Strawberry Darselect

In this article we will take a closer look at the Darselect strawberry variety, you will learn the history, when and where it first appeared, what characteristics it has, as well as how to grow it correctly and reviews experienced gardeners.

What do you like to pick or eat more strawberries? The answer is obvious - of course to eat. But someone has to collect it. And if we say that there is such a variety of strawberries, when from one bush you can collect, attention, - 1 kilogram of berries, and the weight of each can reach up to 50 grams, will you believe? Yes, such a variety really exists. Just imagine how much crop can be harvested from one garden bed. It's nice to harvest such a crop and, of course, to eat. Therefore, we present to your attention not just a variety, but a gift variety of Darselect strawberries.

After reading the article, you will understand that in order to be content with such an indicator of productivity, you need to work hard, because strawberries are quite whimsical and madly in love with care and proper care. In response to this, you will be generously rewarded with a fruitful, delicious, juicy harvest, but be prepared for the envious glances of neighbors in the garden and the questions "what kind?" "Where can I buy it?"

The history of the origin of the garden strawberry Darselect

The garden strawberry variety Darselect takes its origins in 1998, it was then that French breeders crossed two very famous varieties "Parker" and "Elsanta", which, by the way, are also European varieties. The new variety was named "Darselect", and it not only adopted the positive characteristics of the "parents", but also acquired its own unique qualities, such as a delicious rich aroma and large berry size.

Today, "Darselect" is a very popular variety in Europe, and in France it is considered practically the most famous commercial variety.

Strawberry Darselect: variety description

Darselect is a strawberry variety related to a short daylight hours, it is distinguished by an early harvest, most often the harvest of Darselect strawberries is started in the second and third decades of June. Fruiting itself occurs only 1 time per season. The buds develop well only when the daylight hours are not more than 12 hours, often it is the end of summer - the first half of autumn, then it becomes cooler and humidity increases.

The bushes of "Darselect" are large, tall, the foliage has a dark green tint, the root system is quite well developed. It is worth noting that, having tall bushes and a developed root system, this variety reacts negatively to a lack of water. Therefore, in order to harvest a fruitful crop with excellent taste and quality characteristics, Darselect strawberries must be constantly and thoroughly watered, only then the plant is not afraid of even 40-degree heat. At high air temperatures, the plant does not fade.

I would like to note that the formation of the mustache is moderate - and this is very good. This allows the strawberries to multiply, but at the same time, there will be no dense plantings - which do not have a very good effect on the development of the berries.

Since "Darselect", as mentioned earlier, the berries of this variety ripen quickly, the duration between the flowering phase and the full ripening phase is rather short - about one month. Hence, the flowering phase of this variety falls in the second half of May, just at the time when spring frosts are observed in most regions, which are dangerous for the plant.Since frosts have a very bad effect on flowers, and as a result on the strawberry harvest, flowering bushes require protection in the form of a covering material using arcs.

Harvesting, in the form of ripe berries, is possible for one and a half to two weeks, starting from the second decade of June. "Darselect" has outstripped its "parent" - "Elsantu" in the rate of fruiting.

This variety justifiably holds the leading position in terms of the speed of harvesting, due to the large size of the fruit and the soft "tail".

The yield indicator is at a height - observing a mediocre level of care from one plant, it is really possible to remove about 750 grams of berries. At that time, if you follow all the recommendations and growing rules, then you can collect more than 1 kilogram of berries.

Disease resistance in "Darselect" corresponds to the level of other popular varieties in Europe. He is practically not afraid of such a fungal disease as Verticillosis, but he is quite sensitive to powdery mildew and brown spot.

Since "Darselect" was bred in France, then favorable climatic conditions for its cultivation are also at home. It is worth noting that the minimum temperature that this variety can withstand is -16 degrees, respectively, if you have no snow in the region, it is recommended to cover the bushes with hay, foliage or any other covering material for the winter so that your plants do not freeze and die.

Characteristics of the strawberry variety Darselect

Whatever the variety, the most important thing that we value in strawberries is its harvest, or rather berries. As mentioned earlier, the Darselect variety belongs to the market varieties, that is, varieties that are grown for sale on a large scale. This is largely due to the fact that the berries have a great taste, aroma, not to mention size.

