We began to grow strawberries in Russia in the 15th century. Initially, domestic gardeners cultivated only wild strawberries. This variety was distinguished by quite large and aromatic fruits. In the XVII-XVIII centuries. even tastier nutmeg began to be introduced into the culture. And only in the XIX century pineapple strawberry was brought to Russia. It is this variety that is grown in suburban areas to this day. Below in the article in detail we will understand what exactly is pineapple strawberry (description, varieties, photos, reviews).
Origin
The name of this berry has absolutely nothing to do with pineapple. Neither in form nor in taste does it resemble a popular tropical fruit. 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 Chilean and Virginia strawberries were taken as the basis by breeders. In another way, this variety is also called large-fruited or garden. In the wild, it does not occur.
Strawberry Description
The berries of pineapple strawberries are not the actual fruits. In fact, it is just an overgrown receptacle plant. The color of the berries of a crop such as pineapple strawberries (photos are presented on the page), usually have red. However, pink or white varieties are also found. The main features of this cultivated plant are:
- powerful outlet;
- ternate leaves on long stalks (constantly updated);
- apical inflorescences;
- creeping branched shoots rooted in nodes;
- large flowers with a diameter of more than 2 cm;
- the presence of a pronounced sublattice.
The size, shape, color and taste of the false strawberry fruit depends on this particular variety.
Growing methods
Unfortunately, in our country, strawberry pineapple is practically not cultivated in our country. But in the gardens and kitchen gardens of private traders it can be seen almost everywhere. There are several ways to grow it:
- on mulch ridges with a 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 does not fit well. Strawberries love only light sandy soils with a humus content of not more than 3%. On heavy clay soils, due to increased moisture in this crop, the roots often begin to rot.
What are the varieties
Selection work with pineapple strawberries, including in our country, is ongoing. For hundreds of years of cultivation of this crop, several thousand varieties of it were bred. Conventionally, all of them can be divided into two large groups:
Pineapple strawberries of the first variety occupy a leading position in summer cottage areas. The main feature of the repairing varieties is that they are able to bear fruit 2-3 times per season. Strawberry berries 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 are, of course, the large size of the berries. In some cases, their weight can reach 150 g. Taste and aroma in berries of large-fruited strawberries are usually better than in remontant. But at the same time and with regard to care, she is somewhat more demanding.
Of course, like any other garden crop, pineapple strawberries can be heat-loving or frost-resistant, early ripening or late ripening. Varieties of this plant resistant to diseases have also been bred. There are varieties that are very suitable for growing on a balcony, in pots or crates.
Best Repairing Strawberry
Most varieties of this group, and especially those bred in recent years, are characterized by good taste and are great for growing in suburban areas. However, the most popular among gardeners is still a repair pineapple strawberry:
- 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:
Reviews about the variety Mara de Bois
Summer residents include frost resistance to the main advantages of this repair strawberry. It can be grown, including in the Urals or in Siberia. Survival of the variety Mara de Bois in winter is 90-95%. This strawberry has also earned good reviews for its excellent, very sweet taste of berries.
Why is it worth growing the Albion variety
This strawberry is popular among gardeners, including the fact that its berries grow not only on peduncles, but also on mustaches. Many summer residents advise to grow this particular variety on their site also because it bears fruit from May to August. Only one bush per season can collect up to 2 kg of even berries with a very pleasant aroma.
Temptation (pineapple strawberry): photos and reviews
The advantages of this repairing variety are summer residents primarily unpretentiousness and the ability to produce large crops. Since the root system of the strawberry Temptation is very well developed, and its peduncles are powerful and long, it is often used on sites 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 from the bush up to 3 kg of very large berries. Taste the fruits of this variety are sugary-sweet, and therefore children especially like it.
Advantages of the Gigantella variety
The average 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 have a bright red color and a very dense pulp. Experienced summer residents are advised to plant no more than 4 bushes of this strawberry on one square meter. The fact is that it has very spreading leaves. At the same time, Gigantella is demanding of sunlight and loves plentiful watering.
Reviews about the variety Lord
Bushes of this pineapple strawberry can reach a diameter of 60 cm. 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 fruits. The Lord earned excellent reviews by gardeners, including for the pleasant sour-sweet taste of berries.
Pros of Strawberry Maxim
According to many summer residents, this variety is worth growing at least for the fact that its fruits are better than any other suitable for freezing for the winter. Maxim's strawberry bushes grow simply huge. At the same time, the leaves of her are very large, and the stalks can reach a thickness in the finger. Judging by the reviews, gardeners often collect up to 1.8 kg of berries from one bush. This variety was loved by 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 such as pineapple strawberry is (description, varieties). Photos of the berries of this plant, presented on the page, of course, cannot convey their taste and aroma. However, even their appearance, and especially large varieties, cannot but cause admiration. Of course, it’s worth growing the best varieties of this plant on your site. Moreover, there is usually no need to spend too much time on strawberry care.