Many varieties of strawberries from foreign breeders were able to adapt well to the climatic conditions of Russia. For several decades now, the Symphony strawberry, bred in Scotland in the last century (1997), has been successfully cultivated from Siberia and the Urals to the Caucasus and the Central European part of Russia. Such popularity is not surprising: the eminent parents - the varieties Holiday (compact bush, transportability of the berries) and Rhapsody (dessert taste, medium-late harvest) - passed on to their “daughter” many excellent characteristics.
The Holiday variety also has famous parents. It was obtained by crossing the varieties Elsanta and Honey
Description of the variety
Strawberry Symphony is a medium-late ripening variety that can withstand cold weather. This is a non-repairing variety that was specially bred for short summers and cold winters. In the central zone of Russia, the variety bears fruit from the second half of June to the end of July. In warm regions, berries ripen 10-15 days earlier.
Bushes
Symphony garden strawberry bushes have medium vigor, dense foliage, and are beautiful. The leaf apparatus is hard, reaches 40 cm in height. The roots are branched, strong, and go up to 30 cm deep into the soil (for most varieties this figure is 12-15 cm). The peduncles are thin, multi-flowered, and lie down under the weight of the fruits. Educational ability is average.
Symphony matures about a week later than its “grandmother” Elsanta
Berries
The first fruits, weighing about 30 g, have a conical shape and are uniform (more than 49% of the fruits have a berry length of more than 35 mm), in subsequent harvests the berries become sharply smaller and are more suitable for preservation. An attractive presentation is created thanks to the shiny, dense dark red skin. The pulp has a fleshy structure, juicy with a strong aroma of wild berries. At the stage of technical ripeness, the tip is green, when fully ripened it turns red. The berries are easy to pick, the sepals come off with difficulty, and the berries do not wrinkle or flow.
The taste of Symphony strawberries is magnificent: sweet, with a slight sourness, as befits a dessert berry.
Productivity
Over the course of 1-2 months, 700-1000 g of fruits are removed from the Symphony bush. In the first season, the yield is no more than 500 g. The value of Symphony fruits is that they can remain suitable for consumption, even if they hang ripe for a long time. The yield of Symphony is 5-7% higher than Bogota strawberries, 20% higher than Cambridge Favorite, 40% higher than Elsanta.
Harvest Symphony is placed in wooden or corrugated cardboard containers in a single layer and left in a cool place. The product will definitely retain its freshness for a week
Strawberry Symphony
There should be a lot of good varieties - replenish your piggy bank with another recipe worthy of close attention. A sweet symphony of taste and an ode to productivity, a rhapsody of abundance and an ode to strawberry fields - the strawberry Symphony and everything connected with it.
Description, yield and ripening time, abstract morphological characteristics, growing tips.
The photo shows the Symphony strawberry harvest.
Symphony is an industrial variety of Scottish selection, obtained in 1979, parents Rhapsody and Holiday.
Medium-late ripening, extended harvest period. Despite the beginning of the description that does not inspire optimism, thanks to its high-profile pedigree it has luxurious characteristics: a bright dessert taste of large berries, yield, keeping quality and transportability.
Recommended for cultivation as an industrial variety with subsequent sale in retail chains, for the fresh market, promising in amateur gardening, large and small agribusiness.
Description of the strawberry variety Symphony
- Ripening time is a week later than Elsanta, at almost the same time as Zenga Zengana.
- The bush is powerful, well leafed. The leaf blades are hard and dark.
- Peduncles are powerful, medium-pubescent, multi-flowered.
- The berry is medium and large, with bright red shiny skin and scarlet, uniformly colored juicy pulp. Sweet, juicy, meaty - the main taste is a real symphony of taste. The shape of the fruit is conical, regular, and the overall mass is homogeneous.
- The seeds are yellow, small, slightly recessed. A characteristic feature is that with incomplete ripening, the tip is pale, slightly greenish (white). The tear is easy, the stalk is easily separated.
- The fruits are storable and suitable for transportation.
- It is winter hardy and not afraid of heat and drought.
- Resistant to fungal spots, verticillium, gray rot.
Growing Symphony
What is important to know about growing strawberries of the Symphony variety, what is important not to miss in care - briefly, succinctly, to the point.
Berries of the strawberry variety Symphony.
It is worth paying attention to the distance when planting: saving space will not lead to increased yield. When planting on ridges using the two- or four-line method, when thickened, a solid wall is formed - do not approach, do not approach. But this is not the main thing: by reducing planting density, we reduce the feeding area.
A reasonable distance when planting Symphony is from 30 to 40-45 cm. When grown on ridges, in two lines, the distance between the bushes is 40 cm.
In the first year after planting, it is better to pick off the flowers, preventing fruit from setting. This way we will direct energy to the formation of a powerful root system, the above-ground part. And then the berries.
