Regular replanting of strawberries is an integral part of the agricultural technology of this world's favorite berry crop. Usually, in one place, a strawberry bush bears fruit for no more than four years, and then it grows old, begins to get sick often, and eventually stops producing fruit altogether.
However, breeders are not asleep and have already developed long-lived varieties capable of stably and abundantly bearing fruit for five or six, or even seven or eight seasons in a row without replanting the plantings! In addition, many of these varieties are also distinguished by increased bush vigor and fruit size, which also cannot but please gardeners.
We present to your attention the TOP 10 large-fruited strawberry varieties that are capable of producing a harvest much longer than the usual berries.
Large-fruited strawberry Gigantella Maxim
This is perhaps the most famous variety of such elite giant strawberries today, although it is not the most “durable” of those listed - on average, it grows well and bears fruit in one place for 4-6 years.
Dutch variety, mid-late.
Strawberry bushes are large, up to 50 cm in height and width. The variety is frost and drought resistant, the berry is not afraid of rainy weather. With well-established agricultural technology (intensive lighting, mandatory fertilizing and watering, regular treatment against diseases) it produces up to 2 kg of berries per bush.
The berries are flat-round, bright red, weighing up to 120 g (on average 50-60 g). The pulp is juicy and dense, the taste of the berry is rich, sweet, with notes of pineapple and strawberries. Strawberries of this variety retain their taste even after freezing, and are also easily transported.
Care and watering
Resistant to adverse conditions, Giant Journeya strawberry seedlings take root well in any garden plot. The composition of the soil does not matter much for growth and fruiting. However, watering must be regular. Strawberries like moderation in receiving moisture. If the soil is insufficiently moistened, growth slows down and productivity decreases. And if you water too much, the risk of various diseases increases, since the protective properties of the plant weaken their effect.
Strawberry Giant Journeya needs feeding, as during the growth process it intensively takes nutrients from the ground. Fertilizers need to be applied three times per season. In the spring, after the snow melts, organic or mineral fertilizers are used. Infusions of mullein (1:10), or chicken manure (1:20), or a urea solution containing nitrogen for active growth of green mass are suitable.
During fruiting, the “Giant Journeya” bushes can be fed with complex (combined) fertilizers containing nitrogen, potassium, magnesium and other substances. In the fall, berry crops are fertilized again with organic matter.
Large-fruited strawberry Lord
But this variety breaks all records for longevity - in one place, with proper care, it can actively bear fruit without chopping the berries for up to 10 years! Although experienced gardeners note that in the seventh year the berries begin to decrease in size, so it is more advisable to start replanting the bushes.
English variety, mid-late.
Strawberry bushes are large, up to 60 cm in height and width, and grow quickly. The variety is frost-resistant and extremely unpretentious in care, it is almost not damaged by strawberry mites and gray rot, but is not resistant to spotting. If agricultural practices are followed, it produces up to 2-3 kg of berries per bush.
The berries are cone-shaped with a blunt tip, deep red, shiny, weighing up to 110 g (on average 70-80 g). The pulp is dense, aromatic, the taste of the berry is sweet with a slight sourness. Strawberries of this variety are perfectly stored and transported.
Origin
Strawberries "Maxim" are considered by many to be an analogue or variety of the variety "Gigantella" (Gigantella Maxim), bred by Dutch breeders and familiar to domestic summer residents since the 80s of the last century. Experienced gardeners explain all possible variations of names (“Maxi”, “Maxim” and “Maxima”) by inaccuracies in the translation of the word “maximum” or by unfair marketing, which makes it possible to sell the same variety under the guise of different ones and at higher prices.
There are some opinions that “Maxim” is a modified and improved version of “Gigantella”, superior to the original variety in some respects: it is distinguished by more uniform ripening of berries and the density of their texture. At one time, “Gigantella” did not “take root” as a commercial variety on the berry market in Europe and the USA; many domestic gardeners quickly abandoned it due to a large number of shortcomings. From the point of view of consumers, the berries, although very large, are far from the most tasty and aromatic, often with internal voids and “evergreen” unripe tops, rather coarse seeds, making the surface rough. For farmers growing berries for sale, the variety turned out to be too “capricious”: requiring intensive agricultural technology, prone to diseases (powdery mildew, root and fruit rots) and pest damage.
