Characteristics and description of the Carmen strawberry variety, growing rules

The Carmen strawberry variety is a popular crop distinguished by its excellent flavor and wonderful aroma. This plant is characterized by high yields. To maximize fruit production and ensure the bushes' full development, proper care is essential. This includes timely watering, fertilizing, and protecting against diseases and pests.

Description and characteristics of the variety

This variety is characterized by strong bushes and rapid growth. It has a medium ripening period. The plant begins flowering in early June, and the harvest is ready at the end of that month.

Bushes

The bushes are characterized by thick, robust stems. The plant bears numerous large, oval-shaped leaves with delicate, serrated edges and a rich green hue. The variety is distinguished by large, cup-shaped flower stalks.

Flowers usually form large inflorescences and are located at the same level as the leaves or slightly lower.

Berries

At the initial stage of ripening, the berries weigh up to 40 grams. They are distinguished by their conical shape and dark red hue. The fruits have a shiny surface and deep seed pits. Inside lies juicy, dense, dark-colored flesh. The berries have a sweet, slightly tart flavor.

Advantages and disadvantages

The key advantages of this variety include the following:

• large fruits;
• high yield parameters;
• ease of care;
• resistance to low temperatures;
• lack of serious requirements for carrying out planting work.

However, the plant also has several disadvantages:

• spreading bushes - they require a lot of space;
• decrease in berry weight – observed during the ripening of the second wave of the harvest;
• the risk of fruit rot – occurs in conditions of high humidity.

Adaptation

Carmen easily adapts to a variety of climates. With proper care, the plant adapts well to any soil type. It responds well to fertilizer. The plant is capable of producing a good harvest even in dry conditions. It can also survive in high humidity conditions for long periods.

How to grow Carmen strawberries

To achieve good results in growing a plant, it is important to choose the right planting location and strictly follow the basic recommendations.

Choosing a location

This strawberry variety requires a bright location with adequate protection from strong winds. The plant requires well-drained, well-drained soil. It's important to keep the area weed-free and free of standing water.

Landing time

If spring planting is planned, it should be done in mid-May in central Russia. If you plan to plant strawberries in the fall, it's best to do so in late September.

Preparation of planting material

To ensure the plant develops well, it's recommended to choose the right seedlings. They should have bright green leaves. It's important that the plants are free of spots or damage. The leaves should also be intact. The bush should have at least three leaflets.

When purchasing bare-root strawberries, pay attention to their length and plumpness. They should be at least 7 centimeters long.

Planting in the ground

These plants are considered vigorous. Therefore, it's not recommended to plant the seedlings too closely. The optimal spacing between plants is considered to be 30 centimeters. The distance between rows should be 45 centimeters. Plantings that are too dense will encourage slugs to breed and diseases to develop.

Features of crop care

This strawberry variety requires high-quality and comprehensive care. To ensure a good harvest, it's important to water the bushes and apply fertilizer on time.

Watering and fertilizing

For the first few days after planting, water the strawberries every morning. It's important to ensure the water isn't too cold. Rainwater is best. A drip irrigation system is ideal.

To increase the number and quality of flower stalks, fertilization is required. During peak flowering, organic fertilizers such as manure or chicken manure are used. A boric acid solution is also suitable. Apply 30 grams of nutrient solution per square meter. Complex fertilizers are best.

Loosening and weeding

After watering the plant, loosen the soil and clear it of weeds. It's also crucial to promptly remove overgrown runners. Otherwise, there's a risk of reduced yield.

Mulching

Strawberries require mulching, which involves covering the top layer of soil with straw, grass, or sawdust. Bark or turf are also used for this purpose.

This technique helps prevent the topsoil from drying out and prevents the leaching of nutrients. Furthermore, this layer protects the garden bed from weeds and the harsh sun.

Treatment of garden strawberries from diseases and pests

This strawberry variety is highly resistant to most diseases. The exception is gray mold, a problem that Carmen strawberries frequently encounter. The disease develops rapidly and can quickly infect numerous fruits and bushes. High humidity is a prerequisite for the disease's development.

Affected bushes should be treated with chemicals. Horus and Teldor are used for this purpose. Folk remedies, such as ash or mustard infusions, are also used. Carmen strawberries can also be attacked by harmful insects. The plant is often infested with spider mites.

To deal with parasites, it is recommended to use Neoron or Fufanon.

Weevil infestation disrupts flowering. Spraying the bushes with insecticides can help control the pests. A wood ash infusion can also be effective. However, be sure to remove any affected parts.

When attacked by leaf beetles, the plant's leaves are damaged. Insecticides can help control them. A wormwood infusion can also be used. Slugs can be eliminated with freshly slaked lime. Nematode infestations require the removal of the plant.

Cultivation of the variety

Strawberries of this variety can be propagated in various ways - by seeds, by dividing the bush or by runners.

With a mustache

It's recommended to root the runners in the same bed where the strawberries are growing. After harvesting, clear the space between the rows of weeds and thoroughly loosen the soil. Then, straighten the side shoots from each bush, plant the rosettes deep into the soil, and water. By autumn, the seedlings will have taken root. Full-grown plants are transplanted to a new location.

By dividing the bush

Mature bushes 2-4 years old can be propagated by division. This should be done in the spring, before flowering, or in the fall, after harvest. The bush should be dug up and divided with a knife. It's important that the seedlings have strong rosettes with three leaves and strong roots. After this, the plants are replanted.

Seeds

To implement this method, it is recommended to grow seedlings. This is done in containers filled with soil or in peat pads. To achieve good results, it is essential to obtain high-quality seeds. It is best to purchase planting material from a nursery.

However, it can also be harvested from large, ripe fruits. To do this, dry the peelings and seeds in the sun for four days. Then, store the seeds. Stratification is recommended before planting.

The best time to plant Carmen strawberries is from late February to early April. Since daylight hours are short during this period, the plants require artificial lighting. When the seedlings develop three leaves, it is recommended to transplant them into individual pots.

Harvesting and storing Carmen strawberries

Berries have a dense structure, so they can retain their shape for several days. They are easy to transport. However, it's important to choose reliable containers for storing and transporting berries.

The Carmen strawberry is very popular among gardeners. This is due to its high yield and excellent taste. To achieve excellent results, it requires proper care.