About fertilizing: mentioning the unpretentiousness of the variety does not mean that fertilizing is not needed. On the contrary, practice shows: the higher the yield declared by the patent holder, the more you need to invest in strawberries for its full return. Symphony is not a particularly large-fruited plant that requires repeated feedings, but it cannot be called ascetic either.
The first feeding is in early spring, before flowering and ovary. The second - during ovary, fruit formation. The third is after collecting and mowing.
In the spring, it is rational to add organic matter - mullein in a ratio of 1:10, bird droppings 1:15, a nitrogen-mineral complex, including essential potassium, nitrogen, phosphorus and trace elements. Among the preparations – Master, Kemira or those fertilizers that you are used to.
a brief description of
Advantages of the variety
The Symphony variety of strawberries has a lot of positive aspects, otherwise it would not be able to compete with modern varieties:
- keeps a fresh look for a long time;
- great dessert taste;
- universal purpose of fruits;
- possibility of transportation over long distances;
- high productivity;
- simple agricultural cultivation technology;
- tolerates cold and heat well;
- resistance to most diseases, especially gray rot, powdery mildew, verticillium wilt, root rot;
- possibility of cultivation in the northern regions.
According to reviews from gardeners, the main significant disadvantage of the variety is its small fruit. There are many berries, but their shape and size do not allow the variety to be used for commercial purposes.
Pros and cons of the Symphony variety
The positive aspects of Symphony strawberries include the following qualities:
- large berries;
- uniform ripening of fruits;
- maintaining fresh appearance and taste when harvesting is delayed for several days;
- excellent dessert taste;
- versatility of the scope of application of fruits;
- attractive appearance;
- keeping quality;
- good transportability;
- high productivity;
- relative ease of care;
- resistance to unfavorable climatic conditions - the variety safely survives harsh winters and dry periods;
- resistance to most diseases;
- adaptability for growing in short-day conditions, thanks to which strawberries can be planted in the Northern regions.
There are no pronounced shortcomings in the Symphony variety of strawberries, however, some gardeners in reviews note the lack of remontant qualities as such.
Landing
It is better to plant Symphony strawberry plantations in late summer or spring, when the soil has warmed up well. In warm regions, autumn planting is preferable, since spring is short and young seedlings can “burn” in the sun. Planting in summer will be done with a minimum number of attacks if seedlings with ZKS were used.
The plots for strawberries are chosen to be flat, with good drainage. Damp and shaded places are absolutely not suitable for the Symphony. The composition of the soil is not important, but the variety will show the greatest productivity on fertile loams. The groundwater level should be more than 70 cm, acidity pH=5.2-5.5.
When preparing the site, the soil is dug up on the bayonet of a shovel and fertilizers are applied:
- a bucket of compost or humus;
- 130 g of potassium sulfate;
- 100 g superphosphate.
The specified amount of fertilizer is distributed per 1 m2. It is not advisable to plant bushes close, as Symphony quickly produces new horns. The minimum distance between plants in a row is 35 cm, between ribbons - 60 cm.
The depth of the hole is determined by the size of the rhizome, which should be located vertically when planting. The growth point where the stem and leaves emerge is left on the surface; the roots are not bent. The plant is watered abundantly and the bed is covered with mulch.
How and when to plant
"Symphony" is propagated by dividing the bush or by tendrils, although the plant produces relatively few tendrils. However, the second method can be used if desired. The first method is trouble-free in cases where you need to transplant strawberries to a new place, the second is simpler and more accessible.
Sufficiently “mature” bushes are suitable for division - 3-4 years. In this case, the bushes should be well developed.
The technology of propagation by bushes is quite simple.
- In autumn or spring, the bushes are divided so that each part includes a horn with roots, a rosette, and each fragment is planted in a separate hole.
- Be sure to add organic fertilizer to each hole. A mixture of humus and peat in a 1:1 ratio is also suitable.
- The fertilizer is covered with a mound of earth, making sure that the soil remains loose.
- Part of the bush is placed in the hole, covered with earth and watered. The volume of water is determined by the degree of soil moisture. It is recommended to fill the area around the bush with mulch. It is also worth learning more about how the Lord strawberry variety is planted and grown.
Growing and care
Before you start growing the Symphony variety, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the nuances of caring for the assortment, the observance of which determines the further growth and productivity of the plant.
Watering
Symphony garden strawberries are irrigated moderately. For greater efficiency, drip irrigation is suitable. The “droplet” will prevent water from getting on the foliage and fruits. Without taking into account extreme weather conditions, the frequency of watering is no more than 2 times a week.
It is best to organize watering in the morning and do it with warm water. During the period of ovary formation, the frequency of watering is increased
Loosening, weed control
At least once a week, the beds not covered with mulch are loosened (no deeper than 3-4 cm) and weeded. Weed control and loosening are one of the main agricultural techniques. During loosening, you must try not to damage the roots so that they do not become vulnerable to fungal diseases.
