Strawberries are one of the most delectable fruit you can grow in the Pacific Northwest. These small plants produce heavily and don't take up a lot of space. Every garden should have at least a small patch of strawberries
Types of Strawberries
There are three types of Strawberries: June-Bearing, Everbearing and Alpine.
June-Bearing
June-Bearing Strawberries produce one crop per year, typicall in June or early July. They are often the best varieties for canning and freezing as they bloom all at one time. Many consider these varieties to have the best flavour.
Everbearing Strawberries
Everbearing strawberries (also known as day-neutral strawberries) flower and fruit without any regard to the amount of daylight they receive. As a result, they begin producing fruit in June followed by an ongoing crop all the way to fall frost. These varieties are an excellent choice if you want to harvest a little bit of fruit for a long period of time. As they crop later than June-bearing varieties, these strawberries are often juicier but not always as sweet.
Alpine Strawberries
Alpine or wild Strawberries are different from the other type groups in that their fruit is smaller and the plants do not produce runners. Instead, Alpine Strawberries form small, neat clumps up to 1ft across. They flower and fruit all season long - from June through first frost. Their flavour is unbelievable given the small size of the fruit. These plants are easier to grow and will tolerate more diverse conditions than the other types.
Exposure / Light:
Strawberries should be planted in full sun.
Moisture / Soil:
Strawberries prefer to be planted in well-drained soil that is rich in compost and organic material.Strawberries do require regular watering, especially during the dry summer months. When watering, try to do so in the morning, not the evening. Also avoid overhead watering when the plants are blooming as this may cause fruit rot. A soaker hose or drip irrigation is an excellent idea for larger strawberry patches.
Fertilizing Strawberries
Strawberries are not heavy feeders and do not require excess fertilization. An application of Arts Fruit Tree and Berry Food in early spring should be the only fertilizer required. Many growers do recommend a monthly seaweed spray for added production.
Strawberry Pollination
Strawberries do not require external pollination to produce fruit. Each plant will produce fruit on its own.
Harvesting Strawberries
Harvest strawberries in early summer when the fruit is fully coloured and ripe.
Maintenance
Protect your strawberry crop from the birds by using garden netting. When planting strawberries, ensure they are no closer than 6-8 inches apart. This allows each plant to get light, improved air circulation and will ensure that your fruits will ripen quicker. June-Bearing varieties benefit from annual pruning. After the final harvest, remove all foliage, but leave the crown alone. Remove and re-plant runners if you desire.
For More Information:
Arts Nursery carries a large variety of strawberry plants throughout the year. For more information about growing and caring for strawberries, visit Arts Nursery or call 604.882.1201.