;
- peas and beans, which saturate the soil with nitrogen;
- onion, which accelerates the ripening of fruits.
It is not advisable to plant strawberries next to plants that have similar nutritional requirements and are susceptible to common diseases and pests. Ridges vacated after growing nightshades, cucumbers, and related species are contraindicated for it.
Rules for choosing quality seedlings
It is preferable to purchase seedlings from nurseries, avoiding stores where plants are often overdried and become infected with infectious diseases.
The bush is assessed by paying attention to the following signs:
- rich leaf color corresponding to the variety;
- the thickness of the horn (it should be 0.8 cm or more);
- good turgor of all plant organs, sufficient moisture in the roots.
The length of the roots of seedlings with an open root system should exceed 7 cm; in healthy plants they look elastic and resilient. Seedlings in pots may release some of the roots through the holes in the container.
Rules and terms of landing
You can plant strawberries from spring to autumn.
The recommended planting pattern for Murano strawberry bushes is 30 x 30 cm, but due to the compact shape of the seedlings it can be 25 x 25 cm. When choosing the frequency of filling the ridges with plants, it is important to remember that their location too close causes a decrease in yields – the berries will become smaller and their number will decrease.
Bushes can be planted in spring, summer or autumn a couple of weeks before the first frost. At first, they need increased attention, timely watering and shading.
Reproduction
There are three ways to propagate Murano strawberries:
- seminal;
- using a mustache;
- dividing the bush.
Sowing seeds is the most labor-intensive method. Seeds are planted in winter and kept in conditions of additional lighting.
Dividing the bush is a method of propagation that is preferable in the fall at the end of the fruiting period. Only strong bushes with a powerful root system are used.
Despite the fact that Murano strawberries form an average number of tendrils, getting a full-fledged bed with 2-3 seedlings is quite a feasible task.
Proper care of strawberries
In order for the plant to grow healthy and produce maximum yield, it must be watered and fed on time. It is unacceptable to allow crops to compete with weeds for resources.
Watering and mulching
Strawberries of the “Murano” variety are drought-resistant and do not need intensive watering; the bush only needs 5 liters of water 1-2 times a week. To retain moisture in the soil, it is advisable to mulch the ridges. This procedure will also help prevent excessive weed growth.
To create a protective layer, it is convenient to use hay, straw, and sawdust. It is better not to take leaf litter, as there is a risk of infection with it.
Feeding and preparation for winter
The choice of fertilizers for feeding strawberries depends on the growing season:
- In spring, plant growth must be stimulated, so compositions with a predominance of nitrogen are used. You can make nutritious infusions using mullein, humus or bird droppings.
- In summer, strawberries actively bloom and bear fruit, and accordingly, they need potassium-phosphorus fertilizers. Ordinary wood ash can serve as a universal fertilizer during this period.
- In preparation for winter, the crop is also fed with compounds high in potassium and phosphorus. This will help it strengthen the root system, strengthen the immune system and make it easier to withstand frost.
It is impossible to feed the crop with nitrogen in the second half of the season; this will provoke an increase in vegetative mass and prevent the plant from preparing for winter. With the onset of frost, it is advisable to cover the beds with spunbond (breathable covering material).
Weeding and loosening
Weeding and loosening of strawberries is carried out as necessary. By performing these procedures, it is necessary to eliminate the risk of damage to the surface root system of plants.
Trimming
Pruning is a necessary step in caring for strawberries of any variety.
Old strawberry leaves are removed in the spring; in the summer, the mustache is trimmed as necessary. After fruiting, the bushes are not mowed; it is enough to remove their damaged parts.
Reproduction and transplantation
The ridge should be changed and strawberry plantings should be renewed at least once every 5 years. To obtain your own seedlings, the bushes are divided, and the plant's tendrils are also used. Read more about transplanting strawberries in spring →
Feeding
As soon as the bushes have taken root and produced young leaves, you can begin feeding. For this, it is good to use complex fertilizers with a high nitrogen content, as they have a beneficial effect on the growth of green mass of the plant. In order for the buds to form strong, it is better to spray them with mixtures of fertilizers in which nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are evenly distributed
It is important to know that it is potassium that promotes good and high-quality development of flower stalks, and therefore has a beneficial effect on the fruiting process
As a natural fertilizer, it is better to use mullein infusion (1 liter per bucket of water). They fertilize the plant at least 2 times a month. If you have sandy soil, then once a year it must be treated with a light aqueous solution of boric acid. For calcareous soils, it is better to add a solution of potassium permanganate once a year; thanks to it, the required level of acidification of the soil is achieved, which is very important for growing this variety.
Pests and diseases of strawberries
Due to the fact that the bushes do not grow too much, Murano strawberries are practically not affected by infectious diseases and pests. Attention should be paid to the prevention of powdery mildew, fungal pathologies, gray rot and brown spot.
Among the pests, the plant is most actively affected by slugs and nematodes. In case of symptoms of any disease, strawberries should be treated with a special drug.
Descriptions and reviews of Murano strawberries indicate the good adaptability of the crop to any climatic conditions. In order for the variety to reveal all its advantages, it is only important to plant the plants correctly and care for them in a timely manner.
Features of cultivation
Murano does not require special conditions for planting. This is the least capricious strawberry variety that even an inexperienced gardener can handle.
Climatic conditions
This variety is ideal for growing in continental climates. It can withstand both low and high temperatures quite calmly. It is enough to cover the plant for the winter and provide regular watering in the summer.
