About Strawberries
So you have questions on how to grow strawberries, well you came to the right place. Growing strawberries can seem a bit intimidating at first, but I promise you it is actually quite easy. But first, let’s talk a little about this delicious gem. This exquisite super food is not only packed with vitamins and minerals, but it is also delectable, has very low sugar, and is a very low glycemic index food. Not only is this fruit a great source of vitamin C, K, folate, potassium, magnesium, and manganese, but it is also high fiber, low calorie, and packed with antioxidants and polyphenols. These little gems aid in eye health, skin care, heart and brain function, and may aid in managing diabetes.
Now, let’s learn how to grow strawberries.
A side note: According the the USDA, strawberries have the highest level of pesticides of any other fruit and vegetable.
Varieties of Strawberries
There are 600 varieties of Strawberries in the world. They are all related to five or six original wild species from the rose family. Here are 12 popular varieties.
Alpine strawberries, also known as wild strawberries or woodland strawberries, are a type of strawberry that is native to the mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Unlike the common garden strawberry, which is a hybrid of two different species, alpine strawberries are a distinct species called Fragaria vesca.
Alpine strawberries are much smaller than garden strawberries, typically growing to only about 1 inch in diameter. They are also known for their delicate, sweet flavor, which is often described as being more intense than that of garden strawberries.
One of the benefits of growing alpine strawberries is that they are very hardy and can thrive in a variety of conditions, including in containers or hanging baskets. They are also relatively easy to grow from seed, making them a popular choice for home gardeners.
In addition to their flavor, alpine strawberries are also valued for their high nutritional content. They are a good source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds.
Overall, alpine strawberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or used in a variety of culinary applications, such as in jams, desserts, and baked goods.
Allstar strawberries are a popular variety of June-bearing strawberries that are known for their large size, firm texture, and sweet flavor. They are typically grown in North America and are one of the most widely planted varieties of strawberries in the United States.
Allstar strawberries are a hybrid variety that was developed in the 1970s through a breeding program at the University of Maryland. They are a cross between two other popular strawberry varieties, the Earliglow and the Annapolis, and were specifically developed to produce high yields of large, flavorful berries.
One of the key characteristics of Allstar strawberries is their ability to produce a large number of berries per plant. They typically begin to produce fruit in early to mid-June and can continue to produce berries for several weeks. The berries are bright red in color and have a uniform shape and size, making them popular with both home gardeners and commercial growers.
In addition to their flavor and productivity, Allstar strawberries are also valued for their disease resistance. They are resistant to several common strawberry diseases, including verticillium wilt and red stele, which can help to reduce the need for chemical treatments and make them easier to grow.
Overall, Allstar strawberries are a popular choice for anyone looking to grow or enjoy delicious, high-quality strawberries.
Chandler strawberries are a popular variety of June-bearing strawberries that are known for their large size, sweet flavor, and high productivity. They are typically grown in North America and are a popular choice among home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
Chandler strawberries were developed in the 1980s by a breeding program at the University of California, Davis. They are a cross between two other popular strawberry varieties, the Selva and the Douglas, and were specifically developed to produce large, flavorful berries that are resistant to several common strawberry diseases.
One of the key characteristics of Chandler strawberries is their large size. They are capable of producing berries that can be up to 2 inches in diameter, making them one of the largest varieties of strawberries available. The berries are bright red in color and have a sweet, juicy flavor that is highly prized by strawberry enthusiasts.
In addition to their large size and sweet flavor, Chandler strawberries are also highly productive. They are capable of producing a large number of berries per plant, which typically ripen in late May to early June, depending on the location and growing conditions.
Overall, Chandler strawberries are a delicious and productive variety of strawberries that are well-suited for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Their large size and sweet flavor make them a popular choice for a variety of culinary applications, including desserts, jams, and baked goods.
Earliglow strawberries are a popular variety of June-bearing strawberries that are known for their early season ripening, high productivity, and exceptional flavor. They are typically grown in North America and are a popular choice among home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
Earliglow strawberries were developed in the 1940s by a breeding program at the East Coast Experimental Station in New Jersey. They are a cross between two other popular strawberry varieties, the Senga Sengana and the Blakemore, and were specifically developed to produce early-season fruit with exceptional flavor.
One of the key characteristics of Earliglow strawberries is their early season ripening. They typically begin to produce fruit in early to mid-June, which is several weeks earlier than most other June-bearing varieties. This makes them a popular choice for growers who want to get an early start on the strawberry season.
In addition to their early season ripening, Earliglow strawberries are also highly productive. They are capable of producing a large number of berries per plant, which are typically medium-sized and bright red in color. The berries have a sweet, juicy flavor that is highly prized by strawberry lovers.
