Strawberries are a quintessential British summer fruit, beloved for their sweet, juicy flavor and versatility in a range of dishes from tarts to jams. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting to dip your toes into fruit cultivation, choosing the right strawberry variety is essential for a successful harvest. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of strawberry varieties, from everbearing to Junebearing, and help you understand their unique characteristics, flavors, and the best practices for growing each type.

Expert from the Chris Bowers nursery: Selecting the right strawberry plants is a pivotal step in successful strawberry cultivation. First, consider your garden’s location. Strawberries thrive in full sun, so choose a sunny spot with at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Ensure the soil is well-drained, as strawberries are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.

Secondly, when buying strawberry plants, you’ll encounter different types: everbearing, Junebearing, and day-neutral. Everbearing strawberries produce two or more harvests throughout the growing season, Junebearing strawberries provide a single large crop in early summer, and day-neutral varieties produce berries continuously. Your choice should align with your desired harvest schedule.

Additionally, pay attention to the condition of the plants you’re purchasing. Ensure they are disease-free and of good quality. Look for reputable sellers who can provide healthy, well-cared-for strawberry plants for sale that are suited to your local climate.

Now, let’s explore the fascinating world of strawberry varieties.

Everbearing Strawberries

The name “everbearing” describes the fact that these strawberries bear fruit continuously throughout the growing season. They typically offer two main harvests: one in early summer and another in late summer or early autumn. These strawberries are known for their sweetness and consistent production. Here are some popular everbearing strawberry varieties:

1. Seascape:

– Flavor: Sweet and juicy.

– Harvest Time: Spring to late summer.

– Characteristics: Resistant to certain diseases and produces large, firm berries.

2. Albion:

– Flavor: Sweet and aromatic.

– Harvest Time: Spring to late summer.

– Characteristics: Exceptionally high-yielding with large, glossy berries.

3. Quinault:

– Flavor: Mild and sweet.

– Harvest Time: Spring to early autumn.

– Characteristics: Compact plants, suitable for small gardens or containers.

Everbearing strawberries are a fantastic choice for those who want a steady supply of fresh strawberries throughout the summer months. They also tend to be more disease-resistant, making them a reliable option for home gardeners.

Junebearing Strawberries

Junebearing strawberries are perhaps the most traditional and well-known type of strawberry. They produce a single, large crop of berries in early summer, usually around June, hence the name. While the harvest window is relatively short, Junebearing strawberries are cherished for their exceptional flavor and texture. Here are a few notable Junebearing varieties:

1. Honeoye:

– Flavor: Sweet-tart and aromatic.

– Harvest Time: Early to mid-June.

– Characteristics: Produces high yields of medium-sized berries.

2. Jewel:

– Flavor: Sweet and rich.

– Harvest Time: Early to mid-June.

– Characteristics: Resistant to certain diseases, with large, glossy fruit.

3. Elsanta:

– Flavor: Sweet and slightly tangy.

– Harvest Time: Mid to late June.

– Characteristics: A well-known European variety with good storage qualities.

Junebearing strawberries are perfect for those who want to experience the joy of a concentrated strawberry harvest during the early summer months. They are often used for fresh eating, baking, and preserving.

 Day-Neutral Strawberries

Day-neutral strawberries, also known as everbearing strawberries, produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season. Unlike everbearing varieties, they don’t typically have distinct harvest peaks. Because of this, they are an excellent option for growers who want a reliable strawberry harvest all year long. Here are a few popular day-neutral strawberry varieties:

1. Tristar:

– Flavor: Sweet-tart and aromatic.

– Harvest Time: Spring through autumn.

– Characteristics: Compact plants with high disease resistance.

2. Tribute:

– Flavor: Sweet and juicy.

– Harvest Time: Spring through autumn.

– Characteristics: Known for its vigorous growth and prolific fruiting.

3. Alpine Strawberries:

– Flavor: Sweet and delicate.

– Harvest Time: Throughout the growing season.

– Characteristics: Small, intensely flavored berries ideal for edging or containers.

Day-neutral strawberries offer the advantage of a continuous harvest, making them suitable for those who love fresh strawberries from early spring to late autumn. They are also a great choice for gardeners with limited space.

 Growing Tips for Strawberry Varieties

Regardless of the strawberry variety you choose, some general tips apply to all strawberry plants:

1. Soil Preparation:

– Choose well-drained soil with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2.

– Incorporate organic matter, such as compost, into the soil to enhance fertility and drainage.

2. Spacing:

– Plant strawberries in rows with 18 to 24 inches between plants and 3 feet between rows.

– Make sure the soil surface is at the same level as the plant’s crown (the area where the leaves begin to meet the roots).

3. Mulching:

– Apply a layer of straw or mulch around the plants to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and protect the fruit from soil contact.

4. Fertilization:

– Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in early spring when the plants begin to grow.

– Avoid overfertilization, which can stunt fruit development in favor of leafy growth.

5. Watering:

– Even more so during dry spells, be sure to keep the soil consistently moist.

– Avoid getting water on the leaves, which can lead to mold problems, by watering the plants from below.

 Conclusion

Whether you prefer the classic flavor of Junebearing strawberries, the continuous harvest of day-neutral varieties, or the steady supply of everbearing strawberries, there’s a strawberry variety for every gardener’s taste and needs. With proper care, you can enjoy the sweet rewards of homegrown strawberries throughout the growing season. So, choose your strawberry plants wisely, plant them with care, and savor the delicious taste of British-grown strawberries in your garden. Happy strawberry growing!