Large-fruited strawberry Black Prince
Another long-lived variety, capable of actively bearing fruit in one place without chopping the berries for 7-9 years.
Variety of Italian selection, mid-early.
Strawberry bushes are wide and densely leafy. The variety has increased frost resistance, but in summer it requires increased watering. This strawberry is resistant to many common diseases, but is very susceptible to the transparent strawberry mite. With proper agricultural technology on light, breathable soils, it produces at least 1 kg of berries per bush.
The berries are truncated-conical in shape, thick dark red in color, weighing about 60 g. The pulp is juicy and very dense, the aroma is bright, the taste of the berry is rich, sweet and sour, with pronounced strawberry notes. Strawberries of this variety are easily transported, are well stored fresh, and are suitable for all types of canning.
Large-fruited strawberry Chamora Turusi
For strawberries of this variety, the highest yield occurs in the 3rd-4th years after planting, although it is possible to grow it without replanting for about 6-8 years. Moreover, with proper care, the berry practically does not become smaller over time.
The variety is presumably of Japanese selection, medium-late, early-bearing.
Strawberry bushes are large, spreading, grow quickly and strongly. The variety is winter-hardy, but does not like drought and direct sun, and requires abundant watering and regular fertilizing. It is extremely unstable to fungal diseases and the effects of insect pests (chafer and weevil larvae, slugs), although it has good resistance to powdery mildew and verticillium. If agricultural practices are followed, it produces up to 2-3 kg of berries per bush (on average about 1.2 kg).
The berries are round-comb-shaped with a blunt tip, intense red, weighing up to 120 g (on average 60-70 g). The pulp is dense, fleshy, with a strong aroma, the taste of the berry is sweet and sugary. Strawberries of this variety are well transported, suitable for fresh consumption and all methods of canning.
Variety "Roxana"
Bred in Italy. This variety is a dessert variety because it has a pleasant aroma. The variety is able to bear fruit even in low light and low temperatures. Best grown in autumn.
Characteristics:
- ripening period: medium-late;
- the average weight of the fruit reaches 90 grams, has a conical, elongated shape, and the color is scarlet;
- yield: high, 1.2 kg of crop can be harvested from one bush;
- sweet taste with a pleasant aroma, dense and juicy pulp;
- represented by a compact bush with a powerful rhizome and a large number of medium-sized light green leaves;
- average resistance to major parasites;
Very frost-resistant, can tolerate down to -20 degrees. The fruits can be stored for quite a long time.
Large-fruited strawberry Giant Journeya
This is one of the most productive and promising new strawberry varieties. It can grow in one place without replanting for up to 6 years, although it reaches its highest yield in the third year.
American variety, mid-early.
Strawberry bushes are powerful, tall, with large leaves. The variety is exceptionally frost- and drought-resistant and has excellent resistance to diseases and pests. It grows well on any type of soil, and if agricultural practices are followed, it consistently produces about 1.5 kg of berries per bush.
The berries are round-elongated, dark red, weighing up to 100 g (on average 40-50 g). The pulp is very dense, juicy, with a strong strawberry aroma, the taste of the berry is sweet, with notes of strawberry. Strawberries of this variety are easily transported.
Tsunaki
A mid-late amateur variety, presumably originating from Japan. The root system is powerful, winter hardiness is good. The diameter of an adult bush reaches 0.6 m. The foliage is tall.
Racemes are multi-flowered, branched. Dense berries do not become soggy from dampness. The weight of the first fruits is determined in the range of 80 - 110 g. The shape is spherical-conical or wide-conical, without a neck. The surface of the berries is dense, dark red with a burgundy tint. The pulp is pinkish, moderately juicy, tender, sweet, with a peach flavor and strawberry notes.
Large-fruited strawberry Kamrad Winner
This variety, in addition to its large, tasty berries, is loved by gardeners because it can bear fruit quite well in one place for 5-7 years. High-quality fruiting begins in the second year.
Variety of German selection, mid-late.
Strawberry bushes are powerful, up to 40 cm in height and width, with wide dark green leaves. The variety is drought and frost resistant and successfully resists most diseases. Productivity strongly depends on the climate, soil quality and thorough agricultural technology (watering, mandatory fertilizing, treatment with a fruit stimulant, mulching, shelter for the winter), on average it produces about 0.8 kg of berries per bush.