Removing a mustache
The Symphony variety produces a moderate amount of mustache. During the season, it is necessary to monitor the formation of whiskers, remove excess whiskers and cut off rosettes in a timely manner. Otherwise, they will take the lion's share of the nutrients from the already small berries and will become even smaller.
Top dressing
Symphony garden strawberries are fed starting from the second year of life:
- in early spring, 40 g of ammonium nitrate is added per linear meter of strawberry strip;
- when the berries ripen, fertilize them with nitrophoska at the rate of 30 g per bucket of water;
- In the fall, wood ash is scattered on the beds.
Strawberries are responsive to foliar feeding. For this purpose, ready-made mineral mixtures are used, which include potassium, magnesium, and boron.
In spring, it is important to feed strawberries with nitrogen fertilizers. Rotted manure (a bucket per m2), infusion of mullein (1:10) or chicken manure (1:20) is used.
Pest and disease control
The Symphony variety is resistant to many infections, but even if agricultural practices are not followed, it can get sick. The greatest threat comes from fungal infections.
Prevention is carried out in the spring, before flowering begins, by treating the beds with 1-2% Bordeaux mixture or Horus. In the fall, after harvesting, remove the old mulch from between the rows, as pest larvae and fungal spores can settle in it for the winter. To repel nematodes, marigolds are planted around the perimeter of the bed. The bushes are sprayed with calendula tincture, and mustard powder is scattered between the rows to protect against slugs.
It is important to observe moderation in watering and not to allow strawberry beds to become overgrown with weeds - simple measures, but very effective in terms of preventing diseases and pests
Preparing for winter
Symphony tolerates temperatures down to -25℃. However, in cold, snowless areas, the beds are covered for the winter. Coniferous spruce branches, branches of cut raspberries, blackberries, straw, and dense agrofibre on the arches are used as insulating material.
Diseases and pests
Despite the fact that the Symphony variety is resistant to many diseases, sometimes the plantings still get sick. Fungal diseases pose the greatest threat to plants.
Most often, landings affect:
Among the pests of the variety, the following insects should be especially highlighted:
Prevention of diseases and pest damage is carried out in the spring and autumn after the harvest is harvested. In the spring, the top layer of soil, which may contain insect larvae and harmful fungal spores, is removed. Additionally, the area is sprayed with a solution of Bordeaux mixture or copper sulfate. Spraying is repeated in the fall.
Reproduction
Propagation of Symphony strawberries is possible in several ways:
- Dividing the bush. Three-year-old bushes are dug up early in spring or autumn, trying not to damage the roots. Shake off the soil and use a sharp knife to cut the bush into several parts. The parts are immediately seated and watered abundantly.
- Usami. The rosettes that form on the tendrils are rooted in plastic pots. During the summer, you need to ensure that the soil in the pots does not dry out. Seedlings with a closed root system are easier to transplant.
The first days, in hot weather, water the rooting rosettes twice a day. The soil must be constantly moist.
Features of growing strawberries Symphony
Description of the strawberry variety Symphony, the photos and reviews of which are more than attractive, are of great interest not only for amateur gardeners, but also for farms. This is an unpretentious variety of foreign selection, adapted for cultivation in Russia in open ground and greenhouses. The key characteristics of the Symphony strawberry are an extended fruiting period, good keeping quality of the berries and excellent transportability, which makes this variety suitable for growing for sale.
Reviews
Symphony is a variety for lazy gardeners. I only go to the dacha on weekends; I don’t have the opportunity to regularly water, feed, or treat it. And Symphony grows well and without unnecessary interventions, without watering, the taste becomes even more intense. The berries are medium in size, there are no “cakes”, but they look very good in jam.
I got rid of Symphony and Sweet Anna. Yes, they are worthy varieties to taste, but in terms of the size of the berries and yield, they do not reach many modern varieties.
Berries of the Symphony variety can be grown for sale, as they have good shelf life and transportability, however, their small fruit size may confuse a potential buyer. Ripe fruits can be harvested within a few days without compromising quality. Gardeners value the variety primarily for its resistance to infections, which allows them to obtain a high-quality harvest without the use of dangerous fungicides.
Harvesting
The harvest of the Symphony variety is spread out over time. In addition, it is not scary if the berries remain on the shoots after ripening - they perfectly retain their commercial qualities in this case.
The yield of the variety is on average 2 kg of berries, however, in the first year after planting this figure is slightly less. With proper care, the harvest can be increased to 3.5 kg of berries per bush.
Advice! To increase the yield of the variety in the first year after planting, it is necessary to prevent fruiting. As soon as the bushes begin to form flowers, they are pruned before the fruit sets.