Overall, Earliglow strawberries are a delicious and productive variety of strawberries that are well-suited for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Their early season ripening and exceptional flavor make them a popular choice among strawberry enthusiasts, and they are often used in a variety of culinary applications, including desserts, jams, and baked goods.
Fort Laramie strawberries are a variety of June-bearing strawberries that are known for their high productivity, disease resistance, and sweet, juicy flavor. They are typically grown in North America and are a popular choice among home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
Fort Laramie strawberries were developed in the 1970s by a breeding program at the United States Department of Agriculture. They are a cross between two other popular strawberry varieties, the Benton and the Northstar, and were specifically developed to produce large, flavorful berries that are resistant to several common strawberry diseases.
One of the key characteristics of Fort Laramie strawberries is their high productivity. They are capable of producing a large number of berries per plant, which typically ripen in late June to early July, depending on the location and growing conditions. This makes them a popular choice for growers who want a large yield of flavorful strawberries in a relatively short period of time.
In addition to their high productivity, Fort Laramie strawberries are also valued for their disease resistance. They are resistant to several common strawberry diseases, including verticillium wilt and red stele, which can help to reduce the need for chemical treatments and make them easier to grow.
Overall, Fort Laramie strawberries are a productive and disease-resistant variety of strawberries that are well-suited for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Their sweet, juicy flavor and large size make them a popular choice for a variety of culinary applications, including desserts, jams, and baked goods.
Honeoye strawberries are a popular variety of June-bearing strawberries that are known for their high productivity, disease resistance, and sweet, juicy flavor. They are typically grown in North America and are a popular choice among home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
Honeoye strawberries were developed in the 1960s by a breeding program at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. They are a cross between two other popular strawberry varieties, the Holiday and the Redchief, and were specifically developed to produce large, flavorful berries that are resistant to several common strawberry diseases.
One of the key characteristics of Honeoye strawberries is their high productivity. They are capable of producing a large number of berries per plant, which typically ripen in mid-June to early July, depending on the location and growing conditions. This makes them a popular choice for growers who want a large yield of flavorful strawberries in a relatively short period of time.
In addition to their high productivity, Honeoye strawberries are also valued for their disease resistance. They are resistant to several common strawberry diseases, including verticillium wilt and red stele, which can help to reduce the need for chemical treatments and make them easier to grow.
Overall, Honeoye strawberries are a productive and disease-resistant variety of strawberries that are well-suited for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Their sweet, juicy flavor and large size make them a popular choice for a variety of culinary applications, including desserts, jams, and baked goods.
Jewel strawberries are a popular variety of June-bearing strawberries that are known for their large size, deep red color, and juicy, sweet flavor. They are typically grown in North America and are a popular choice among home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
Jewel strawberries were developed in the 1980s by a breeding program at the University of Maryland. They are a cross between two other popular strawberry varieties, the Holiday and the Tioga, and were specifically developed to produce large, flavorful berries that are resistant to several common strawberry diseases.
One of the key characteristics of Jewel strawberries is their large size. They are capable of producing berries that can be up to 2 inches in diameter, making them one of the largest varieties of strawberries available. The berries are a deep, shiny red color and have a juicy, sweet flavor that is highly prized by strawberry enthusiasts.
In addition to their large size and sweet flavor, Jewel strawberries are also highly productive. They are capable of producing a large number of berries per plant, which typically ripen in late May to early June, depending on the location and growing conditions.
Overall, Jewel strawberries are a delicious and productive variety of strawberries that are well-suited for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Their large size, deep red color, and sweet flavor make them a popular choice for a variety of culinary applications, including desserts, jams, and baked goods.
Ozark Beauty strawberries are a popular variety of everbearing strawberries that are known for their high productivity, disease resistance, and firm texture. They are typically grown in North America and are a popular choice among home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
Ozark Beauty strawberries were developed in the 1940s by a breeding program at the University of Arkansas. They are a cross between two other popular strawberry varieties, the Howard 17 and the Blakemore, and were specifically developed to produce high yields of firm, flavorful berries that are resistant to several common strawberry diseases.
One of the key characteristics of Ozark Beauty strawberries is their everbearing nature. They are capable of producing fruit continuously throughout the growing season, from late spring through early fall. This makes them a popular choice for growers who want a steady supply of fresh strawberries over a long period of time.
In addition to their high productivity, Ozark Beauty strawberries are also valued for their disease resistance. They are resistant to several common strawberry diseases, including verticillium wilt and red stele, which can help to reduce the need for chemical treatments and make them easier to grow.
Overall, Ozark Beauty strawberries are a productive and disease-resistant variety of strawberries that are well-suited for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Their everbearing nature and firm texture make them a popular choice for a variety of culinary applications, including desserts, jams, and baked goods.