• This variety is large-fruited, the weight of each unit is on average 30 grams, and berries weighing up to 50 grams are no exception. This fact, as well as the general level of fruiting, directly depends on the amount and regularity of feeding.
• Berries of the "Darselect" variety have the ability to change the shape of the berries during the ripening period, starting from oval and ending in the form of the "heart" we are used to. It is possible that at the end of the ripening of the berries, their shape will be rather atypical (for example, have a crest) - this may be a consequence of a temperature drop and increased humidity in the flowering phase, because of this, poor-quality pollination occurs and, as a result, the shape of the berries may be distorted.
• Darselekt's fruits are red-orange in color; at the moment of complete ripening, the peel has a pleasant sheen.
• The pulp is quite firm, not watery, light scarlet in color. Unlike many commercial varieties (for example, “Albion”) Does not“ crunch ”when used.
• The crop is excellently resistant to transportation, even over long distances. Also, the berries are perfectly stored, over time they do not darken and do not "sour".
• The taste characteristics of the Darselect berries, according to the tasters, claim to be rated 5 out of 5 maximum points. The taste has its own sophistication and zest. Due to the decent amount of sugar, the berries are very sweet, and in addition to this they have notes of sourness. The aroma of this variety resembles the smell of wild strawberries.

Growing features

Photo of the strawberry variety Darselect

Since the vegetation of the berries is tall and large, the seedlings must be planted at a distance of 40 cm from each other, and the distance between the rows is maintained at least 90 cm.Thus, it turns out that there should be a maximum of four bushes per square meter.

As mentioned earlier, one of the features of Darselect is the need for moisture, otherwise the plant may simply die. Lack of moisture when growing strawberries can lead to the formation of voids in the berries.In those regions where the climate is dry and hot, and especially if the berries are grown on an industrial scale, it is necessary to provide drip irrigation.

In dry weather, and in conditions of regular watering, the period of full ripening may increase by at least a week.

In sunny, hot regions, you can plant bushes in partial shade or provide artificial shading (for example, using a special net).

Remember that if in the first year after planting your harvest is much less than the manufacturer promises (800 grams from one bush) - do not despair, strawberries need to develop a root system, and in a year it is almost impossible.

Many breeders and gardeners generally recommend removing flowers from the plant in the first year, which will allow all nutrients to go into the roots, as a result, develop a powerful root system, and, accordingly, expect a fruitful harvest in the second year.

It is not necessary to resort to such radical methods, besides, as the rules, you want berries "here and now", so it is strongly recommended not to be lazy, water the plants thoroughly and feed them regularly.

When growing strawberries of this variety, avoid calcareous soils, since chlorosis can form on the foliage - this is a disease in which the activity of photosynthesis decreases, the plates on the leaves turn yellow. Top dressing helps well with this ailment; after a couple of spraying procedures, the leaves are restored.

When growing strawberries, do not forget the rules of crop rotation, berries should not be grown in the same place for more than 5 years, after the third year of cultivation, many gardeners notice a decline in yield.

Strawberry variety Darselect: gardeners reviews

If the Darselect variety is commercial, this does not mean that gardeners will not be able to grow it in their gardens, on the contrary, judging by the reviews, the experience is quite successful.

Andrey, 36 years old, Volzhsky

I learned about the Darselect variety from my friend, and I also took planting material from him. For the first time I tasted such a delicious berry. Of course, regular care is required, for example, in the first year I watered the bushes every day, in the second year I “figured out” the drip system. The barrel, to which the tape is connected, I fill with water very often - this variety is still "water-bread". In winter, I cover the bushes with straw, that's enough. When the time comes to pick berries, all family members start this pleasant work together and very quickly. Children are wildly delighted with the taste and size of strawberries and always play a game - who gets the largest berry. At this moment, you realize that all the hassle of care is worth it.

Tatyana, 57 years old, Izhevsk

I have a lot of experience in growing strawberries, now there are a lot of varieties, and unfortunately, not all of them can show a good harvest. Quite recently I decided to try the Darselect variety, ordered a couple of bushes and was pleasantly surprised. Not only are the berries juicy, tasty, large, beautiful, but what their aroma is - you simply cannot imagine. We have a cold winter - I definitely cover the bushes with a special covering, since now there are a lot of them in stores.

If you love strawberries, you simply must try this Darselect variety. As practice shows, it is suitable not only for commercial cultivation, but also for the purpose of home cultivation in vegetable gardens by amateur gardeners. It may take a little more care than many other varieties, but when the time comes to harvest, you will definitely be delighted not only by the quantity and size of the crop, but also by the multifaceted taste and wonderful aroma.

Strawberry Darselect: video