Description of the Sensation strawberry variety and growing instructions

The Sensation strawberry variety is a new, little-studied hybrid of Dutch selection. It only appeared on the European market in 2016, but is already considered a promising mid-season variety. Below is information on the history of its selection, varietal characteristics, pros and cons, planting techniques, care, and propagation methods.

The history of strawberry breeding is a sensation.

The variety was developed by Dutch breeders. They initially named the strawberry Sunsation, combining two words: "sun" and "sensation." But it turned out that this name already existed, so the breeders had to change it to Sonsation. In Russian, it sounds like "Sonseysh" (Sons), but the popular name for it is "Sensation."

Growing areas

This Dutch-bred strawberry is relatively new and has not yet become widespread in Europe or Russia. This variety is recommended for both open-air and indoor cultivation. Sensation is said to be tolerant of adverse weather conditions, making it suitable for cultivation in many regions.

Important! In northern regions, strawberry bushes require winter protection.

Pros and cons of culture

The positive qualities include the following characteristics:

• mid-early ripening period;
• high taste qualities of berries;
• easy to care for;
• good immunity;
• ease of picking berries.

Since the variety is new on the market and has not yet been studied much, no negative qualities have been identified yet.

Varietal characteristics

The Sensation strawberry is a mid-early fruiting variety. The first fruits are large, followed by slightly smaller ones. This variety is easy to care for, drought- and frost-resistant.

Bush size and appearance of the leaf blade

The strawberry bushes are tall, vigorous, and slightly spreading. They develop foliage quickly. The leaves are light green, slightly wrinkled, and serrated at the edges. The runners grow moderately.

Flowering and pollination

The Sensation strawberry blooms in May. Numerous flower stalks form and are located at leaf level. The flowers are bisexual and contain a large amount of pollen. Pollination is accomplished by bees.

Ripening time and yield

Gardeners can harvest the first fruits in early June. Fruiting is prolonged, lasting 20-25 days. The berries of the Sensation variety weigh between 25-30 grams, with some reaching 50 grams.

With good care, a gardener can harvest up to 1 kilogram of berries from a bush.

Fruit taste and transportation

The strawberry flesh is soft, juicy, and sweet. Tasters gave the strawberries a rating of 5.4-5.9 out of 9. Consumers note the multifaceted flavor and aroma of strawberries.

The fruits do not transport well, so it is better to plant strawberries for personal consumption or sell them close to the place of cultivation.

Winter hardiness and drought resistance

The variety's description states that it is winter-hardy and drought-resistant. However, if a cold, low-snow winter is forecast, covering the bushes is recommended.

Despite drought resistance, during prolonged dry and hot weather the plants require watering, since the berries will not be juicy without moisture.

Susceptibility to diseases and pests

Tests have shown that the Sensation variety is resistant to many diseases. However, as a preventative measure, the bushes should be sprayed with antifungal agents. In unfavorable weather conditions, strawberries can be attacked by thrips, which require insecticides.

Features of planting operations

Sensation strawberry bushes are purchased from a nursery or garden center. Both growers and sellers must be reputable, otherwise the results may be disappointing.

Site selection and preparation

Strawberries prefer to grow in a sunny location with a low water table. The area is cleared of weeds and dug to a depth of 30 centimeters.

If the soil is infertile, rotted manure or compost is added. Heavy, clayey soil is lightened with peat and sand.

How to choose seedlings

When choosing seedlings, pay attention to the appearance of the roots and foliage. Healthy plants have firm roots and no signs of disease. The center of the rosette should contain a green, firm leaf beginning to open. Before planting, place the strawberry plants in a container of water to nourish the root system.

Timing and technology of planting seedlings

Since Sensation strawberry plants are tall, they should be spaced at least 40 centimeters apart. Planting is as follows:

• dig holes 15-20 centimeters deep and in diameter;
• water them generously;
• plant strawberry bushes, spreading the root system to the sides;
• fill the holes with soil, compact it, and water again.

The ground around the bushes is sprinkled with mulching material.

What kind of care does the Sensation strawberry require?

Garden strawberries require careful care throughout the season to ensure a bountiful and high-quality harvest. Necessary agricultural practices include watering, loosening the soil, fertilizing, mulching, and pest and disease control.

Irrigation

Garden strawberries should be watered 2-3 times a week. Without irrigation, during prolonged dry and hot weather, the berries will become smaller, losing their juiciness and flavor. If rain falls, watering should be adjusted, otherwise the moisture can cause root rot.

Fertilization

Strawberries require fertilizing several times during the season. In early spring, nitrogen is applied to increase foliage. Later, garden strawberries require phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and other nutrients. Without fertilization, yields decrease and the quality of the berries deteriorates.

Weeding and loosening the soil

After watering or rainfall, the soil around the bushes is loosened. This is necessary to retain moisture and prevent a crust from forming on the surface. Weeding is carried out simultaneously with loosening, removing weeds.

Please note: Since the strawberry root system is located close to the soil surface, loosening the soil should be done no more than a few centimeters deep.

Mulching

Cover the soil around the bushes with peat, sawdust, or straw. This cover will retain moisture and prevent the growth of weeds. Furthermore, the straw or sawdust will prevent the berries from getting dirty and rotting after watering or rain.

Shelter for the winter

The Sensation strawberry can grow uncovered in southern and central regions. In other regions, the bushes are watered generously in the fall, then mulched before frost sets in. You can also build a small arch in the garden bed for the winter and cover it with plastic.

Seasonal treatments

The variety has good immunity and is rarely affected by pests and diseases. This can sometimes occur due to excessively dry weather or prolonged rainfall. To prevent this, the strawberries are sprayed with insecticides and fungicides several times during the season.

Methods of reproduction

Sensation strawberries are propagated by dividing the bush, using runners, and from seeds. Gardeners rarely use the latter method because it is time-consuming, and fruiting occurs later than with other methods.

Seeds

Fill the box with loose soil, water it, and make shallow furrows into which the seeds are sown. There's no need to cover them with soil, as germination occurs in the light. Cover the box with plastic or glass. Once the seedlings sprout, they are pricked out, hardened off, and planted in the garden.

By dividing the bush

The lifespan of a strawberry bush is 3-4 years. After that, fruiting declines, and the quality of the berries deteriorates. When the bush grows, it is dug up and divided into sections. The divisions should consist of the root system and a few leaves.

With antennae

Each strawberry plant produces vines, at the ends of which rosettes form. As they grow, they need watering, loosening the soil, and weeding. When the young plants grow to maturity, they are dug up and planted in their permanent location.

Gardeners' reviews of the variety

Farmers describe the Sensation strawberry as a frost-hardy and easy-to-grow variety. The berries are delicious, sweet and sour, with a pleasant aroma and firm flesh. Over the course of the season, numerous runners develop, which can be used to propagate the variety in the garden.

Ksenia, Rostov region:

"I planted several Sensation bushes last year. They survived the winter well, even without cover. I got a good harvest, and made jam from the delicious, sweet-and-tart berries. I'm planning to propagate the strawberries using runners, which have grown in abundance around the plant."