Seascape strawberries are a popular variety of day-neutral strawberries that are known for their high productivity, disease resistance, and sweet, juicy flavor. They are typically grown in North America and are a popular choice among home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
Seascape strawberries were developed in the 1990s by a breeding program at the University of California, Davis. They are a cross between two other popular strawberry varieties, the Selva and the Douglas, and were specifically developed to produce high yields of flavorful berries that are resistant to several common strawberry diseases.
One of the key characteristics of Seascape strawberries is their day-neutral nature. Unlike traditional June-bearing strawberries, which produce a single crop in late spring or early summer, day-neutral strawberries like Seascape are capable of producing fruit continuously throughout the growing season, from spring through fall. This makes them a popular choice for growers who want a steady supply of fresh strawberries over a long period of time.
In addition to their high productivity, Seascape strawberries are also valued for their disease resistance. They are resistant to several common strawberry diseases, including verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, and powdery mildew, which can help to reduce the need for chemical treatments and make them easier to grow.
Overall, Seascape strawberries are a productive and disease-resistant variety of strawberries that are well-suited for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Their day-neutral nature and sweet, juicy flavor make them a popular choice for a variety of culinary applications, including desserts, salads, and smoothies.
Sparkle strawberries are a popular variety of June-bearing strawberries that are known for their high productivity, disease resistance, and sweet, juicy flavor. They are typically grown in North America and are a popular choice among home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
Sparkle strawberries were developed in the 1940s by a breeding program at the University of Minnesota. They are a cross between two other popular strawberry varieties, the Senga Sengana and the Midway, and were specifically developed to produce large, flavorful berries that are resistant to several common strawberry diseases.
One of the key characteristics of Sparkle strawberries is their high productivity. They are capable of producing a large number of berries per plant, which typically ripen in mid-June to early July, depending on the location and growing conditions. This makes them a popular choice for growers who want a large yield of flavorful strawberries in a relatively short period of time.
In addition to their high productivity, Sparkle strawberries are also valued for their disease resistance. They are resistant to several common strawberry diseases, including verticillium wilt, which can help to reduce the need for chemical treatments and make them easier to grow.
Overall, Sparkle strawberries are a productive and disease-resistant variety of strawberries that are well-suited for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Their sweet, juicy flavor and large size make them a popular choice for a variety of culinary applications, including desserts, jams, and baked goods.
Surecrop strawberries are a popular variety of June-bearing strawberries that are known for their high productivity, disease resistance, and sweet, juicy flavor. They are typically grown in North America and are a popular choice among home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
Surecrop strawberries were developed in the 1950s by a breeding program at the United States Department of Agriculture. They are a cross between two other popular strawberry varieties, the Annapolis and the Midland, and were specifically developed to produce large, flavorful berries that are resistant to several common strawberry diseases.
One of the key characteristics of Surecrop strawberries is their high productivity. They are capable of producing a large number of berries per plant, which typically ripen in late June to early July, depending on the location and growing conditions. This makes them a popular choice for growers who want a large yield of flavorful strawberries in a relatively short period of time.
In addition to their high productivity, Surecrop strawberries are also valued for their disease resistance. They are resistant to several common strawberry diseases, including verticillium wilt, which can help to reduce the need for chemical treatments and make them easier to grow.
Overall, Surecrop strawberries are a productive and disease-resistant variety of strawberries that are well-suited for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Their sweet, juicy flavor and large size make them a popular choice for a variety of culinary applications, including desserts, jams, and baked goods.
Tristar strawberries are a popular variety of day-neutral strawberries that are known for their sweet, juicy flavor and high productivity. They are typically grown in North America and are a popular choice among home gardeners and commercial growers alike.
Tristar strawberries were developed in the 1970s by a breeding program at the United States Department of Agriculture. They are a cross between two other popular strawberry varieties, the Redgauntlet and the Tresca, and were specifically developed to produce a high yield of flavorful berries throughout the growing season.
One of the key characteristics of Tristar strawberries is their day-neutral nature. Unlike traditional June-bearing strawberries, which produce a single crop in late spring or early summer, day-neutral strawberries like Tristar are capable of producing fruit continuously throughout the growing season, from spring through fall. This makes them a popular choice for growers who want a steady supply of fresh strawberries over a long period of time.
In addition to their high productivity, Tristar strawberries are also valued for their sweet, juicy flavor. They have a bright red color and a soft texture, and their flavor is described as being both sweet and tangy. They are often used in a variety of culinary applications, including desserts, jams, and smoothies.
Overall, Tristar strawberries are a productive and flavorful variety of strawberries that are well-suited for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Their day-neutral nature and sweet, juicy flavor make them a popular choice for a variety of culinary applications.
All these varieties of strawberries are hardy plants that produce good harvests. You can usually find any one or more of these varieties at your local garden nursery to get you started.