The berries are round-conical, dark red, glossy, weighing up to 100 g (on average 40-60 g). The pulp is dense, sugary, aromatic, the taste of the berry is delicate, sweet, dessert. Strawberries of this variety are suitable for fresh consumption and all types of canning.
Large-fruited strawberry Kiss Nellis
This fairly new (2014) and very viable variety bears fruit perfectly in one place for up to 8 years (guaranteed - five to six).
The variety is presumably of Dutch selection, mid-early.
Strawberry bushes are powerful, up to 50 cm in height and width, with large corrugated leaves and strong peduncles. The variety is frost-hardy and resistant to most diseases and pests typical of this crop. If agricultural practices are followed (mandatory phosphorus-potassium fertilizing and pest control), it produces an average of 1.5 kg of berries per bush.
The berries are cone-shaped with a blunt truncated tip, cherry-colored, shiny, weighing up to 150 g (on average 60-80 g). The pulp is dense, aromatic, juicy, the taste of the berry is sweet and sour with a hint of strawberry. Strawberries of this variety are easily transported.
Bogota
This Dutch variety has been included in the State Register of Russia since 2002. The first berries in the brush can be filled with up to 80 g or even more, but then intensive grinding occurs. The average weight of the fruit for all harvests is 13 g. As they fill, the first ovaries acquire a rounded comb-like shape, and subsequent ones become conical with a blunt tip. The neck is missing. The surface is shiny, bright red. The fruits are dry and transportable. The pulp has a good balance of juiciness and density. The tasting score of ripe berries reaches 4.8 points due to their sweet taste, intense aroma and pleasant sourness.
Winter-hardy and heat-resistant plants adapt well to different climatic conditions. The bushes are densely leafy, but at the same time quite compact. Peduncles are strong, thickened. The mustache is strong and numerous. The yield of the variety directly depends on the regularity of irrigation. Plants do not like dense planting.
Large-fruited strawberry Primella
This fairly well-known variety with an extended ripening period feels great in one place for up to 7 years.
Dutch variety, mid-late.
Strawberry bushes are powerful, semi-spreading, with light green, large and wrinkled leaves. The variety is frost- and drought-resistant, extremely unpretentious in care. Almost not damaged by pests and diseases, with the exception of nematodes. If you follow minimal agricultural technology, it produces up to 2 kg of berries per bush.
The berries are round-conical, deep red, unevenly colored, weighing up to 100 g (on average 55-65 g). The pulp is dense, smells like wild strawberries with notes of pineapple, the taste of the berry is sweet, also with a distinct pineapple flavor. Strawberries of this variety are easily transported.
Large-fruited strawberries UK
This is still a little “promoted”, but very promising variety of strawberry, with timely phosphorus-potassium fertilizing, it grows and bears fruit in one place for up to 6 years.
The variety is presumably of English selection, medium-late.
Strawberry bushes are very powerful, although not too tall, with large, rich green leaves. The variety is frost-resistant and has excellent resistance to most diseases. If agricultural practices are followed, it produces about 2 kg of berries per bush.
The berries are round-conical, cherry-colored, shiny, weighing up to 120 g (on average 60-80 g). The pulp is dense, juicy, aromatic, the taste of the berry is sweet and sour with strawberry notes. Strawberries of this variety are easily transported and stored for a long time.
Variety "Alba"
This type of strawberry was imported from Italy. The variety is famous for its high yield. In addition, its feature is the long-term preservation of taste, but this feature is preserved if the berries are stored in a cold place.
Attention! This species thrives in both drought and humid environments.
Variety characteristics:
- ripening period: early;
- berry: fruit weight ranges from 30 to 50 grams, shape resembles a cone, color is scarlet;
- yield: high, up to 1 kg can be harvested from one bush;
- taste and pulp: the fruit has a sweet and sour taste, the pulp is dense and juicy;
- the bushes grow quite powerful, but with a small number of leaves, the flower stalks often cannot support the weight of the berries and bend to the ground;
- Disease resistance: the variety does not often suffer from diseases, but additional protection against anthracnose will be useful.
The variety is very popular among lovers, but for those who prefer sweet berries, it is better to choose other varieties of strawberries.