How To Grow Strawberries
Knowing how to grow strawberries is quite simple, but becoming an expert might take a couple season. As you progress in your strawberry growing skills, so will your harvest and taste. There are a lot of different varieties of strawberries, and some varieties will taste sweeter and more heavenly than other varieties. The Alpine variety is in my opinion the absolutely sweetest strawberry variety there is.
Start your growing of strawberries by removing any perennial weeds in the bed or container you want to grow in. Adding manure or starting with a good compost soil will greatly improve the taste and harvest of your plants, especially for strawberries.
Place the strawberry plants every 13 inches in rows that are 30 inches apart. Plant with the crown or seedling at soil level and water well. If you have a net, place it over the plants to prevent birds and squirrels from eating the fruit. Pick all ripe strawberries, this will prevent rot on the plant. Make sure to check the plants at least every other day during the ripening period.
How To Propagate Strawberries
It is quite simple to make more strawberry plants, as long as the first plant has runners. Runners are shoots off the main plant that look like baby strawberry plants on vines growing off the main crown. The plant will send out these runners over the surface of the soil during the growing season. Depending on where you are growing the plant, the runners can be pegged down, usually in June or July, while still attached to the mother plant. Or you can let them run on their own crating new plants wherever they grow in the garden bed. Eventually, either left alone or pegged down for designed growing, they will form a separate plant and grow into the soil.
Do not allow more than five runners to develop from each mother plant, as this will take a lot of energy from the plant, and take away your harvest yield. In August, when the runner plants are well established, cut them from the mother. When cut, transplant immediately. You may notice some strawberry babies have already rooted in a spot, that is okay and they should be cut from the mother plant right away. Either way, this is in my opinion the best way to propagate strawberry plants to have more plants for years to come.
How to grow in a Hanging Strawberry Planter
Growing strawberries in containers and hanging planters ensures the plants are kept out of the way of slugs and some other pests. Plant five to six plants in a planter in the early spring, and water your strawberry plants every day during the growing season. They will dry out fast, so make sure you have either a drip system in place, or are willing to hand water everyday. If you live in a humid climate that rains a lot, you probably will not need a drip system.
From flowering to harvest, is is recommended to feed the plants with a good quality fertilizer every 10 days with a product high in potassium. It could use the extra nutrients during the months it produces fruit because it takes a lot of energy to make the edible fruit. The same strawberry plants will continue to produce fruit the following year, if kept warm during the winter months and the roots remain strong. If you live in a place where the winter is shorter, you can cover your crops with straw. They will survive some frost, but they will not make it through hard freezes. The straw will keep them warm and you will have them when winter passes and you remove the straw.
Strawberry Pests and Diseases
Pests
There are many pests and rodents that loves to eat your plants or fruit when they arrive. Some pests you could encounter are:
- Birds
- Cutworms
- Earwigs
- Crickets
- Cyclamen
- Red Fire Ants
- Whiteflies
- Rabbits
- Mice
- Sap Beetles
- Roly Polys
- Fruit Flies
- Slugs and Snails
- Thrips
It is hard to avoid some pest and rodents in your garden, so you might have to use sprays and other deterrents to keep them off. Try not to use chemical sprays and insecticides with poison. The fruit of the plant absorbs a lot of the toxic chemicals and you do not want to bring that to your families dinner table. Lucky there are alternative insect and pest repellants that are safe to consume.
Disease
There are many disease that will affect the plants survival, harvest and longevity of your crops. They can be in the form of bacteria, fungus, viruses, or molds. Some common disease to watch out for are:
- Angular Leaf Spot
- Anthracnose
- Leather Rot
- Bortrytis Fruit Rot
- Charcoal Rot aka Macrophomina
- Fusarium Wilt
- Leaf Blotch
- Verticillium Wilt
- Powdery Mildew (PM)
- Phytophthera Rot
- Rhizopus Fruit Rot
- Mucor Fruit Rot
There are many different types of diseases that can affect your plants, some leaving you to pull up the plant or the entire crop. They can be avoided if treated early and aggressively. It is good practice to check your plants at least every other day for the development of new diseases or pests. This is especially important when the plant begins to fruit and when the fruit matures.
Aftercare for Strawberries
After the harvest season ends, it is time to decide if you want to keep your estabolished strawberry plants or rip them up. This decision will depend on the region you live in, and if the plant can survive the winter or not. If you decide to keep your plants through the winter time, trim and cut off old leaves with hand shears and remove them. You want to leave the crown and new leaves untouched. Do not be timid about cutting down your plants. This process allows sunlight into the center of the plant, ensuring a better crop next year. It is very important to continue to feed and water well. Leave nets off to allow birds to pick off any pests. If you decide to rip up your crop, remove the matting that has been protecting fruit from the ground. You can clean and store the matting for next year if it still looks good. Then just rip them up, along with weeds and other material that might be there.